Seven Grassroots Projects Funded to Boost Mental Health Access

Mr Doocey said the Government’s approach focuses on practical, early intervention rather than waiting until people reach crisis point.

Seven community-led mental health initiatives targeting small and hard-to-reach populations have secured government-backed funding aimed at delivering earlier, faster access to support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced.

The funding, delivered through the Mental Health Foundation’s government-supported Top Up community grants scheme, is designed to strengthen frontline, preventative support — particularly for communities facing the highest levels of unmet need.

Early Support to Prevent Crisis

Mr Doocey said the Government’s approach focuses on practical, early intervention rather than waiting until people reach crisis point.

“These seven projects deliver practical support, from supporting parents and educating on mental health, to empowering women, grassroots sport initiatives, and accessible movement programmes,” he said.

“We’re focused on fixing the basics and building the future by supporting community organisations to step in early and provide support before people reach a point of crisis.”

The initiatives specifically target Māori, Pasifika, rainbow, rural and disability communities — groups consistently identified as experiencing disproportionate barriers to accessing timely mental health support.

Community-Led Solutions Across the Country

The funded projects span Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hauraki, Porirua, the West Coast, and West Auckland, reflecting diverse regional needs and culturally grounded approaches.

The seven initiatives are:

Support for young families – AucklandTupu Oranga Ngātahi – Growing Wellness Together helps young parents and families develop everyday wellbeing habits through gardening, shared meals and collective learning.

Building resilience – HaurakiMauri Tū, Mauri Ora connects young people and families through walking, creative activities and conversation, promoting small, achievable “wellbeing top-ups.”

Accessible movement nationwideMoving with Mauri is producing a national video series offering accessible physical activity, beginning with gentle movement and progressing to more confident exercise.

Empowering women – Bay of PlentyTOI WāHine supports women to build practical, everyday wellbeing strategies and strengthen social support networks.

Supporting pregnant mothers – PoriruaWELLfed Pēpē Māmā Programme promotes maternal wellbeing through shared cooking, peer connection and education, helping reduce isolation during pregnancy.

Strengthening identity and connection – West CoastTe Ara o te Hue – Wānanga for Wellbeing runs community workshops blending local culture, art, nature and traditional practices to reinforce identity and resilience.

Supporting Pacific youth through sport – West AucklandFa‘atauanau – Wellbeing in Grassroots Sport integrates mental wellbeing support into schools and local sports clubs, creating safe spaces for connection and conversation.

Backed by Evidence-Based Wellbeing Campaign

The grants complement the national Top Up campaign, launched in August last year, which promotes the internationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing:

• Connect

• Give

• Take Notice

• Keep Learning

• Be Active

These five evidence-based actions have been shown to improve mental health and resilience.

The campaign has already reached millions of New Zealanders through television, radio and digital platforms.

“The aim of the campaign is simple — if you’ve had a challenging day on the farm or stress from work is building up, we want New Zealanders to automatically think which of the Five Ways to Wellbeing you can use to top up,” Mr Doocey said.

Strengthening Frontline Mental Health Response

Mr Doocey said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand access to frontline support, grow the mental health workforce, and improve crisis response systems.

“I want to acknowledge the Mental Health Foundation for the work they are doing on the ground and ensuring the resources are going where it’s most needed,” he said.

“Support like this helps us deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”

The targeted funding reinforces the Government’s focus on practical, community-based mental health solutions — particularly in areas where traditional services may be harder to access.