Meetings mark halfway point

PUBLIC meetings in Otago and Southland last week marked the halfway point in the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.

The inquiry panel, led by former ombudsman and health and disability commissioner Ron Paterson, is visiting 23 regions for a series of public gatherings and private meetings, before retiring to write a report which is due to be presented to Health Minister David Clark on October 31.

‘‘Many of the stories we hear are personal and painful, and we are humbled by people’s courage and willingness to share their own struggles and suggest improvements for the future,’’ Prof Paterson said.

‘‘We are also getting some very clear and constructive ideas from groups who work in the mental health and addiction area.

‘‘Many have put a lot of work into this onceinageneration chance to set a clear direction and create hope.’’

Nine community forums had been held so far, with an estimated 1000 people attending, Prof Paterson said.

With the large number of people wanting to address the panel, it has been promoting written submissions as its preferred way of hearing from the public.

More than 1800 formal submissions have been received so far. The deadline for submissions closes tomorrow.

Extensions to the deadline will be considered on a casebycase basis.

Prof Paterson told last week’s Dunedin meeting that the inquiry’s remit was extremely broad, and it wanted to hear as many voices as possible.

‘‘We have to look after our whole community and its mental wellbeing; we need to respond earlier and more effectively — the earlier you act to prevent problems, the more effective it is when they arise.’’

The voices of the people were allimportant, and the submissions made to the inquiry would all be factored into its final report, Prof Paterson said.

‘‘We are meeting people from right across society and making a special effort to reach those who have a hard time making their voices heard,’’ he said.

‘‘Last week, for example, we talked with prisoners inside correctional facilities in Auckland and Wellington.’’