Media release from Mental Health Foundation

Like Minds programme results in significant financial savings

In a speech given today at the Like Minds, Like Mine National Seminar in Auckland, Associate Minister of Health, the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, praised the programmes success, not only in the reduction of stigma and discrimination around mental illness, but also the financial benefit it has brought for New Zealand.

Dr Coleman highlighted that recent research undertaken by Auckland University showed that every dollar spent on the Like Minds programme saves the country over thirteen dollars. To quote Dr Coleman, "Reducing stigma and discrimination means that people are more likely to recover full social, family and economic participation. Recent research undertaken by Auckland University has indicated that the increased economic participation brought about reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness has a tangible financial benefit for New Zealand of over 13 dollars saved for every dollar spent."

Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says, "Such results give everyone working in the programme, and other mental health professionals, cause to celebrate. It goes to show that the work being done in our communities is really paying off in a whole variety of ways including financially."

Since being established thirteen years ago Like Minds, Like Mine has worked at both a national and regional level to create greater understanding of the issues around mental illness and the many ways individuals and communities can work together to reduce stigma & discrimination for with people with experience of mental illness.