Signs point in the right direction for the long road ahead
The Government released He Ara Oranga, the Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction. Platform is pleased to see the strengthening of NGOs highlighted in the Inquiry report's recommendations.
Read Platform's media release here (December 2018)
Government delivers election promise on pay settlement for mental health and addictions support workers
Health Minister David Clark today announced that a settlement has been reached for mental health and addictions support workers. Platform negotiated on behalf of community mental health and addiction service providers to be included in the Terranova settlement.
Read Platform's media release here (June 2018)
Government Gives Full Commitment to Pay Equity for Mental Health and Addictions Support Workers
Health Minister David Clark today announced that the Government will negotiate a pay settlement for mental health and addictions support workers. The Minister hopes for a quick and satisfactory conclusion to negotiations.
Read Platform's media release here (February 2018)
Equal pay for mental health and addiction support workers is a win for everyone
Health Minister David Clark has given the Government's commitment to a resolution of the pay equity claim for mental health and addictions support workers.
Read Platform, the unions and DHBs' media release here. (December 2017)
Offenders offered better options for recovery
Platform responds to Minister Adams’ decision to continue the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court pilots. The courts offer treatment for alcohol and other drug dependency as an alternative to imprisonment for those affected.
Read Platform's Media Release (June 2017)
Threat of staff exodus looming in mental health and addictions sector
The recent pay equity decision, giving aged care and disability sector workers a pay rise, threatens to cause workers to leave to the non-government mental health and addictions sector. Platform says that the Government, the unions, the providers and employees must work together with urgency to get a resolution.
Read Platform's Media Release (May 2017)
It's time to put new money where it makes a difference
Platform was glad to hear the Prime Minister's commitment to investing more in mental health in New Zealand, but feels that it is time for independent commissioning.
Read Platform's Media Release (April 2017)
Welcome to the conversation
Platform welcomes the increased media scrutiny of the mental health system and suggests that we have all the evidence we need to look forward and create a contemporary system that works.
Read Platform's Media Release (April 2017)
Incredible influencer receives enormous honour
Marion Blake was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with mental health and addiction issues. The Platform Trust board could not be prouder of her.
Read Platform's Media Release here (February 2017)
It's time for district health board to stop covering over the cracks
Families of people in Canterbury District Health Board's (CDHB) Prince Margaret Hospital mental health facility expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions they found there. Platform suggests that instead of patching older facilities or building new hospital beds, the DHB should develop its partnerships with NGOs in the area to build a better more contemporary community-based mental health system for Cantabrians.
Read Platform's Media Release (January 2017)
Sorry... but we just can't wait around
Rethinking the mental health and addictions system and describing what success would look like is not a job for the faint hearted. Setting aside the many dramatic headlines, those working in community-based organisations are getting serious about transformation of this vital landscape. Marion outlines the issues and the NGO sector response.
Click here to view the story. (Matters of Substance, November 2016)
Mental health and addiction leaders talk solutions
While public concern continues to grow about the current mental health and addictions system, sector leaders will gather at Tahatū Rangi to reimagine a system that actually meets the needs of New Zealanders.
Read Platform's Media Release (October 2016)
2016 Ministry of Health NGO Health & Disability Sector National Forum
Marion Blake presentated to the NGO Council on Equally Well and disruptive innovation.
Click here to view the presentation (October 2016)
More than aspiration to mend medical–social divide
The language of social investment has arrived at the Ministry of Health, and the Government is subjecting any new investment in health services to scrutiny through this economic lens.
It means all of us working in primary and community health and social services will, over time, be pushed to show where our efforts produce good outcomes that can be measured and deliver savings in the long term.
Click here to view the blog (you will need a NZ Doctor subscription to be able to view this piece). (October 2016)
Corrections Minister makes unhelpful links between sex offenders and the mental health system
Minister of Corrections, Judith Collins, made comments on Q+A saying that sex offenders would previosly have been held in the mental health system away from communities.
Read Platform's Media Release (September 2016)
It’s time to radically rethink mental health and addictions
Platform welcomes the release of Network 4's Closing the Loop as another voice in the chorus calling for change to the mental health and addictions system.
Read Platform's Media Release (August 2016)
Mental health system needs long term focus not constant review and funding cuts
The latest reviews by the Coroner and CCDHB indicate the need to take a long-term whole-of-system approach to addressing issues within the mental health system.
Read Platform's Media Release (May 2016)
Toward Recovery - Vicserv's Mental Health Conference 2016
Marion presented to the Vicserv conference in Australia on 'Leading our own transformation'.
Click here for the presentation (May 2016)
Refreshed New Zealand Health Strategy
Platform applauds the changes announced in the refreshed New Zealand Health Strategy and expresses its view on it in the media release 'New Health Strategy Offers Hope for Better Outcomes in Communities'. In particular, the themes of people-powered, closer to home and one team, and the actions designated under them, signal a much needed change in the way services are delivered.
Read Platform's Media Release (April 2016)
