Achieving mental health and well-being for all

9 October 2007

Media release: for immediate release

Achieving mental health and well-being for all

Mental Health Awareness week provides the platform for all New Zealanders to consider how we can as a society promote mental health and well-being for all, Mental Health Commission Chair Commissioner, Ruth Harrison said today.

Achieving mental health and well-being for all New Zealanders is everyone’s business, she says.

“Well-being is about having opportunities to thrive (not just survive), contributing to society and having a sense of belonging.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, carries the theme: who we are and where we stand, Ko Papatuanuku toku Turangawaewae. The theme affirms everyone’s cultural roots and life experiences, and explores the idea that being mentally health includes celebrating our uniqueness and connecting with each other in our communities, Ruth Harrison says.

The Commission’s publication, which paints the picture of the future for mental health services in New Zealand, Te Hononga 2015, promotes mental health and well-being for all New Zealanders through connectedness whenever people come together, whether as families/whānau and communities, or as part of services, systems and sectors.

“Service responses must match need and address the issues relevant for each person and their families/whānau. In 2015 there will be a variety of responses tailored to suit individual and family/whānau needs,” she says.

Discrimination against people with experience of mental illness and or addiction will not be tolerated.

“Te Hononga 2015 depicts a society that actively promotes well-being for all New Zealanders. It is also acknowledges that discrimination is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery. The goal is for discrimination against people with mental illness and/or addiction to be abhorrent to all society by 2015.

It is up to all of us – politicians, the government sector, non government organisations, communities and families/whānau to make this happen,” she says.

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