A Northland man working with newly-released prisoners says the lack of mental health services in Hokianga is putting lives at risk.
Photo: RNZ/Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Arthur Harawira has complained to the Northland DHB after a client died in a suspected suicide last month.
Mr Harawira provides support for recently released prisoners, and said the man had accepted help from mental health workers in the past.
So he suggested counselling might be in order.
"So I asked him if he wanted to get more counselling, in sessions where he could allow himself talk those things out and someone else to help put those in place for him."
But there was a problem. The man was desperate to get back to his whānau in a remote part of Hokianga.
"I tried to get him to stay in town so he could be around the services but he didn't want to do that, he wanted to stay in his father's place.
"He loved his family, he loved his hapū, loved his marae. I couldn't stop him, but I was concerned for his mental state."
Mr Harawira said he tried to arrange counselling in Kaikohe for his client but there was no such service.
Mr Harawira rang the Northland DHB and was told the man could have counselling funded through a Kaikohe GP.
But the man's mental health worker said to wait, because the man would be eventually registered as a patient with the Hokianga Health Trust. Last month, Mr Harawira's worst fears were realised, his client had died in a suspected suicide.
Northland DHB said it was taking seriously Mr Harawira's complaint.
Northland's manager of mental health services Ian McKenzie said the DHB started an internal review as a result.
There were 45 clinical staff employed in specialist mental health support services in the mid-north and other services were available through GPs, NGOs and iwi.
People worried about mental health services in the region would be able to raise concerns during the Mental Health Inquiry forum in Northland next month.
Hokianga Health Trust chief executive John Wigglesworth said it was a sad story, and there has been too many similar ones recently in Hokianga.
He said Hokianga Health, which is funded by the DHB, does not employ a psychologist.
He said the GPs it employs do get some funding for counselling but it is not enough.
"We often get referrals from outside our community as well but we just don't even have the resources to manage the need and demand from our own community."
Northland DHB has confirmed it has had a complaint from Mr Harawira and it is investigating.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.