Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey says early results show a new mental health co-response team in Canterbury is delivering positive outcomes for the region.
Since the end of May, 35 people have received support through the new co-response team. The team brings together mental health professionals and Police to respond to people experiencing mental distress 111 calls.
“Early feedback shows the team is making a real difference for people in the Canterbury region,” Mr Doocey said.
“This is about recognising that while Police play an important role in keeping people safe, mental health professionals have the skills and experience to provide support for people experiencing distress. Police are not mental health professionals.
“Canterbury was chosen to be in the first tranche because we know there is higher demand in the region.”
The team started working on 25 May and has been operating 10 hours per day, Tuesday to Friday, from midday to 10pm and 10am to 8pm on Fridays.
“Early feedback from the region has been positive. The Specialist Mental Health Services adult acute inpatient service recently noted the impact that input from the co response team had on an admission process. Police have indicated this support is highly valued and is resulting in some people not needing to be taken to the Emergency Department,” said Mr Doocey.
“This reinforces what we already know about why this model works. The Wellington co response evaluation found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased.
“This responds to the many heartbreaking stories from people with their own experience of having a uniformed Police officer turn up during times of mental health need, who have said clearly this has caused further distress.
“We are committed to delivering a better crisis response and the co-response teams form part of that plan.”
