Board pulls plug on living skills service

A North Auckland service that helps people regain independence after serious mental illness is being closed, in part to save money. File photo / Sarah Ivey

A North Auckland service that helps people regain independence after serious mental illness is being closed, in part to save money.

The Stepping Stones Living Skills Centre has operated for 19 years at the Waitemata District Health Board's North Shore Hospital campus, serving people from North Shore to Rodney.

It has 43 clients, two staff and costs about $150,000 a year. It will close tomorrow week.

"The service is closing due to lack of funding and also the view that this type of service is better provided in the community rather than part of hospital-based services," the manager of district mental health services, Karla Bergquist, said yesterday.

The DHB says Stepping Stones provides a range of living skills, information, education, health promotion and support - in a group format - for people with longstanding mental illness. It aims to enhance their quality of life, health and level of independence.

But Ms Bergquist said the board had decided to end the service, based on its affordability and value.

It had provided a valuable service, but the demand for it had declined and a range of alternatives were provided by community organisations.

Each user of Stepping Stones would be offered alternatives, based on their needs, she said.

"Waitemata DHB and its non-government organisation partner services provide a range of programmes and services for this group of service users."

The Auckland Regional Consumer Network's manager, Gary Sutcliffe, said Stepping Stones helped people get back into community living by helping them to re-establish community and social connections.

"It's always sad to see any service closing down at a time when there should be more supports around people."

But he also noted the growth in peer support services provided by people who had experienced mental illness.

He said several Waitemata-funded organisations were providing these services. "It's proving very successful - it's a terrific thing."