“This will be a real game-changer for the region,” Doocey told The Gisborne Herald in a statement.
“It’s incredibly important that those living in Tairāwhiti have access to faster mental health support, which the new cafe will help ensure.”
He said people had previously gone to emergency departments for mental health support, which were “often not the best environments to be in when experiencing mental distress”.
“Instead of a brightly lit, busy ED, people in the region will soon have the option to go to a calm, peer-led, non-clinical space for support.
“Cafes also better connect people with community services. We know wraparound support is so important, having someone who can help refer people on to long-term support can make a real difference and help people feel less overwhelmed when seeking support.”
Several crisis cafes now operate across the country, the most recent opening in Christchurch last month.
Gisborne’s cafe will operate from 71 Lowe St, sharing the building with law firm Wilson Barber & Co.
Te Kupenga Net Trust has been approached for comment.
Nicola Ehau, Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) regional planning funding and outcomes director for Te Manawa Takai Region, said there were “complex social factors” that influence mental distress in the region.
“Tairāwhiti has a high population of young Māori, who are sadly over-represented in mental health distress statistics. It is encouraging that more young people are speaking up and seeking support.
“Our focus is on strengthening early intervention and community-based, kaupapa Māori services so rangatahi can access help sooner and in ways that work for them.”
