Mental Health
Tweaks improve quake-rattled children's mental health - study
The mental health of children suffering post-earthquake stress dramatically improves with small changes to their school environment, a pilot study shows.
Carer's relationship with patient deemed 'sexually exploitative'
A mental health support worker breached a vulnerable patient's rights when he had a sexually exploitative relationship with her, the Health and Disability Commissioner says.
Northland mental health client found dead
A Whangarei woman is calling for answers from Mental Health services after a woman was found dead in a neighbouring bedsit, possibly weeks after she had died. "It feels so ad hoc," she told RNZ… Audio
'How do you think it's going to affect their world view?'
Nearly 1100 students need urgent psychological help after having to deal with murder, drugs, alcohol, and poverty at home, Northland principals say.
1089 Northland students need psychological help, principals say
Northland principals say their students are dealing with murder, drugs, alcohol, and poverty at home and bringing their problems to school. Audio
Labour pledges mental health funds boost in Canterbury
Mental health services in Canterbury and Kaikōura schools are set to get a funding boost if Labour is elected.
Mental health screening in schools 'won't work without extra support'
A planned multi-million-dollar trial is well-meaning but futile without increased specialist support, school counsellors say.
Govts mental illness package
The Government is set to pour millions into building resilience in young children as part of a $100m mental health package. Audio
New mental health funding 'smoke and mirrors' - PSA
The Public Service Association says the government's new mental health funding is all smoke and mirrors. PSA national secretary Erin Polaczuk joins us. Audio
Coleman 'prepared to discuss' suicide target with Cabinet
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman explains the $100m mental health funding announcement. He says he's now changed his thinking on having a target for suicide.
"I'm open-minded about the whole thing… Audio
Mental health faces 'crisis' without pay rises - Union
The union representing mental health workers says the sector will face a crisis if they don't get a pay rise. E tu union's assistant national secretary John Ryall says mental health workers are… Audio
Mental Health Foundation welcomes boost to sector's funding
The Mental Health Foundation is welcoming a $100 million increase in mental health funding, saying it's a positive first step. Its chief executive Shaun Robinson joins us. Audio
Union 'totally shocked' at mental health pay equity warning
The Ministry of Health has written to DHBs telling them not to pay their mental health workers the same as aged-care and disability support staff. Video, Audio
Govt gives details for $100m mental health spend
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has given more details about the 17 new initiatives that will receive funding under May's Budget.
Gender and the brain
Neuroscientist Sir Richard Faull on what differences there are in the male and female brain. Audio
Suicide reduction target back on table
The government is reconsidering setting a target for reducing suicide rates after facing criticism, but warns it won't be a "magic wand".
School letter to parents about suicide 'appalling' - Mike King
Mental health advocate Mike King is criticising a school that sent out a letter to parents last week which named and seemingly blamed a student for committing suicide. Audio
Mike King critical of school letter after student's death
Mental health advocate Mike King says he was left speechless after a school sent out a letter to parents inadvertently naming and blaming a student for committing suicide. Video, Audio
Principal gives emotional assembly speech on suicide
A school principal's assembly talk about suicide was a risky move but well received by the students and their families, he says. Audio
Looking after the 'top paddock'
Doug and Wendy Avery came close to losing everything a few years ago. The farmers from Grassmere, in Marlborough, were hammered by drought for eight long years. Eventually Doug struggled to function… Video, Audio
