New mental health and addiction service network set to launch

Whāriki, a new network for innovators, influencers and leaders in mental health and addiction services will launch in early 2021.

Whāriki will allow members to use and share examples of what is working to transform services.

Katheryn Butters, Whāriki’s new ringa kohikohi (knowledge broker) says like a woven mat, members will sit at the same level and weave something bigger than themselves.

‘It will be a shared place to wānanga – listen, contemplate and create solutions through the giving and receiving of strands of mātauranga (knowledge).

‘We know that great work is out there – Whāriki is a way to rapidly collaborate and showcase ideas that work.’

The Whāriki team is particularly interested in hearing about initiatives that demonstrate what is working to:

• improve equity for Māori
• increase access to services
• expand choices so that services work well for people
• adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.

A new website is being developed and will support Whāriki members to connect and share good ideas and resources for on-the-ground change.

For more information or to suggest an initiative to profile please email Katheryn Butters.