The Labour Party is urging the government to pause funding for the Gumboot Friday initiative, which is associated with mental health campaigner Mike King, following his controversial comments regarding alcohol and mental health. King stated during a Newstalk ZB interview that alcohol is not a problem for individuals with mental health issues and suggested it acts as a solution until a better option is available.
“I would suggest to you that alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives than it actually takes their own lives,” King remarked, sharing his personal experiences of using drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms for mental distress.
Reactions from Mental Health Advocates
The comments drew sharp criticism from the Drug Foundation, whose executive director, Sarah Helm, labeled King’s statements as “really unhelpful.” Helm expressed concern about the potential harm these views could have, particularly for young people struggling with mental health challenges.
“I’m really worried about this message and the harm it might do,” Helm stated. “These statements go against decades of work aimed at building awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.”
Helm emphasized that reaching for alcohol during distressing times, such as relationship breakdowns, can lead to tragic outcomes. She cited instances from the Child Youth and Mortality Review Committee, where alcohol consumption among groups contributed to fatalities when individuals were left in what appeared to be a happy state.
Alcohol’s Link to Mental Health and Suicide
Helm reiterated that alcohol is “really unhelpful during times of mental distress” and closely linked to suicide. While acknowledging that individuals often turn to substances during such times, she firmly stated that it is dangerous to label alcohol as a solution to mental health issues.
Labour’s mental health spokesperson, Ingrid Leary, echoed these sentiments, calling King’s comments “deeply problematic” and contrary to established research linking alcohol use with mental health issues, including suicide risk. She stressed that continuing to fund Gumboot Friday sends a misleading message to young people about alcohol as a treatment.
Government’s Position and Future Actions
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, while expressing respect for King and his contributions to youth mental health, disagreed with his assertions regarding alcohol. Doocey highlighted the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption in communities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing alcohol-related harm.
“The government is taking alcohol harm seriously,” Doocey said, defending the funding of I Am Hope, which provides counseling services for youth aged five to 25. He noted that the initiative allows an additional 15,000 young New Zealanders to access free mental health support annually.
Funding Controversies
The procurement process for the Gumboot Friday funding, totaling $24 million over four years, has come under scrutiny. Earlier in October, the Auditor-General criticized the process as “inconsistent and unusual,” indicating that the funding was directed to a specific supplier rather than a broader policy initiative.
Leary remarked that King’s recent comments exacerbate the existing issues surrounding the funding process. She expressed concern for non-governmental organizations that employ evidence-based approaches to mental health support and lamented their inability to compete for these funds to assist young people in need.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding Mike King’s comments and the future of Gumboot Friday funding underscores the complexities of mental health discourse in New Zealand. As stakeholders continue to address the implications of alcohol on mental health, the call for cautious and evidence-based approaches to support those in need remains a priority.
Related topics:
