Improving services

Most organisations strive to provide the best possible service. Mental health and addiction services are no different. We need to be looking at new ideas and better ways to ensure people receive the best possible support and service.

There are a number of ways to achieve better mental health and addiction services. These include ensuring services have the knowledge and skills they need, such as those shared through talking therapies guides and Te Pou’s co-existing problems projects. Another avenue is to question whether there is a better way, as is the case with seclusion reduction and sensory modulation.

Knowing the People Planning (KPP) helps services meet the current and future needs of anyone requiring long-term assistance.

However, we cannot and should not underestimate the experiences of people who have already benefited from services. They are in the best position to advise how services can be improved. 

As New Zealand's population continues to diversify, it is critical the mental health and addiction sector is able to respond to the unique needs of specific population groups such as Maori, Pacific, Asian, refugee and migrant communities. It is also ideal that everyone working in mental health and addiction services will understand and work well with people who have suffered trauma.