6th March 2025

Written by Madeleine Clarke, Media Coordinator & Executive Assistant.

On Tuesday 4^th March, we welcomed the Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, to officially mark the start of developing a new peer support service at Wellington Hospital’s Emergency Department (EDs).

In total, eight EDs across New Zealand will trial this initiative, with Wellington’s ED department beginning this chapter here today. [1]

“I’m very pleased this service is now being rolled out to Wellington ED and I have no doubt
it’ll make a real difference” – Minister Doocey

At Kites, we believe that our partnerships should do more than just provide services; they should help create a positive peer-led cultural change in Emergency Departments (EDs). This change is led by the needs of Tāngata Whai Ora, and the principles of Peer Support such as Mutuality, Experiential knowledge, Self-determination, Participation, Equity Recovery and hope. Everything we do at Kites Trust centres valuing, respecting and utilising people’s mental health experiences.

“Peer support specialists will provide a unique form of support because they have experienced mental health issues themselves and can empathise with individuals facing similar challenges,” MHAIDS’ Executive Clinical Director Paul Oxnam says.

“As well as supporting people in the ED, they’ll be able to connect them to community services if needed. There’s growing evidence of the positive impact peer support specialists have on improving outcomes for people with mental health and addiction issues who present at ED, as well as in community settings.”

Photo of the MHAIDS and the Kites Trust team with Minister Doocey, taken by Madeleine Clarke, Kites Trust Executive Assistant and Media Coordinator. (4^th March 2025).

At Kites Trust, we recognize that emergency departments and clinical spaces have often caused harm to Tāngata Whai Ora. As peers, we believe it is our responsibility to lead this change, not by adhering to old methods, but by creating new opportunities for improvement.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Wellington ED on this pilot project. Our team is dedicated to involving everyone in the design process, ensuring that the needs and experiences of Tāngata Whai Ora are at the heart of our service.

By Serena Lal, Chief Executive of the Kites Trust.

Photo of Kites team members Serena Lal, (Chief Executive) alongside Megan Haag-Fisk (Service Manager) and Kai Faasen (Team Lead, Peer Support) talking with Minister Doocey about the needs of Tangata Whai Ora peers to enable a successful pilot (4^th March 2025).

As stated by Minister Doocey in early 2024, having peer support specialists who have experienced their own mental health and addiction challenges will better support the people in crisis presenting to EDS, at least 13,000 averaged each year.[2]

To make this pilot project work, we need the right space and resources, focusing on service design and effective partnership. With Wellington ED, we’re dedicated to making a big difference and creating a positive change in emergency care that truly respects and supports Tāngata Whai Ora.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meeting with the Minister today and are excited about the potential of this project. Our approach aims to be grounded in honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and integrating culturally approaches to enable inclusion and care.

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[1] Busy Auckland ED gets mental health peer support | Beehive.govt.nz

[2] Investing in peer support in emergency departments a creative and smart move | Mental Health Foundation