<\/p>\n
\nKaren Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara
\nPhoto: Supplied\n<\/p>\n
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is calling for a national mental health crisis response system.<\/p>\n
It comes as the Commission’s latest publication – Urupare m\u014drearea: Crisis responses monitoring report – has found crisis response services are fragmented, inconsistent across the country and difficult to navigate.<\/p>\n
“We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it,” chief executive Karen Orsborn said.<\/p>\n
“The current system doesn’t always work well for M\u0101ori, young people or those living rurally in particular.”<\/p>\n
Around 100 people access crisis mental health services every day, Orsborn said, and there was a need for consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand could access the support they need at a time of crisis.<\/p>\n
“Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services while others have very limited options, especially after hours.”<\/p>\n
The Commission has called for a national mental health crisis response system to be in place by June 2027.<\/p>\n
It has also called for shorter-term action by June 2026, such as a 24\/7 helpline.<\/p>\n
Orsborn said around 35,000 people accessed crisis services last year, 51.7 percent of them through a helpline.<\/p>\n
Where to get help:<\/p>\n
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.<\/p>\n
Lifeline<\/a>: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 Depression Helpline<\/a>: 0800 111 757 (24\/7) or text 4202<\/p>\n Samaritans<\/a>: 0800 726 666 (24\/7)<\/p>\n Youthline<\/a>: 0800 376 633 (24\/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz|<\/p>\n What’s Up<\/a>: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7 days\/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP \/ 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm<\/p>\n Asian Family Services<\/a>: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.<\/p>\n Rural Support Trust Helpline<\/a>: 0800 787 254 Rainbow Youth<\/a>: (09) 376 4155\\<\/p>\n
\nSuicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 \/ 0508 TAUTOKO (24\/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.<\/p>\n
\nHealthline: 0800 611 116<\/p>\n