Southern’s Access And Choice Programme Celebrates Five Years Of Free Mental Health Support

This month marks five years since the launch of Access and Choice in the Southern region, a free mental health and wellbeing support programme delivered in general practices and known locally as Tōku Oranga.

Since it began in August 2020, the programme has delivered more than 175,000 sessions to over 56,000 people, making mental health and wellbeing support more accessible to individuals and whānau across Otago and Southland.

Funded by Te Whatu Ora and delivered by WellSouth, Access and Choice embeds Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), Health Coaches, and Support Workers into general practices, offering 20-30-minute sessions at no cost. The service now operates in 52 general practices, reaching 76% of the enrolled population in the Southern region.

“This milestone is about more than numbers,” says Genevieve Obbeek, Programme Lead.
“Access and Choice has changed the way we respond to mental health and wellbeing in primary care. People can get support early, in the places they already trust, without long waits or unnecessary barriers. There’s no wrong reason to come and see one of our team - any door is the right door, and it’s free. Being named a finalist in this year’s Primary Care Awards is a tribute to the excellent work our team is doing across the Southern community.”

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Tōku Oranga has helped bridge critical gaps in the health system by offering timely, practical support for people experiencing mental distress, stress, or life challenges. It has also played a key role in improving equity, with services tailored to better meet the needs of Māori, Pacific, youth, and other underserved populations.

Patients can access the service directly - without needing a GP referral - and choose the kind of support that best suits them. Practitioners are available both in general practice and in the community, making care more accessible and less intimidating.

In addition to individual sessions, Access and Choice has introduced group workshops and proactive wellbeing initiatives that help people learn practical skills, connect with others, and stay well. These include activities like walking and aqua-walking groups, as well as education sessions that help people understand health conditions and build tools to manage both mental and physical health.

WellSouth has been named a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora for Best Mental Health Programme for its Access and Choice initiative.

“The team has made a huge difference - it’s changed the landscape for general practice,” says WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs.

Five years on, Access and Choice has become an essential part of how we respond to mental health and wellbeing in primary care - providing not only easier access but also real choice.

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