Navigating stepping stones to good health

Navigating stepping stones to good health

New support roles funded by Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) are enabling people with mental health issues to access what they need to live healthy, independent lives, CCDHB staff say.

Navigators are professional support workers with a background in mental health or community support, who work for community providers funded by CCDHB.

Case manager Brighde Campbell works with young people experiencing first presentations of psychotic illness, and has seen the value of their support first-hand.

“Two of my clients needed to find a new place to live but relatively complicated social issues had prevented them from being able to do so, before I was able to refer them for navigator support,” she says.

“In both cases the navigator went with them to the necessary appointments with Housing NZ and Work & Income to make sure they got what they needed.”

Brighde says it’s just one example of where navigator support can make all the difference, as stability is a crucial aspect of good mental health.

“It’s very hard to stay well if you don’t know where you’re going to be staying tonight, so you can see the practical value to their work.”

Community mental health team leader Kym Park says navigator support has been introduced as part of a new mental health service model known as Te Ara Pai or ‘stepping stones to wellness’.

“We know from local and international evidence that a person’s mental health improves when they’re working towards something that is meaningful for them.”

“What has changed with Te Ara Pai is that we’re now proactively supporting people to do that, so they can contribute and connect with their communities.”

Other examples of navigator support include budgeting advice or assistance with using public transport, she says.

“Some of our clients have gone a year without being acutely unwell because with navigator support, they’ve been able to engage in work or volunteering. As a nurse, that is very rewarding to see, and even more so for their families.”

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