Beyond words

The time for change is now. In 2025, Equally Well NZ is stepping up, calling on all partners, supporters, and advocates to take meaningful, measurable action toward closing the health equity gap between those who have health histories of mental health and addiction challenges and the general population.This is more than a campaign; it is a movement—one that demands real commitment, real progress, and real results.

We all agree, right? It’s unfair—unjust, even—that so many people have a lower quality of life and even a shortened lifespan through no fault of their own. I’m talking about those with lived experience of mental health and addiction challenges—people whose physical health needs have been ignored by the very systems meant to care for them. Why haven’t their physical health screenings been followed up? Why has their pain been dismissed instead of investigated? What will it take to lower a mortality rate that remains more than twice that of the general population? The latest research is clear: many of these deaths are preventable.

A movement for change

The Equally Well collaborative is pushing for change, but it’s an uphill battle. I’ve seen this firsthand as a long-time member of the Backbone team. Yet, I also know we have a powerful network of people across the country championing this kaupapa, advocating for the unmet physical health needs of those with mental health and addiction challenges. To those of you fighting this fight—thank you.

But we need more. We need this movement to grow. We need critical mass—the numbers and voices that make it impossible to ignore. We need to share what’s working, what isn’t, and most importantly, what action we can all take.

Let’s spotlight success stories—in your communities, your workplaces, and on the Equally Well website. Every action counts.

What you can do right now

Talk to the people around you.
Stay informed—know what the latest research tells us.
Join our Equally Well webinars.
Subscribe to our E-newsletter

And most importantly—call out diagnostic overshadowing when you see it. Too often, mental health and addiction challenges overshadow physical symptoms, leaving people without the care they desperately need.

That is not okay.

The system must do better. And we must make sure it does.

A year of action and activation

What does action look like? It’s about adapting, adopting, activating, and aspiring. We need to ask ourselves: What initiatives have already shown promise? What can we borrow from other regions and make our own? Where can we invest energy to ensure that no one is left behind? These are the questions that will drive us forward.

Your voice matters- the challenge

This is the time for action. We challenge all frontline workers, policymakers, researchers, lived experience advocates, whānau, and everyone invested in health equity. Let’s break down silos, remove systemic barriers, and ensure that equitable health outcomes are a reality.

The last word

Tell us your ideas big and small. What can we learn from each other? What’s already working, and what have we seen in other regions that we can adopt and adapt? We’ve developed a space on our website to collect your ideas www.equallywell.co.nz , or can you comment at the foot of this article

Join the movement at Equally Well NZ and help shape a future where every person has the right to good health—no exceptions.

Horizon Newsletter

The advocate for New Zealander's mental health