AUCKLAND, TODAY: Actress and TV star Kimberley Crossman has become an ambassador for the Whau Mental Health Research Foundation, using her own struggles to highlight the need for more research into mental health in New Zealand.
The Foundation, previously known as Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation, funds and supports projects tackling a wide range of mental health issues, with a growing focus on women’s health.
Crossman has spoken openly about living with depression, anxiety, and reproductive health struggles. “What my personal experiences have shown me is just how underfunded and under-researched the mental health space is,” said Crossman.
“We know there are a huge number of New Zealanders who are really struggling with their mental health. I want to help shine a light on this space and support research that is making real systemic changes in how mental health is diagnosed and treated in Aotearoa.”
Currently pregnant after a long fertility journey, Crossman says the process gave her a new perspective. “This process really helped to open my eyes to a world that I knew very little about.
“My fertility journey hasn’t been easy and it has been hard on my mental health so it definitely was a catalyst for me to become involved in this space.
“Unfortunately New Zealand is facing a mental health crisis, with rising rates of mental illness and suicide, particularly among young people.” – Robert Kydd
“I know the Whau Foundation does amazing work in the anxiety and depression space. I am so thrilled that they are now starting a targeted women’s mental health fund because I think that is another area which is extremely under researched in New Zealand and obviously very close to my heart.”
Whau Foundation Chairman Robert Kydd says her involvement comes at a critical moment. “Unfortunately New Zealand is facing a mental health crisis, with rising rates of mental illness and suicide, particularly among young people,” said Kydd.
“The need for mental health research in New Zealand has never been greater and we are very thankful to have Kim lending her voice to our cause and raising awareness of the important work that we’re helping to fund and support.”
Kydd says the Foundation focuses on closing gaps in understanding and services by backing evidence-based research that delivers real-world results. “We prioritise evidence-based solutions and research that tells us what actually works in mental health care,” he said.
“Our goal is to reduce pressure on the healthcare system and provide better, more informed support to New Zealanders living with mental illness.”
The Whau Foundation has already helped deliver important outcomes, such as Dr Karolina Stasiak’s computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (cCBT), creating new-generation e-therapy for young people, and Dr Rose Crossin’s research into alcohol’s harmful impact on mental health.
- For more visit whaufoundation.org.nz
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