Workplace mental health

An innovative, employer-funded, fast response digital platform is delivering quick results for people usually facing long wait times to access mental health support.

In the 18 months since it launched, the Ignite Aotearoa platform has helped more than 3000 people to quickly access qualified mental health practitioners, therapists, coaches and mentors across the country. Eighty percent of users have said their wellbeing has improved following a support session.

“Instead of someone waiting several months for an appointment with a support provider or to get support through traditional mental health and addiction services, people can use Ignite to book an appointment at a time that suits them and with a provider they choose, no matter where they live in Aotearoa,” says Ignite Head of Delivery, Gina Nonumalo.

Ignite was established following the 2018 Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry that found that current mental health support models were too restrictive, expensive and put intense pressure on the public health system.

The World Health Organisation had also predicted that mental illness would be the leading cause of disability and absence in the workplace by 2030, if it wasn’t proactively addressed.

Ignite is currently offering services to workplaces, with employers purchasing subscriptions for their staff to use the platform. As soon as they log-in, they can access practical wellbeing resources, book confidential support sessions with professionals, and proactively manage their mental health and wellbeing using the online tools.

To learn more visit ignite.org.nz/home