Canterbury public invited to have their say on mental health and addiction

The panel for the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction is holding public forums in Christchurch and Kaikoura this week.

The forums aim to provide people with the opportunity to share their experiences of the mental health and addiction system in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Christchurch

Tuesday 3 July

5-6.30 pm

Transitional Cathedral

Kaikoura

Wednesday 4 July

1.15-3.00 pm

Supper Room Memorial Hall, 32 Esplanade, Kaikoura.

The forums are two of several being held across the country to encourage the public to come along and share their stories and ideas about:

• What's working well?

• What's not working well?

• What could be done better?

• What sort of society would be best for the mental health of all of our people?

• Anything else you want to tell us.

The panel is looking at how to prevent mental health and addiction problems, how to intervene early and respond better to people in need, and how to promote wellbeing.

The purpose of the Government inquiry is to identify unmet need and develop recommendations for a better mental health and addiction system for Aotearoa New Zealand so a clear direction can be set for the next five to ten years.

Formal submissions closed on 5 June, with more than 5000 submissions received by the deadline. However, the panel will continue to meet with individuals and groups including people with mental health and addiction challenges, their families and whānau, service providers, advocates, organisations, institutions and experts.

Inquiry Panel members are Dr Barbara Disley, Josiah Tualamali’i, Professor Ron Paterson (Chair), Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Sir Mason Durie and Dean Rangihuna.

For information about the panel-led forums, please visit:

https://www.mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz/whats-new/regional-events-2/

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