Wellbeing is defined as the capacity to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and respond to the challenges we face. It recognises the importance of culture, diversity, equity, social justice and personal dignity. It forms the basis on which individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi and communities are able to thrive.

Well individuals contribute to well whānau, communities, schools and workplaces, economies and society.

Public, social and economic policy, urban planning, the law, environment and human rights all impact on wellbeing. Social agency, participation and connection are key determinants for thriving Assessing the impact of public policy and programmes on wellbeing contributes to a more thriving, inclusive and equitable society.

What is Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment?

Developed in the United Kingdom, the Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment (MWIA) is rooted in the Health Impact Assessment methodology with a specific focus on mental wellbeing.

The process identifies determinants that potentially have either a positive or negative impact on individual or collective wellbeing. Once identified, actions and indicators are developed to maximise positive outcomes and provide ways to measure the impact going forward. MWIA provides a structured, evidence based analysis of how policies, proposals and programmes might influence wellbeing of whānau, hapū, iwi or communities. With wellbeing and mental health being two government priorities, MWIA provides an ideal methodology for supporting system reform to reorient to a wellbeing focus.

Internationally, the MWIA tool is used by government departments, local government, planning authorities, health and social service sectors, NGOs and advocacy organisations.

An independent first level review of evidence to assess the effectiveness of the MWIA process concluded that there is strong evidence that the tool makes a difference to the way public policy and initiatives are implemented.

Examples of how the MWIA can be applied

Public and social policy
Applying a wellbeing lens to new or review of public and social policy and government programmes

Community advocacy
Using MWIA to inform political or social advocacy and submission processes

Major infrastructure projects
Identifying the wellbeing implications of major projects for whānau, hapū, iwi or communities.

Climate change & Disaster recovery planning
Support strategies for coastal or drought prone communities likely to be impacted by climate change or reoccurring extreme weather events

Urban Planning and design
Incorporating wellbeing principles in new housing and suburb development

Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment Tool Training

Become competent in undertaking a mental wellbeing impact assessment. Register for the Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment Tool five-day training program.

​Workshop 1: (2 days)

• Defining mental wellbeing

• Social, economic and cultural determinants of wellbeing

• MWIA framework and its applications

• Examples of how MWIA can be applied

• Establishing the MWIA question: what impact do you want to assess and who do you want to influence?

• Identification of participants’ MWIA projects

• Mentoring and buddy scheme for projects

Workshop 2: (1 day)

• Screening and scoping of a MWIA

• Appraisal process - gathering and assessing the evidence

• Identification of potential positive and negative impacts

• Finalising participants’ project

Workshop 3: (1 day)

• Identification of indicators and recommendations

• Writing the MWIA report

• Participants' projects progress updates and peer review

Workshop 4: (1 day)

• Using the MWIA report to influence change

• Evaluating Impact

• Participants’ presentations on their Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment reports

​Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment Projects

Participants will be supported to undertake a mental wellbeing impact assessment on a work related project. The training program is spread over six months giving sufficient time for participants to progress their assessment and to receive peer review and feedback on each of the training days. On the final day participants will present on their MWIA.

Course Dates - 2020
Workshop 1: Monday 24 & Tuesday 25 February (2 day workshop)
Workshop 2: Tuesday 24 March
Workshop 3: Tuesday 28 April
Workshop 4: Tuesday 16 June