HealthCare NZ's mental health services support people with mental health problems in their community. The service supports people to live independent lives in the community whilst they work towards making health choices for themselves.

In collaboration with the person, Support Workers will assist them to identify their needs. The Support Worker will also help coordinate family/whānau, and services and resources that the person wishes to access and use. Cultural values are supported by the service.

The mental health service can provide:

• respite care for clients and their family/whānau
• socialisation to help build confidence in social settings
• motivation to encourage independence
• assistance to develop confidence and self esteem
• assistance with daily activities including hygiene and household management
• support to achieve recovery goals for education and work
• a tailored service to support recovery goals.
  

Accessing the service

The mental health service is accessed through a Community Mental Health Team. They will make an assessment based on these criteria.

1. That the person's support needs meet the criteria published by the Ministry of Health.
2. That the person’s lifestyle has been disrupted over the last six months or longer as a result of their mental illness.

• They may have had two or more unplanned accommodation moves.
• They may be unable to sustain paid employment.
• Their ability to care for themselves may have deteriorated.
• Their relationship with family/whānau and/or their social network may have deteriorated.

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Mental health & addiction service business plan
Link to the 2006/07 business plan for mental health & addiction services.