Canterbury Mental Health Campaign, All Right? lose government funding

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joseph johnson/staff/staff

Ciaran Fox with coaster drinks designed to aid male mental health in 2018.

The government has scrapped a long-running mental health initiative created to help people struggling in the aftermath of the 2011 Canterbury earthquake.

Million dollars a year all right? The campaign was heavily funded by the Ministry of Health and began in 2013. It was extended after floods, fires, more earthquakes and a terrorist attack plagued the region.

Okay? Mental health promotion specialist Kiaran Fox said it was disappointing to cut funding at the end of June after eight years of the campaign.

“It is difficult when you know that this is a very effective and cost-effective way to support the well-being of the population, but it is not considered difficult by the government supporting the welfare and its basic vision.”

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He said New Zealand’s mental health problems could not be solved by funding mental illness treatment alone.

You will never be able to properly fund mental health services if you do nothing about the growing need.

Daniel Tobin/Staff

Fox believes mental health campaigns are an essential way of engaging with mental health in New Zealand.

“The whole conversation about mental health is twofold. There is a reduction in distress but also the growth of positive mental health and well-being as a special factor and helping people thrive.”

All right? The campaign used social media, posters and practical tools to help improve people’s mental health.

The campaign encouraged people to do simple things that improve mental health such as exercise, dance, spend quality time with friends and reduce screen time. It also aimed to destigmatize conversations about mental health.

Joseph Johnson / STUFF

Urinal surveys are part of a new approach by All Right? Campaign promoter Ciaran Fox to draw attention to male issues. (First published on August 22, 2018).

“It was about doing little things every day to build mental fitness,” Fox said.

The initiative employed the equivalent of three full-time employees, along with communications, marketing and design contractors.

Fox said they tested the campaign’s effectiveness at the end of each year.

Stacy Squires/Stuff

Okay? Campaign activists Sue Turner and Fox promoted winter exercises in 2016.

He said a survey conducted last year found that 91 per cent of people surveyed in Christchurch were aware of the campaign, 41 per cent said they had already done something as a result of engaging with their material, and 64 per cent said it made them think about the importance of well-being.

Fox wanted the welfare campaign to be embraced nationally.

“It takes more than just services to support well-being. It takes a team effort.

“I would like to see the country take this as an idea. We have shown that this really works.”

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The 2017 campaign encouraged men to think more about mental health.

Deputy Director-General for Mental Health and Addiction at the Ministry of Health, Tony Gotschlag, said funding for All Right? The campaign was always limited in time.

She said the first wave of funding was after the Canterbury earthquake, but was extended after the Kaikoura earthquake and the March 15 terrorist attack.

“The funding has always been intended to be time-limited in response to specific events, and has done an outstanding job in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Cantabrian. The funding contract expired in June 2021.”

George Heard/Staff

Okay? Campaign activists Turner, left, and Lucy Death with posters pasted across Canterbury in 2017

She said the department has helped fund a range of digital apps and tools to help with mental health and mindfulness.

Projects include Mentemia, Melon, Staying on Track, and Whakatau Mai online health and wellness sessions.

“Procurement of digital tools to support mental health for New Zealand citizens is currently underway, one for adults and one for children. We expect these to be in place in the second half of this year.”

Where to get help 1737, need to talk? Call for free or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor. Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800269 4389) Depression.org.nz 08001111757 or text 4202 Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7. Lifeline 0800 543 354 Mental Health Foundation 09623 4812 Click here to access free resource and information services. Rural Support Fund 0800787254 Samaritans 0800726666 Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508828865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Support for Families in Mental Illness 0800732825 thelowdown.co.nz Web Chat, Email Chat or Free Text 5626 What’s Up 0800942 8787 (for 5) to 18 years old ). Telephone consultation is available Monday through Friday, noon to 11pm and weekends, 3pm to 11pm Online chat is available daily from 3pm to 10pm. Youthline 0800376633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options here. If it is an emergency, click here to find your local Crisis Assessment Team number. In life-threatening situations, call 111.

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