46054 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

46054 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter (January to March 2024) on the action area ‘Develop a skilled, enabled, culturally safe and responsive workforce that includes expertise from clinical and lived experience perspectives’ under ‘Objective 1: Create a full spectrum of services and supports’ within the Ministry of Health’s Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23 to 2024/25?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that in the January to March 2024 quarter, scholarships to support participation in study and recruitment into the gambling harm sector were open to applicants. Up to 33 recipients will receive scholarships and support over two years, including but not limited to those from priority population groups (Māori, Pacific, Asian, youth) and the lived experience community. During the quarter, applications were accepted and assessed. I am also advised that three national providers committed to including peer support provided by people with lived experience of gambling harm within their new service models. During the quarter, lived experience frameworks and advisory groups were developed, and staff employed into the peer support roles, among others. I also refer the Member to Written Parliamentary Questions 46044 (2024), 46045 (2024), and 46046 (2024).