Partners Life is providing major funding for a new mental health treatment programme gifting $500,000 to the trust operating the new Whakamātūtū Wellington Depression Recovery Centre.
The insurer says the funding is to facilitate hardship grants for New Zealanders seeking treatment through the centre, the first of its kind in the country, and that it enables access for those who might otherwise be financially unable to afford treatment.
The centre is just opening and will provide treatment and support to more than 300 adults each year.
Partners Life says the centre, operated by the Depression Recovery Trust “…has designed a programme tailored for people experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, and other common forms of mental distress.”
It adds that its contribution is backed by its parent Dai-ichi Life and complements the support of dozens of sponsors and donors who have donated funds, products and services, and specialist advice.
The company says the 2022 Mental Health Service Monitoring Report by the Mental Wellbeing Commission found, 9.6% of adults are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress, which equates to 50,000 people in the Wellington region.
…Positioned as a transitional step above primary care and below inpatient care…
“Positioned as a transitional step above primary care and below inpatient care, the centre’s recovery-oriented programme aims to bridge a crucial void in the continuum of mental health services in the Wellington region.”
Partners Life’s gift “…funds an integrated, therapeutic day programme from Monday to Friday over six weeks. Participants will receive personalised treatment from a team of 20 mental health practitioners. There are ongoing peer support groups for those who complete the programme.”
Kris Ballantyne Chief Customer Officer says the gift to help fund the programme “…is extremely important to our team, as it aligns with our role as a life insurer and reflects the ethos of Dai-ichi Life and Partners Life to make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.”
” We are so impressed by the work of the Depression Recovery Trust which we have previously sponsored, and its significant achievement in bringing the centre to fruition.”
…the critical gap in the provision of health services for people with moderate to severe mental illness has been well documented…
He says the critical gap in the provision of health services for people with moderate to severe mental illness has been well documented.
“Fortunately, more people are seeking help, but the services to address their needs remain insufficient. The evidence-based programme provided by the centre is precisely the kind of specialist service New Zealand needs, and we are pleased and proud to play a role in making support more accessible in the Wellington region.”
Dame Diana Crossan the Chair of Whakamātūtū Wellington Depression Recovery Centre, says this significant financial support from Partners Life and Dai-ichi Life is invaluable.
“This is the culmination of five years of work by the Depression Recovery Trust and a momentous milestone for mental health treatment in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and the wider region.”
This gift was formally presented by Partners Life and Dai-ichi Life to the Wellington Depression Recovery Centre at an event at Partners Life in Auckland last week.