Te Whatu Ora Continues to Invest in The Loft

Cantabrians will be able to access more support in their local community following continued investment in The Loft's Digital Support Network through Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora's Mental Health Innovation Fund.

The funding will allow The Loft to continue operating and expanding its network of secure digital support tablets located in libraries, community hubs, educational settings, and other trusted spaces across Christchurch and Canterbury. Originally launched to reduce barriers to seeking help, the project gives people safe, private, and low-pressure ways to explore support options, access trusted local information, and connect with The Loft when they're ready.

Today, the network spans 27 locations across Canterbury, including libraries, community facilities, education providers, and major public spaces. We will soon be in the Christchurch Hospital waiting room.

The results to date demonstrate the value of creating new pathways into support. Since the official launch in May:

• More than 220 people have connected directly with The Loft through digital pathways

• The Loft's AI support chatbot has responded to over three hundred substantial enquiries

• Over 60 people have gone on to complete a full assessment with our Community Connectors

• Monthly website traffic has almost tripled, growing from around 900 visits per month to nearly 2,800 visits per month

• The network has recorded almost 3,000 tablet sessions in the past 90 days alone

The most common reasons people are seeking support include housing, food assistance, financial wellbeing, and mental health support.

One of the project's strongest-performing locations has been Christchurch's Bus Interchange, which recorded 770 sessions in the past 90 days, accounting for more than a quarter of all activity across the tablet network. Strong engagement has also been recorded across libraries and community locations throughout Christchurch and Canterbury, including Hornby Library, Stanmore Book & Post, Fendalton Library, and Parklands Library.

This is a timely announcement as we begin Mental Health Awareness Week, focusing on connection and belonging. While hundreds of people have connected directly with The Loft through the digital network, thousands more have independently accessed information and resources.

The continued investment will allow The Loft to strengthen and grow the Digital Support Network, ensuring more people across Canterbury can access support in ways that are safe, accessible, and centred on their needs.

Support doesn't always start with a crisis. Sometimes it starts with a quiet conversation, a search for information, or a visit to your local library.