The Government has announced a new $5.6 million mental wellbeing package for Aucklanders experiencing pandemic-related mental distress to get support when they need it.
“The ongoing COVID-19 disruptions has meant Auckland has had to endure weeks of uncertainty and stress, while largely being confined to their homes,” Health Minister, Andrew Little said.
The funding package provides extra resource to Auckland District Health Boards for mental health and addiction services, funding for the Mental Health Foundation’s targeted mental health promotion campaign, and enhanced peer support through telehealth services, he said.
“There will also be access to online parenting support packages through the Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P programme), including the Fear-Less programme, specifically designed to help children and young people get on top of anxiety.”
“While there has been a strong focus on the vaccine rollout, there has also been a lot of work like this underway to address the mental wellbeing of New Zealanders during the pandemic.
“School, work, study and normal life has been disrupted. Connecting with friends and family has been difficult and that can have a very real effect on wellbeing,” Mr Little said.
The $5.6m is made up of existing Vote Health funds and the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, the Minister said.
