A new mental health peer support service was launched at Middlemore Hospital’s Emergency Department today, with a Government pledge for six Crisis Recovery Cafés to be rolled out around the country over the next two years.
“Having someone with lived experience available to support someone in mental distress can make a crucial difference,” said Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey.
“With the right training and clinical supervision, I am confident that the peer workforce will help with some of the pressures that exist within mental health and addiction services.”
Middlemore is the first of eight hospitals set to trial the new service, with Auckland City, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch all in the planning stages with a further three hospitals to be added over the next two years.
“I am committed to trialling new and innovative solutions to help address unmet need. Crisis Recovery Cafés are safe, welcoming places where people can go when they need support. It’s an alternative model of care that can prevent people ending up in ED,” said Minister Doocey.
Health New Zealand is working to have the first Crisis Recovery Café in place early to mid-next year and a further five will be rolled out over the next two years once locations are selected and tenders have been completed.
