Telehealth investment to deliver faster access to support

The Government is backing Lifeline, alongside Youthline and Whakarongorau, through a more than $10 million package to strengthen mental health and addiction telehealth services and help more New Zealanders get the faster access to support they need, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“It can be disheartening to reach out for support while in distress and find yourself waiting for too long. For someone reaching out, whether it be for the first time or not, that moment on the other end of the line can be incredibly important,” Mr Doocey says.

“Lifeline is one of New Zealand’s best-known mental health support services and has been there for New Zealanders through some of the toughest moments in their lives for more than 60 years.

“This investment recognises the vital role Lifeline plays. After more than a decade without dedicated Government funding, this investment is a significant step in recognising the value of the service it provides.

“This funding gives Lifeline the certainty it needs over the next year to continue supporting New Zealanders. The Government will continue to make funding available beyond this year, with an open procurement process allowing telehealth providers, including Lifeline, to apply for longer-term funding through baseline.

“This package will support around 16,000 additional calls and interactions and increase capacity across the sector by around 15 per cent, helping more people access support whether it be by phone, text or other digital channels.

“Youthline will receive additional funding to increase its existing Government funded capacity by 44 per cent and respond to around 4,400 more contacts from young people seeking support. Whakarongorau will also receive additional funding to help meet growing demand.

“The package also includes funding to develop and roll out an AI enabled triage and referral tool across mental health and addiction helplines. This will help improve the experience of people seeking support by consistently identifying their needs, and connecting people with the service best placed to support them.

“We have heard from telehealth providers that too many New Zealanders are waiting too long for support, with higher call volumes, more complex needs, and some people unable to connect with support when demand is high. This investment helps respond to that.

“Telehealth services are often the first place people turn when they need help. When someone takes that step and reaches out, they deserve to know there will be someone there to listen.”

Note to editor:

The breakdown of the funding includes:

$3.9 million over four years to expand mental health and addiction telehealth services.
$2 million over four years for Youthline to expand its existing Government funded capacity by 44 per cent, enabling it to respond to around 4,400 additional calls.
$1.2 million to support the continued operation of Lifeline for 2026/2027.
$3.35 million over four years to develop and implement an AI-enabled triage and referral tool across publicly funded mental health and addiction helplines. ...