Young people in Nelson will soon have a dedicated place to access mental health and addiction support, with the city selected for a new Youth Hub expected to be operating by the end of 2026.
Eight young people from the Nelson region are already helping design the service, which will bring together counselling, peer support, primary care and specialist mental health and addiction services under one roof.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey last week announced Nelson was one of three locations selected for the first rollout of Youth Hubs, alongside Hamilton and Hawke’s Bay.
“The Government is investing $3 million to establish three new Youth Hubs that will make it easier for young people aged 16 to 25 to access mental health and addiction support, delivering on our plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response,” Matt says.
“We know the transition into adulthood can be a challenging time, and its critical young people have access to the support they need. These hubs are about making it easier to get help by removing unnecessary barriers.
“I have heard from too many young people that, in a time of need, the system can feel too fragmented, and they don't know where to go for help. Not knowing where to go or who to talk to has been reported as the reason for unmet mental health needs for about one in three children.”
Matt says the hub will remove that barrier by bringing support together in one place, allowing young people to focus on getting help rather than navigating the system.
“Importantly, young people are helping shape the design of the hubs, ensuring they reflect their needs and what works best for them. Young people should have a say in the support they receive, and these hubs put their voices at the centre of how youth mental health services are designed and delivered.”
The co-design process will continue through procurement, design and implementation to ensure young people remain involved in shaping the service.
A request for proposals for a Nelson provider expected to go to market by the end of August.
The location of the Nelson hub has not yet been confirmed and will be determined through the procurement process.
National candidate for Nelson Blair Cameron welcomed the announcement, saying it was encouraging to see Nelson selected as one of the first communities to receive the new service.
“I am really happy that Nelson is one of the three locations where these new youth hubs are being rolled out. It is a really positive step forward for supporting our rangatahi.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack also welcomed the announcement, describing it as an important investment in local youth services.
“I welcome the investment, especially following the recent closure of Whanake Youth,” she says.
“It will be important that the new service is set up with a genuine youth voice, so that the services are tailored to the needs of young people locally.”
