A crisis respite facility providing short term care and support is now available to people from the Upper Clutha who are struggling with their mental health.

The opening of the crisis respite facility in Queenstown marks the final stage of the launch of Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora’s Central Lakes mental health crisis support service, provided by Central Lakes Family Services (CLFS).

The first stage of the new service, providing outreach support to sit alongside the current 24/7 regional crisis response service, was launched last year.

The new facility offers a quiet, peaceful, and homely environment where tāngata whaiora (people seeking health) can relax, stabilise and reset, and it is staffed by a dedicated team of clinically trained staff who provide 24-hour residential support, Health NZ said.

The service offers short stays of up to three days respite, followed by support at home.

The service follows a localised Central Lakes model of care that was developed by clinicians, iwi, primary health providers, community agencies, NGOs, tāngata whaiora, whānau and government agencies who worked together to design the services.

“We’re seeing a lot of benefit from the model of care that has been able to be implemented to suit our individual community and its needs,” CLFS clinical manager Fiona Young said.

“We work together with tāngata whaiora, to develop a care plan that recognises their needs and goals and set them on the pathway to recovery with the right people and support around them.

She said the package includes wellbeing plans and advocacy for people to connect them with other services such as budgeting, housing, and immigration.

“This support continues when they leave respite, with support also available to whānau to help them navigate the challenges their loved ones are experiencing.”

CLFS general manager Tina Mongston said it’s great to have both parts of their service up and running. 

“We’re able to offer a welcoming environment for both the outreach service and the respite service. I’m delighted and encouraged by the positive feedback received so far, and I’m also incredibly proud of the team and all their hard work in making this happen.”

“We’re seeing mental health presentations in every aspect of all the services we offer and having the expertise available to tap into within our team really benefits the community.”

Te Whatu Ora Southern operations group director Hamish Brown said the new model of care was designed “for the community by the community” and meant more mental health services were available in Central Lakes.

PHOTO: Supplied