In January 2023, a new mental health crisis support service for Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago residents opened. The Central Lakes crisis support service model was co-designed with the community. Run by the Central Lakes Family Services (CLFS) the service sits alongside the current 24/7 regional crisis response service (provided by Te Whatu Ora Southern Mental Health and Intellectual Disability service).
Service co-designed with the community
The Central Lakes crisis support service model was co-designed with the community. Several meetings were held with providers and members of the community on their ideas on what was needed. The design process led to an innovative service model with an emphasis on home-based care, information, and support for whānau, self-care and assistance with addressing the causes of distress.
Service provided by the Central Lakes Family Services (CLFS)
The service is provided by CLFS and sits alongside the current 24/7 regional crisis response service (provided by Te Whatu Ora Southern Mental Health and Intellectual Disability service).
How to access the service
For people in the Central Lakes area needing crisis support, the service can be accessed in one of two ways - via a referral from Te Whatu Ora Southern’s Specialist Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) team, which is available to call 24/7, or via a referral from their GP.
More options for care closer to home
There are now more options to support people in mental distress to receive care and support close to home, rather than travel to Dunedin Hospital or Southland Hospital.
Next steps
The final stage of the crisis support service is to provide short-term care in a new respite facility. This is under development.
