Yang Jian: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeYang Jian: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 15 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:13840. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]12.Dr JIAN YANG (National) to theAssociate Minister of Health: What initiatives is the Government taking to address mental health?Hon TODDMcCLAY (Associate Minister of Health): Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and I wish to recognise the very many mental health workers and volunteers who every day make the lives of many vulnerable New Zealanders better. The Government has made significant progress in addressing mental health issues in New Zealand particularly amongst young people. Initiatives include the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project the Children’s Action Plan Addressing the Drivers of Crime Youth Forensic Services Development the Suicide Prevention ActionPlan implementation maternal mental health and in partnership with theMāori Party theWhānau Ora initiative. In addition the implementation of Rising to the Challenge: The Mental Health and Addiction Service Development Plan 2012-2017 provides a positive direction for mental health and addiction services delivery and improvement for the next 5 years.Dr Jian Yang: What reports has he received about the impact on mental health - related problems following the Psychoactive Substances Act coming into force?Hon TODDMcCLAY: District health boards and mental health professionals have reported both reduced presentations and a reduction of severity of adverse effects following the passing of the Psychoactive Substances Act both in emergency departments and mental health units. This is a direct result of the reduction of the availability and supply of psychoactive substances.Concerningly there are reports also that some members of this industry are not being responsible and are looking to target those New Zealanders who have mental health issues. I have spoken recently with the regulator and through the use of regulations and cooperation with the police it is our intention to focus on this irresponsible behaviour.Tracey Martin: In light of the answer to the primary question can he inform us how many services are being provided around the youth mental health area in the far north considering recent clusters of youth suicides in that area?Hon TODDMcCLAY: It is clear around the issue of suicide that it is a great challenge that many communities in New Zealand face. Recently we had statistics put out by the coroner that I recognise say there is some progress amongst sorrow in suicide numbers. In particular around menMāori and young people the numbers have dropped but I would say that any level of suicide is too high in New Zealand. I am happy to provide the exact numbers of services and beds available to the member afterwards. But this is an issue that communities all over New Zealand face. It is absolutely a tragedy when people of all ages take their lives. I think what we need to do is look for ways to find some of the very good work that is being done in some parts of the country and emulate that on a community-by-community basis.Hon Annette King: I seek leave to table a letter to me from the Lakes District Health Board showing that mental health funding to the NGO sector in that district health board was cut in the last financial year.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table that letter to the Hon Annette King. Is there any objection to that course of action? There appears to be none. It can be tabled.Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.