Ms Curran joined the trust’s board in Dunedin in November 2020, and said she was persuaded by its founder, Corinda Taylor, to step down in favour of taking a more hands-on role within the organisation.
"When I decide to get involved with something I get involved. I don’t sit on the sidelines, and I’ve been increasingly working alongside Corinda on things, and she approached me and asked if I would consider being co-manager," Ms Curran said.
Ms Curran’s position is a half-time role, which will allow her time to develop her new consultancy business and also to retain involvement in other boards she sits on, as well as her membership of the University of Otago council.
"I joined the Life Matters board and also became involved with the Night Shelter because that was what I loved most about my time as an MP, that direct involvement with and working with the community," Ms Curran said.
"This really is an essential service, even though it’s not a Ministry of Health-funded service, it is still fulfilling a vital role, especially as anxiety is growing rather than lessening in our society."
Ms Curran is also involved in Life Matters’ new "crisis cafe", where peer supporters meet on a casual basis with people in mental health distress at the Hope Centre on a Thursday evening.
"The crisis cafe is a real alternative for people who are in mental crisis to come to, rather than spend six hours sitting in the emergency department," Ms Curran said.
"It is a calm environment and there are people here who will listen and not judge and who can help you navigate through the health system."
