Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with implementation across a third and final group of districts from Monday.
This includes:
• Health NZ districts: Northland, Taranaki, Whanganui, and MidCentral
• Police districts: Northland, Central
• Health NZ specific areas: Tokoroa and Taumarunui (Waikato), Taupō (Lakes), Wairoa (Hawke's Bay), and Waitaki and Southern Lakes (Southern)
• Police specific areas within districts: Taupo and Tokoroa (Bay of Plenty), Wairoa (Eastern), and Central Lakes and Waitaki (Southern)
Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards making sure people have access to the right help at the right time, which works best for them.
"Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety. The change is about an increased health-led response, enabling our staff more time to get back into our communities do the work that only Police can.
Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says a range of mental health support is available for those who need it.
"This change is about ensuring people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time, while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients and our staff.
"I'd like to assure the public there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.
"If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team
