Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says support is only a photo call away. Photo / Pool
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says support is only a photo call away. Photo / Pool
The Prime Minister has acknowledged the "hugely unsettling" impact positive Covid cases and the lockdown are having on people's mental health.
It was okay to feel frustrated, and there were places to go for help, Jacinda Ardern said at the 1pm televised update today .
There had been a spike in calls to Youthline in the last lockdowns. An additional $1million would be put into increasing support, particularly for rangatahi in Auckland and Northland, she said.
There was also targeted assistance for Pacific communities, which had borne the brunt of the outbreak so far.
People who did not feel safe at home in their bubble can leave their bubble, Ardern said.
There was also assistance for those struggling to access food. Yesterday an extra $7m was announced to assist with things like distributing food parcels and welfare packages.
More motel units had also been contracted to assist those who could be sleeping rough.
These were "just a snapshot" of supports being put in place to help people through tackling Covid, Ardern said.
Because of the Delta outbreak, Health Minister Andrew Little today brought forward a $1 million fund aimed at community-led projects to support youth mental health in Auckland and Northland.
Health Minister Andrew Little. Photo / Mark Mitchell
"We have learned from previous lockdowns that they are particularly challenging for young people and that the greatest need for support for young people in Aotearoa kicks in around two weeks in," Little said.
The Youth Mental Wellbeing Fund is for grassroots initiatives, similar to the existing Māori and Pacific Community Suicide Prevention Funds. Grants will be made of $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the initiative.
Applications for the fund open tomorrow and the first money should be available within weeks, said Little.
Police commissioner Andrew Coster said as we close in on nearly two weeks at level 4, things are getting tough for some people.
"We know that the restrictions, aimed at keeping us all safe, can have an impact on people's well-being and mental health and that this can be an incredibly difficult time for whānau in our community.
"While we do not have confirmed figures available, police are aware of continued reports of people experiencing mental distress," he said.
Police commissioner Andrew Coster. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The police are in the process of compiling family harm statistics for level 4, although anecdotally they know family harm is an increasing issue in some districts but remains stable in others.
Inspector Natasha Allan, Manager Prevention Harm Reduction, said outside of the alert levels, alcohol can be one of the factors that exacerbates family harm.
"Alert level 4 can add pressure to families, which in turn can prompt people to drink more alcohol and potentially hurt those close to them. If you are in danger or fear for your safety, dial 111.
Police encourage anyone in immediate danger to leave their bubble and get out of harm's way. Once at a safe distance, call 111 or, if you are unable to so, ask a neighbour or passer-by to call for you.
Police are here to help, no matter the alert level, said Inspector Allan.
Where to get help
If you are worried about your mental health or someone else's, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else: Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) Youthline: 0800 376 633 Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm) Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 Samaritans: 0800 726 666
