About the Project:
This is a Ministry lead project that is within Te Kokiri (the Mental Health and Addiction Action Plan 2006-2015). The reference is 7.17 Develop a coherent national approach to co-existing mental health and substance use/abuse disorders. This also includes problem gambling.
What does this mean for NGOs?
NGOs are a key part of the mental health and addiction treatment sector. The expectation is that ALL services are able to capably respond initially to clients who experience both mental health and addiction issues. Services will be able to provide assessment and screening and some interventions. Not all services are able to address those with both severe mental health and addiction issues, in which case they should be able to co-work with other services and look to develop some of their own in-house expertise / special interest in AOD.
How do we get support for this?
Throughout 2010 a series of workshops have been co-ordinated for leaders of NGOs and provider arm services in each of the DHB districts. The workshops are targeted to leaders of change to encourage systems change, service development, policy and client pathway development and workforce training. The national project through Matua Raki (AOD workforce Development Programme) is providing networking and skill development for those in designated roles or with special interest, training opportunities around the country, and have resources on their website:
There are two key documents that assist services to reflect on their current capability:
- Te Ariari O te Oranga: The Assessment & Management of People with Co-existing Mental Health & Substance Use Problems by Dr Fraser Todd. This document provides a clinical framework for working with CE
- Service Delivery for People with Co-existing Mental Health & Addiction Problems: Integrated Solutions by the Ministry of Health
