Press Release from: The People’s Mental Health Review
People’s Mental Health Review still gathering support
This week the People’s Mental Health Review gained a significant late boost from the largest counselling organisation in
New Zealand, the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. We expect a surge in submissions as counsellors have been
encouraged by the NZAC to add their voices to the review.
“We had planned to stop receiving submissions on November the 30th, as we do need to start analysing and reporting on
the submissions we have received, but given this ongoing interest and support we have decided to extend that deadline to
the end of the year” says People’s Review spokesperson Kyle MacDonald. “We have now collected over 500 individual
submissions, along with pledges of support and donations that will enable us to start work on analysing our data.”
The People’s Review will move into reporting mode in the New Year, and will produce a report prior to the Budget in
2017. In representing the real stories and experiences of New Zealanders both being treated and working in the Public
Mental Health System we hope to make funding the Mental Health System in 2017.
“What is already clear is there are significant gaps in acute services and ongoing treatment around the country. Our
report will detail the impact of these gaps, and allow ordinary professionals and services users a voice in the growing
debate about the future of Mental Health treatment in New Zealand.” says MacDonald.
The People’s Mental Health Review has now been officially endorsed by the Public Service Association, the New Zealand
Nurses Organization, the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa and the New Zealand Association of
Counsellors.
For more information on The People’s Review of the Mental Health System:
ENDS