Introduction

Let’s get real describes the essential values, attitudes, knowledge and skills we need to deliver effective services in partnership with people who experience mental health and addiction needs, wherever and whenever they are in contact with health services. In line with this, Let’s get real applies to everyone working in health. 

There is strong evidence that people who experience mental health and addiction needs have poorer health outcomes compared with the general population.  To make a positive difference to this, we have extended Let’s get real so that it now applies to everyone who works in health, to ensure we work as effectively as we can with people who experience mental health and addiction needs. Let’s get real sets out the shared values, attitudes and skills we need, and is a tool to improve integration between mental health and addiction services and the broader health sector

Let’s get real does not replace professional competency frameworks, but complements them, providing a shared language we can use across roles, professions and health care contexts. 

A glossary of key terms and te reo Māori words is set out on page 60. 

Te Pou will continue to lead implementation of Let’s get real through the provision of resources including e-learning modules, guides and advice