Men's Health Week Chance To Check In On Your Mental Health
Press Release – New Zealand Government
This Government is making help more accessible through grassroots organisations and nationally available digital and telehealth services.
Minister for Mental Health
Men's Health Week is a good and timely reminder that no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid to reach out for support with their mental health challenges in their time of need, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.
'New Zealand has made strides over the last couple of decades in reducing stigma and discrimination when it comes to talking about mental health in New Zealand, however we know that there's still more work needed to continue breaking down the barriers,' Mr Doocey says.
'We know men are less likely to reach out for help and are overrepresented in New Zealand's suicide statistics. This Government is working at pace to increase access to support so we can ensure when people are reaching out for support, they receive it when and where they need it.
'However, we know that there are still too many Kiwis who aren't reaching out in their time of need. That is why this Government is making help more accessible through grassroots organisations and nationally available digital and telehealth services.
'More people are now able to access free counselling sessions through Gumboot
Friday, we've used the Mental Health Innovation Fund to scale up and support great initiatives like Mates in Construction, YouthLine and the Mental Health Foundation.
'This Government has also boosted spending on mental health in the Budget and prioritised frontline services, strengthened the focus on early intervention and prevention to take action earlier when someone is confronting a challenge.
'As New Zealand's first Minister for Mental Health, I've been leading a programme of work to improve access to support and make sure we have the workforce to answer the call when someone needs help.
'Whether it's men's health week or any other day, talking to your mates, family or a mental health practitioner, I would encourage you to have the conversation about how you're really doing. The first step is often the hardest but it's important to remember asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Government Backing Rural Resilience And Wellbeing
Press Release – New Zealand Government Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. Hon Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health Minister for Rural Communities The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. 'We're backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities' access to primary mental health services and specialist services,' Mr Doocey says. 'A range of services already exist, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in rural communities. 'Whether it's help on the farm, over the phone, or at a local event, we're ensuring rural people know where to turn and can get support when they need it.' This funding is on top of the ongoing funding of $3 million over the next four years allocated to Rural Support Trusts through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 'The Government is also investing $2 million of Health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years,' Mr Doocey says. 'The Rural Wellbeing Fund will be specifically focused on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside of the major centres.' Mr Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. 'I am delighted that we are bolstering funding to support those who need help the most – living rurally presents a unique set of challenges which include isolation and lack of services. When added pressures arise, rural people can find themselves facing challenging situations in need of mental wellbeing support. 'This is about investing in the people who drive our primary industries — and making sure they're connected to the right support, whether it's peer networks, wellbeing initiatives, or expert advice,' Mr Patterson says. 'It's about building resilience and supporting rural New Zealand to stay strong, stay productive, and keep powering the country forward.' 'When rural communities mental health and wellbeing are supported, economy is stronger for it,' Mr Doocey says.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Government Backing Rural Resilience And Wellbeing
Hon Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health Minister for Rural Communities The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. 'We're backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities' access to primary mental health services and specialist services,' Mr Doocey says. 'A range of services already exist, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in rural communities. 'Whether it's help on the farm, over the phone, or at a local event, we're ensuring rural people know where to turn and can get support when they need it.' This funding is on top of the ongoing funding of $3 million over the next four years allocated to Rural Support Trusts through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 'The Government is also investing $2 million of Health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years,' Mr Doocey says. 'The Rural Wellbeing Fund will be specifically focused on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside of the major centres.' Mr Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. 'I am delighted that we are bolstering funding to support those who need help the most – living rurally presents a unique set of challenges which include isolation and lack of services. When added pressures arise, rural people can find themselves facing challenging situations in need of mental wellbeing support. 'This is about investing in the people who drive our primary industries — and making sure they're connected to the right support, whether it's peer networks, wellbeing initiatives, or expert advice,' Mr Patterson says. 'It's about building resilience and supporting rural New Zealand to stay strong, stay productive, and keep powering the country forward.' 'When rural communities mental health and wellbeing are supported, economy is stronger for it,' Mr Doocey says.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Men's Health Week: Supporting Kiwi Dads For Strong Family Futures
Press Release – Triple P Triple P Founder and Psychologist Professor Matt Sanders said that in New Zealand, males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females yet are the least likely to seek help. This New Zealand Men's Health Week (9 to 15 June), global parenting advocates and Triple P parents are urging dads, stepdads, grandfathers, father figures, and all parents to take a moment to focus on their mental health and wellbeing – not just for themselves, but for the whole whānau. Triple P Founder and Psychologist Professor Matt Sanders said that in New Zealand, males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females yet are the least likely to seek help. 'One in eight men will experience severe depression in their lifetime. So Men's Health Week is a timely reminder to check in with yourself, and those around you.' 'While parents may find it challenging to ask for or access help, it's important to recognise that by looking after yourself as a parent, you're putting yourself in a better position to be calmer, better connected, and more confident in your ability to positively parent positively impacting on your child's health and wellbeing as well,' he said. Triple P is encouraging men to reach out to a mate or their go-to online community to ease the stress. 'No matter what stage of the parenting journey you're at, or the make-up of your family, you're not alone, and you don't have to bear the load in silence,' said Sanders. 'Creating a community of support among parents and carers can help reduce isolation and build stronger families.' 'By being open about your struggles and accessing support, parents and carers can create a positive and loving home environment that strengthens children's emotional resilience and gives them the best start in life,' Professor Sanders said. Triple P parenting tips to help build connection and care for yourself and your family: Check-in with yourself. Parents often put pressure on themselves to 'hold it all together'. Acknowledge any stress or low moods and don't ignore warning signs. Small changes, like making some regular time for yourself, staying active, or connecting with friends, can help prevent stress from building up. Talk it out. Whether it's with a friend, a loved one, Lifeline, or a health professional, sharing what's going on in your life is a positive way to manage stress. Make time for connection. Small moments of time connecting with your family each day can have a huge impact. When your kids want to share something with you, whether it's a story, a problem, or something they're just curious or excited about, tuning in and really listening sends the message that they're loved and important. Model healthy habits. Model the kind of positive health and wellbeing behaviours you want to see in your kids. This includes having a balanced, healthy lifestyle with plenty of sleep, physical activity, healthy food and a positive approach to mental health. Thanks to government funding, Triple P programmes are delivered to families across four regions in New Zealand through a Ministry of Health initiative. Feedback from families that have used Triple P's online programmes is overwhelming positive – with parents and caregivers expressing that they feel calmer, more confident, and are better supported in understanding their children's needs. Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme to parents and carers of children in New Zealand is supported by the New Zealand Government in Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Mid Central and Bay of Plenty, enabling community organisations to offer parenting support to families and whānau. Find out more at:
