COMMENT Mental health support hub proves a success

• Published date: 23 April 2024
• Author: Vanessa Kite
• Publication title: Northland Age, The

And all I can say is it feels absolutely amazing

Last month, Rākau Ora launched a drop-in space to support Te Hiku whānau facing mental health difficulties, and redirect the emphasis from urgent, acute services in Te Hiku to address the growing community demands more effectively.

Our after-hours pilot programme at Hofsted Arcade, 1/90 Commerce St, Kaitāia, is a part of the Taikorihi Locality initiative — one of several population health prototypes nationwide set up under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, to influence and inform the future investment of public health in New Zealand.

As a clinician, I have experienced the struggle of turning off my phone at 5pm and dealing with overnight issues the next day. I often thought, “I hope they ring the helplines.” Or “I hope they are okay.” But these kinds of thoughts only added to my already-stressful role.

I started to notice the calls would come in about 6pm to 8pm, at the end of the day when everyone had gone or was already at home.

This behavioural pattern became evident to me while working at an after-hours drop-in space in Australia. I saw presentations peak during these times, but also the transformative power of social connection and understanding in helping individuals facing challenges during the evening.

With the goal of offering a similar service to our community, we have established the Rākau Ora drop-in safe space in Kaitāia. This space provides after-hours support for adults 18 years and older from 5pm to 9pm, complementing services in the region and offering a welcoming environment...