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New Art Therapy Programme Launched

29/4/2016

Nga Kete has introduced a unique new programme extending its wrap-around service range.

Addictions Counsellor Rod Allison has developed the new Art Therapy Programme Aronui for people engaging in Nga Kete’s Addictions Services (including alcohol, drug and gambling).

Mr Allison says the programme includes elements of interactive drawing therapy and has been developed to enable participants to express themselves using art.

The aim of it is to reduce the harm of alcohol and drug use by exploring and understanding why participants use these substances and behaviours, he says.

The programme will include various art modalities including interactive drawing, free expression, role play, writing, painting, sculpting, pencil, charcoal and crayon.

Through art participants can explore the role alcohol and/or drugs plays in their lives, the impact it has on themselves, whanau and community, their attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and values, the actions and consequences of substance abuse, an understanding of self and a life without alcohol and/or drugs, Mr Allison says.

The eight-week pilot programme will begin on Monday.

If you think this is the programme for you, contact Nga Kete on (03) 214 5260 for a referral form.

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Audra Teepa joins the team

29/4/2016

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“If you can smile each and every day, your day will always be happy.”

These words emulate our newest member of staff Audra Teepa, who only joined the team this week but has already become a well known smiling face around the office.

Audra, who joined our Te Piringa Maori Public Health team, has a strong background in education and has been teaching Te Reo Maori for the past 12 years. However, she is excited about the change of scenery and is looking forward to learning the ropes here at Nga Kete and meeting different people from all walks of life.

Part of Audra’s new role will focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing for Maori, reducing access to the means of suicide and contributing to improved mental health.

Audra, who was born and raised in a little country town named Ruatoki in the Bay of Plenty and once specialized as a welder, moved south in the late 80’s/early 90’s and has since worked in the education sector.

A few weeks ago Audra attended a hui in the city about suicide prevention where she was approached by Daniel and Leoma Tawaroa about the possibility of a role at Nga Kete. The rest is history.

“I was inspired by them just asking.”

Audra brings her knowledge, skills and experience to the Kia Piki te Ora - Suicide Prevention team, with a focus on creating opportunities to support whanau, hapū, iwi and wider community.

Kia Piki te Ora – Suicide Prevention aims to reduce the incidence of suicide, suicide attempts and self inflicted harm that has such a devastating impact on whanau and communities.

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Whanau Centred Collaboration

11/4/2016

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Nga Kete is collaborating with a private Invercargill therapy centre to enable better access to health services for whanau in Southland.

Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha caught up with Dr Kay McKenzie and Lynley Wilton from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre after they approached her to discuss a collaboration proposal to enable the referring of patients between the agencies.

The collaboration is progressing with a pilot. Nga Kete can refer whanau where the barrier of cost is removed as an enabler to access.
By agreeing to collaborate, both agencies will be able to refer between one another allowing whanau access to therapy services they may not have been able to access otherwise. Whanau will also be referred from the Invercargill Child and Family Centre to Nga Kete’s full range of services which are free other than their general practice, He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre which is a very low cost access option for whanau.

Nga Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha is often on the lookout for relationships with reputable agencies and looking at ways to enable Whanau access to services in Southland.

“We will invest in opportunities that benefit whanau and we are delighted to be forging this emerging relationship with Dr McKenzie and her inspiring team,” said Tracey Wright-Tawha.

Dr Kay McKenzie said she had decided to approach Nga Kete because of the breadth of support it already provided in the community, its robust infrastructure and strong leadership.

Lynley Wilton continued: “We see a need and we just can’t meet it and that’s heart breaking but together we can offer so much more”.

Both agencies have a shared aspiration around Whanau ora (family wellness) and are working from the synergy of Aroha ki te Tangata. The women agree a successful outcome of the collaboration would contribute to resilient, strong and healthy Whanau in Southland.

Dr Kay McKenzie and NKMP CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha have plenty in common. The successful women both started their respective careers many years ago with the intention of making a change in the health and wellness sector in the south.

The Invercargill Child and Family centre is located on Esk St and provides a range of therapy services for Southlanders including psychology, counselling, family therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, occupational therapy and music therapy.

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New Art Therapy Programme Launched

Audra Teepa joins the team

Whanau Centred Collaboration

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