Seven community-led mental health projects have received government-backed funding to speed up access to everyday support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said today.

The money comes through the Mental Health Foundation’s Top Up community grants scheme, which is funded by government and linked to the Top Up campaign launched in August last year. That campaign promotes the Five Ways to Wellbeing — Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Be Active — and has run across TV, radio and digital channels.

“We’re focused on fixing the basics and building the future by supporting community organisations to step in early and provide support before people reach a point of crisis,” Mr Doocey said. He said the grants reflect different community needs, including Māori, Pasifika, rainbow, rural and disability communities.

The funded projects are:

• Tupu Oranga Ngātahi – Growing Wellness Together (Auckland): supports young parents and families to build everyday wellbeing habits through gardening, shared meals and learning.
• Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora (Hauraki): brings young people and families together to turn simple actions like walking, creating and conversation into regular wellbeing “top ups.”
• Moving with Mauri (national): produces accessible movement videos, starting with gentle activity and progressing to more confident physical activity.
• TOI WāHine (Bay of Plenty): helps women develop practical, everyday wellbeing practices.
• WELLfed Pēpē Māmā Programme (Porirua): supports pregnant mothers through shared cooking, learning and connection to reduce isolation and build peer support.
• Te Ara o te Hue – Wānanga for Wellbeing (West Coast): runs community-led workshops combining local culture, art, nature and traditional practices.
• Fa‘atauanau – Wellbeing in Grassroots Sport (West Auckland): integrates wellbeing into schools and local sports clubs for Pacific young people, creating safe spaces for conversation and connection.

“I want to acknowledge the Mental Health Foundation for the work they are doing on the ground and ensuring the resources are going where it’s most needed,” Mr Doocey said. “Support like this helps us deliver faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response.”

The announcement did not specify how much funding each project will receive or the timeframe for delivery.