Programme stacks up
Access and Choice Programme Shows Significant Impact at Five-Year Mark
Fresh out April 3rd 2025 Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released an independent monitoring report on the Access and Choice Programme after its first five years.
The Programme is proving to be a valuable addition to New Zealand's mental health services landscape.
In 2023-24 alone, over 208,000 people accessed support through the programme through Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Coaches or other support in primary care and community settings.
There have been more than 1.6 million sessions completed nationwide since its roll-out in 2019. The programme specifically targets mild to moderate mental health and addiction needs, filling a crucial gap in the support system.
Reaching the hard to reach
The programme has been particularly successful in reaching key priority populations.
While the Commission notes that the current reach falls short of the goal of 325,000 people per annum and there is some local variation, the Commission believes with extra effort this goal can be reached.
To reach its full potential, the report recommends increased flexibility in delivery modes, including virtual services, enhanced recruitment efforts, and sustained funding.
The programme currently receives $209 million per annum in ongoing funding following its initial $664 million establishment phase.
Read the report here www.mhwc.govt.nz/access-choice-2025
