Let's get real is a framework that describes the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes required to deliver effective mental health and addiction treatment services.

It clearly outlines the expectations for people who work in these services irrespective of their role, discipline, position in the organisational structure, or what type of organisation they work in.

Let's get real isn't about creating a ‘generic' one-size-fits-all workforce. It is about creating a shared language and common understandings for the provision of effective services for service users. Let's get real aims to raise the quality of services, affirm best practice, improve transferability and increase accountability.

Let's get real is made up of seven skill sets. Each has a broad definition and three levels of performance indicators: essential, practitioner and leader. Values and attitudes underpin all the work of mental health and addiction services. They are expressed in action through each of the seven Real Skills.

Let's get real complements professional competency frameworks and provides a common foundation for specialist competency frameworks. By 2011, Let's get real will be part of the National Service Framework.

From 2009 until the end of the implementation phase (2011) services and education providers will begin the process of integrating the Real Skills and values and attitudes throughout organisational processes and training courses. Resources to support implementation will be released by Te Pou in mid-2009.

The Let's get real document is now available to download from the Ministry of Health.

Visit the Te Pou Let's get real website for more information.