The seven Real Skills at a glance

Working with people experiencing mental health and addiction needs 

Everyone working in health engages meaningfully and works in partnership with people who experience mental health and addiction needs, and focuses on the person’s strengths to support wellbeing and recovery. 

Expected outcome 

People accessing health care have their mana protected and enhanced, experience respect, engage in shared decision making and receive support to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.

Working with Māori 

Everyone working in health contributes to oranga and whānau ora for Māori people who experience mental health and addiction needs. 

Expected outcome 

Māori people accessing health care experience respect, engage in shared decision-making and receive support to achieve hauora (tinana, hinengaro, whānau and wairua) goals.

Working with whānau 

Everyone working in health encourages and supports the wellbeing of whānau, and ensures that whānau, including children, have access to information, education and support. 

Expected outcome 

Whānau receive support to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.

Working within communities 

Everyone working in health recognises that people and whānau who experience mental health and addiction needs are part of communities. 

Expected outcome 

People accessing health care have meaningful connections to communities to support and enhance their wellbeing.

Challenging discrimination 

Everyone working in health challenges discrimination, and provides and promotes a valued place for people who experience mental health and addiction needs. 

Expected outcome 

People working in health are strong advocates for the elimination of discrimination relating to mental health and addiction.

Applying law, policy and standards 

Everyone working in health implements legislation, regulations, standards, codes and policies relevant to their role in a way that supports people and whānau accessing services. 

Expected outcome 

Human rights, autonomy and self-determination of people and whānau accessing health care are promoted and upheld.

Maintaining professional and personal development 

Everyone working in health participates in lifelong learning and personal and professional development, reflecting on their work and seeking ways to improve themselves, their teams and services. 

Expected outcome 

People working in health are resilient and respond effectively to people accessing health care.