Kelly Feng, National Director of Asian Family Services. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang
Demand for mental health support amongst Asian New Zealanders has soared since the beginning of the pandemic, but the community remains underserved. One provider, Asian Family Services, is trying to meet the demands of the Asian population, but says its funding is limited and is managing a three week long waitlist.
In a recent 2021 survey commissioned by the health provider, 44 percent of respondents reported symptoms of depression, increasing to 61 percent for those under 30 years of age.
Asian Family Services is working to fill the gap in support; it runs an 0800 helpline operating in ten different languages, and also provides support for mental health issues, problem gambling, and home isolation help.
But its national director Kelly Feng tells Lynn how more funding and a clearer national strategy is needed to support Asian mental health.
