Counsellors Association supports $10million pilot for youth

The Counsellors Association supports the Green Party’s $10million pilot for young people

The recently announced $10million Green Party pilot on mental health for 18-25-year-old’s is exactly what New Zealanders are crying out for, says the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

Association president, Bev Weber, welcomes the pilot.

“When it comes to the mental health of New Zealanders, we know that accessibility to services is crucial for the current and future mental health of our young people.”

With New Zealand’s staggering rates of youth suicide, the NZAC applauds the Green Party for taking the action needed and is encouraging service providers to get involved.

“The Green Party is looking for community innovation and is calling for tenders from professional counselling service providers, including PHOs and DHBs,” Ms Weber says.

The Association hopes the pilot will go beyond the three-year term.

“In recent years we have seen a development in factors that contribute to poor mental health,” says Ms Weber.

“Therefore, we hope that mental health and counselling services expand and continue to get the funding they need to continue the work the pilot will carry out.”

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