New Zealand Government funds 22 NGOs for mental health and addiction support

The New Zealand Government has announced the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, providing support to 22 non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The initiative aims to scale up community providers to improve mental health outcomes through tested, local approaches.

One recipient, the New Zealand Drug Foundation, will use the funding to expand SMART Recovery across the country. This peer-led program focuses on training facilitators to lead meetings for individuals seeking to change their relationship with substances or problematic behaviors. The project includes a partnership with SMART Recovery in Australia and matching funds from a philanthropist.

Other funded initiatives include: • Wellington City Mission: Expanding alcohol harm-reduction outreach. • Aroha ki te Tamariki Trust: Developing a youth hub in Dunedin and mobile crisis support. • Hanmer Springs Community Trust: Expanding a rural adult ADHD pilot. • Auckland City Mission: Delivering a mobile multidisciplinary health team for those facing mental health, addiction, and housing insecurity. • Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support Services Trust: Integrating mental health and addiction clinicians into their services.