“Working Together” was written by the Kites Trust to advance the Ministry of Health’s knowledge of how to obtain and integrate input from mental health service users in its policy, legislative, service and system development work. “Working Together” is based on consultation (via questionnaires and interviews) with members of consumer organisations, individual consumers and representatives of relevant government agencies. Also included is a small-scale review of relevant international and New Zealand literature. “Working Together” is included on the Ministry of Health website because the Ministry recognises that it may be of interest to the wider sector. Nevertheless, its inclusion does not imply Ministry of Health endorsement.
Methodology
Our investigation involved wide consultation with consumers, staff from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, undertaken between December 2004 and June 2005. We held meetings with groups and individuals, consulted via teleconferencing, and distributed questionnaires to consumers and staff in the government agencies. We also established a Wellington-based Advisory Group that has provided information and advice throughout the project.