Martin Cole appointed new Chief Executive of Comcare Trust

Comcare Trust is known in Christchurch as an innovative organisation that takes a practical approach to mental health and addiction, developing new services and doing what is necessary to assist people to overcome the barriers to independence and move forward.

Comcare Chair David Griffiths has welcomed the appointment, noting that Martin Cole has had considerable experience in the health sector in Christchurch and across New Zealand, most recently as Manager, Community Living Team Disability Support Services for the Ministry of Health.

Prior to that Mr Cole was Director of Services – Young People/Family Whānau Services and Intensive Support Services for Richmond Services, a nationwide Non-Government Organisation delivering health, disability and social services under contract to a range of Government Ministries and Agencies.

He also served as Director of Services for Cosgrove Care Ltd in his home town Glasgow before immigrating in 2005.

“His leadership is well respected in the disability and health sectors in New Zealand and Scotland,” David Griffiths said.

“Comcare has built a strong NGO that is making a difference to health outcomes of people in Canterbury. This is based on a package of support we have developed for customers with mental health issues, including community support work, our community integration service, support to get active, and more recently through our social housing development.”

“We emphasise the importance of building on people’s strengths, based on the belief that health improvement is gained from a whole of life approach.That’s something we will continue to do with our customers and mental health service stakeholders, drawing on Martin Cole’s own strategic focus and team management strengths.”

“Mr Cole is proactive in leading the development of new services which will help us to continue on the innovation pathway. We are pleased to provide Comcare with an opportunity to take the next steps and grow its position in the sector”.

Martin Cole says he is driven by improving outcomes for people and is looking forward to connecting and working collaboratively across the mental health sector to build on opportunities.It’s a good time to be involved in moving the New Zealand mental health sector forward,” he said.

For further information please email David Griffiths.