Southern Lakes district residents will be able to reach out for mental wellbeing support early next year as they face the challenges brought by COVID-19.

A 'mental wellbeing navigator' is being hired by the Central-Lakes Wellbeing Response Group, which formed following the COVID-19 lockdown.

The aim is to connect people to mental health and wellbeing support in the Central Lakes area.

"The impacts of Covid have gone through several phases, and families and livelihoods have been significantly disrupted,: group chair Adell Cox said.

"People are continuing to live with uncertainty, and for some, this is challenging.

"There are a number of supports out there. And while a lot of people have been reaching out for support, we are concerned there are others who have not, for a wide range of reasons.

"A Mental Wellbeing Navigator is a role that can join dots. They will not provide clinical care, but will help point people in the right direction and if needed, facilitate those introductions."

The Central-Lakes Wellbeing Response Group includes people from the Southern District Health Board (SDHB), Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Central Lakes Family Services and Tahuna-Whakatipu Māori Community.

The group provided a connection point for agencies seeking to support the community in the immediate aftermath of COVID restrictions.

It has focused on sharing information about wellbeing concerns, monitoring the capacity of mental health services and promoting initiatives within the district.

Those initiatives include the introduction of health improvement practitioners, health coaches and community support workers in primary care settings, social workers in schools and QLDC's Kia Kaha Hub.

However, it was recognised that a longer-term approach was needed, said Adell, who is also SDHB’s Allied Health director for mental health.

She says the mental wellbeing navigator will help community leaders know what support is available.

"Our employers, teachers, church leaders and others are in touch with wide communities, and some individuals within them may be struggling.

"We need to make it easier for those community leaders to know what is available, and how to support anyone they have concerns about."

The Mental Wellbeing Navigator role is anticipated as a two-year position, which will formally report to the Central Lakes Family Services.

It has been made possible by the funding from Central Lakes Trust, Wakatipu Greatest Needs Fund, Community Trust South and Lotteries.

The role will be advertised in January.

IMAGE: Supplied