Nga Kete has developed a new group programme in response to consumer feedback.
The new group is named Wai Kimihia (To Come For Water) and has been designed for Addiction Services clients, offering an evening option.
Addiction Services Manager Pikihuia Ruffell says the new group came about through consumer feedback, which indicated a need for an evening programme incorporating the Te Rongo Pai support group along with Art Therapy.
Group facilitator Rod Allison says the participant-driven group is a safe environment to gain support and understanding, and utilize a creative contemporary approach, which may include art, drama, music, poetry, rational recovery, spirituality, dreams and mindfulness.
It provides an opportunity to explore new life, growth, strength and peace, he says.
“The idea behind this approach is to offer support to the consumer in a way that is interactive, hands on, creative and enjoyable that equips the consumer with a skill that may be used in everyday living. An opportunity to gain understanding that is practical that engages with their senses.”
Wai Kimihia is an open support group for alcohol, drug, and problem gambling clients as well as their whanau.
The group will commence Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 5.15pm at Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, Level 1, 92 Spey Street, Invercargill.
What is:
- Art Therapy – An opportunity for a person to explore themselves and their world in a non-threatening way. Each individual consumer interprets his or her own work and in the process, learn new skills and reinforce what is known.
- Rational Recovery – A way of learning about, recognising and interacting with, their own addictive voice. AVRT (or Addictive Voice Recognition Technique). Gaining coping skills for everyday situations.
- Creative Opportunities – An extension of Art Therapy, which may include writing, drama and other creative ways of encouraging and exploring new skills. To gain understanding in their own place.
- Spirituality – The journey of the spirit and the soul. A place to explore connectedness with self and the sense of “being” in this busy world. Explore individual “Higher Power” as an option for those involved in a 12 step programme.
- Dreams – A place to explore dreams through art and other creative medium. Thereby gaining skills in understanding of what may be unknown.
- Mindfulness – An opportunity to explore living in the moment (present) rather than being stuck in what happened yesterday (past) and what may happen tomorrow (future). A skill, or way, to manage life as it is.