Peer Support in Wellington ED

When someone arrives at an Emergency Department in crisis, it can feel overwhelming. Our Peer Support Specialists are here to be beside you, bringing empathy, understanding, and hope right when it’s needed most. They draw on their own lived experience of mental health or addiction experiences to offer support that is human.

This service became part of Wellington’s Emergency Department in March 2025 through a partnership with Te Whatu Ora and MHAIDS. It’s part of a nationwide effort to make mental health care more compassionate and person-led. As a peer-led organisation, Kites Trust brings the voice of lived experience into ED spaces, making sure support is grounded in connection, respect, and recovery.

Anyone experiencing mental health or addiction distress who comes to the Emergency Department whether you arrive alone, with whānau, or ambulance. If you’re feeling anxious, scared, or unsure what’s next, Peer Support can help you feel supported while you wait and guide you toward ongoing care.

• Immediate Support: Someone who understands is there reducing distress and helping you feel safe.

• Hope and Empowerment: Lived experience shows recovery is possible offering reassurance in a tough moment.

• Help you decide you next steps: We support you getting regulated and ready to decide what you need/want next

• Better Care Pathways: We can connect you to community services so support continues beyond the ED.

• Supporting ED Teams: By focusing on emotional and social needs, we free clinical staff to concentrate on urgent care.

Improved Outcomes: Peer support strengthens engagement, reduces repeat visits, and fosters wellbeing