A new campaign in Central is making more people aware of the free mental health and wellbeing support available in many general practices.

WellSouth’s access and choice (Tōku Oranga) programme is a primary mental health and well-being service based in general practices in the Southern region.

It is part of a national initiative to make it faster and easier to access care for mental health concerns – including stress and sleep issues, alcohol and drug use, or mild anxiety and depression.

To further promote the service, the access and choice (Tōku Oranga) team are distributing posters community-wide, in places such as supermarkets, hairdressers, dairies and sports centres.

Health improvement practitioner access and choice lead Genevieve Obbeek said the service is well-promoted in medical centres and most people are accessing the service after seeing their general practitioner (GP) or nurse. 

The campaign is to remind people that appointments are available without a referral, and sometimes the service can even be accessed on the same day.

“We are hoping to make this free service even more accessible to patients enrolled at participating practices by raising awareness within the wider community that we are here and looking forward to meeting anyone who would like support for their mental health and wellbeing.” 

Tōku Oranga is not counselling but rather help to manage your health, by talking over issues, working through blocks, and developing goals. 

Patients leave an appointment with a plan to make change.

Teams are comprised of health improvement practitioners (HIPs), health coaches and community support workers who can provide different levels of support.

The programme started in Otago and Southland in August 2020 with six health improvement practitioners and has grown to more than 70 staff working in 35 general practices.

HIP Courtney McLennan said support is for anyone enrolled at a participating practice with anything that’s keeping them stuck, to help them to make positive steps forward to live a meaningful life. 

“We are designed to be different and in doing so we can better support people as soon as they ask for help,” Courtney said.

“We are aiming to normalise seeking support for any area of life and health and have hope our communities will have access to support much sooner.

“If a patient requires further support beyond the appointment, they can be seen again and referred on to another service where appropriate.”

In Central the programme is running at HealthCentral, Alexandra Family Medical and Junction Health.

The Tōku Oranga programme is supported by WellSouth Primary Health Network alongside, Active Southland, Corstophine Baptist Community Trust, Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora, Pact, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu, Sport Otago, Te Hau o Te Ora, Partnered Primary Care Services.

Find more on the programme here.