New Zealand Government Backs Community Organisations for Faster Mental Health Support

The New Zealand Government has announced the third round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, providing $20 million in match funding to 22 community organisations. These organisations will deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response. The initiatives include expanding SMART Recovery across New Zealand, integrated alcohol harm-reduction outreach, and mobile youth crisis support services. Other organisations receiving funding include the Problem Gambling Foundation and the Tongan Health Society Inc. The Government aims to make sure people have faster access to support and community organisations are an important part of delivering that.