Welcome to the website of Balance Aotearoa's
Whanganui based Peer Support & Advocacy services
At Balance Whanganui, our peer support services are provided on the understanding that mental well-being rests in a much bigger picture of wholistic well-being which includes all the factors acknowledged in the Maori model of health "Te Whare Tapa Wha" : Taha tinana (physical health);Taha wairua (spiritual health);Taha whānau (family health);Taha hinengaro (mental health). We see this as applying just as much for Pakeha as Maori, though of course it may take a different expression (as it does for each individual within their cultural group also).
Our way of supporting Tangata Whaiora (those seeking wellbeing) is by providing:
- peer workers being who they are provide role models in hope and provide recovery education in strength-based approaches to mental health and addiction issues and life struggles.
- a wide range of weekly groups and activities aiding holistic wellbeing.
- social connection.
- one-on-one support.
- advocacy.
Balance Whanganui also provides practical tools to regain wellness and reduce hospitalisations, such as Wellbeing & Resiliencey Action Planning (WRAP).
At Balance Whanganui we emphasise growing safe, healthy relationships.
All our staff our trained in Intentional Peer Support and the Art of Facilitating Self-determination which both have relational safety at the heart of their kaupapa. We are currently developing a programme Korimana which will weave in all the other elements of Te Whare tapa Wha.
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