People with learning disabilities or autism are much more likely to experience mental distress than the general population. However, this is not reflected in the way related assessments, funding, supports, training, and services are provided in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Pou, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, is leading an Equal access to wellbeing project to contribute towards better opportunities and outcomes for disabled people experiencing mental distress (tāngata whaikaha). The project aims to identify options for strengthening the workforce to support tāngata whaikaha and their whānau.
A draft Equal Access to Wellbeing Framework is now available. This is a knowledge and skills framework for mental health/addiction and disability workforces working in primary, secondary, and tertiary contexts.
Feedback is being sought on the draft framework. There are multiple ways to engage, including focus groups and a survey. For more information and to have your say see the Equal Access to Wellbeing webpage.