New Zealand Health Ministery has set up a one-off defined mental health innovation fund to further expand the support available to those who need it.

“This government is transforming New Zealand’s approach to mental wellbeing with greater focus on care in the community, and more emphasis on prevention and early intervention. The $1.2-million Mental Wellbeing Innovation Fund pilot project is for one-off defined proposals that could contribute to improving mental wellbeing, including initiatives that focus on reducing suicidal distress or behavior,” said Health Minister Andrew Little.

A number of requests for financial assistance from non-government organizations, iwi, and other groups to support mental wellbeing initiatives are regularly received by the Ministry of Health, but do not necessarily fit into existing tenders. This fund is another way the Government can look to support these programmes.

A small number of organisations will be invited by the Ministry of Health to provide proposals and participate in a closed selective tender. The Government’s vision is to help people stay mentally well - with the help of support available in their communities.