Mental health inquiry panel to visit Whanganui

The members of the panel who will be in Whanganui from left: Dr Barbara Disley, Josiah Tualamali'i, Professor Ron Paterson (Chair), Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Sir Mason Durie and Dean Rangihuna.

As part of its nationwide road trip, the panel for the Government's inquiry into mental health and addiction will visit Whanganui next week.

A forum will be held next Thursday from 5pm to 6.30pm in the Celebrity Lounge at the Whanganui Function Centre on Purnell St.

The six members of the panel will be there, open to all members in the community to share stories and ideas with about getting better outcomes for mental health and addiction problems.

The panel said the forum would not be a formal setting but open to all to share their stories and thoughts.

The panel members will stay for tea and coffee after the forum if people need more time to chat and a sign language interpreter will also be in attendance.

The Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction aims to develop recommendations for better mental health systems and outcomes in New Zealand.