Nelson's MP has credited the man who bravely went public about his mental health experiences, for helping to save a community mental health facility.
Katrina Marwick (centre) and Nikau House member Daniel Timms (far left) deliver a petition against the proposed closure of the mental health facility to Nelson MP Nick Smith at the steps of Parliament on 17 July, 2020. Photo: RNZ / Charlie Dreaver
Nikau House in central Nelson was threatened with closure but Nelson Marlborough Health announced today it was to keep the facility open, and strengthen it.
The board's announcement in June that changes were in the wind for the facility prompted a strong response from tangata whaiora (clients), their whānau and supporters who were worried it would close.
The general manager of mental health, addictions and disability support services, Jane Kinsey said the high level of feedback during consultation forced a re-think.
"Nikau House tangata whaiora, whānau and other stakeholders told us they want Nikau House to stay open, for tangata whaiora to keep gathering there, to be cared for, and to feel safe.
"They also want services that help a wider range of tangata whaiora," Kinsey said.
MP Nick Smith said the proposal had not been well thought through, and closure would have denied hundreds of vulnerable Nelsonians access to important services.
He said Nelson man Daniel Timms led the charge opposing the closure by sharing his experience which had seen him in and out of hospitals throughout the country.
He also sparked a petition that attracted several thousand signatures.
"His belief that Nikau House has been his life saver was the catalyst to inspire others to join the call.
"I also acknowledge the 4500 Nelsonians who signed Daniel's petition," Smith said.
He also commended Katrina Marwick, Josh Wilkinson and Frances Riley who cycled to Wellington to draw further attention to the plight of Nikau House, and to help those who had stood up and made their voices heard.
Smith also commended the DHB for listening and making the right decision, and for reassurances there would be no loss of staff.
"The demand for mental health services is growing worldwide and is only going to get worse with unemployment and financial issues arising from Covid-19."
The DHB said a renamed Nikau Hauora Hub would continue at the same location in the central city, and would be developed to better meet the needs of a wider range of people including Māori, Pasifika and youth.
Kinsey said the large amount of feedback identified important work that the DHB, in partnership, needed to do to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.
