Te Aka Whai Ora is investing $626,000 in Te Puawaitanga ki ?tautahi Trust to meet demand for services addressing mental health distress being experienced by hap? m?m? in Canterbury, informed by both m?tauranga M?ori and western clinical approaches. Wh?nau Whakapuawai was designed and developed by Te Puawaitanga ki ?tautahi Trust as a wh?nau-centred service. The programme provides holistic healing for m?m? who are experiencing distress during the first 2,000 days of their infant’s life. The service takes a ‘braided river approach’, integrating m?tauranga M?ori with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. The clinical pathway includes mental health assessments, psychoeducation, individual and wh?nau therapy sessions, and referrals to supporting agencies as required. Grounded in m?tauranga M?ori, wh?nau also have access to a Kaitohutohu M?tauranga to explore their whakapapa, cultural identity and customary practices, while being given access to rongo? to support their wellbeing.
A ‘drop in’ space or individual hui are also provided, depending on wh?nau needs and requests. In addition, in response to wh?nau identifying the need for increased connection, Te Puawaitanga ki ?tautahi Trust has also developed a weekly drop-in kapa haka session. As well as receiving individual support, m?m? can also take part in group pathways. They are:
- R?kau Mauri Ora: An 8-week narrative therapy group, which has a focus on developing skills in emotional regulation, uses mindfulness techniques, draws upon the wisdom of p?r?kau and m?tauranga M?ori.
- Ng?here Mauri Ora: The follow-on group programme is offered to graduates of R?kau Mauri Ora, which builds on the skills gained and has a focus on community and connection.
- Manu Tohu Tau: A peer support, tuakana-teina programme designed for graduates of R?kau Mauri Ora to become peer support/mentors for other w?hine experiencing mental health distress. Graduates realise their individual tino rangatiratanga enabling support for w?hine entering R?kau Mauri or requiring support in the community.
Kingi Kiriona, Deputy Chief Executive – M?tauranga M?ori from Te Aka Whai Ora, says Wh?nau Whakapuawai is an example of how utilising m?tauranga can result in more effective and holistic care that meets the needs of wh?nau.
“The Wh?nau Whakapuawai innovation was born out of a recognition that there was a significant gap in services to assist wh?nau experiencing maternal mental health issues in the Canterbury region.
“This funding is about creating spaces for M?ori where they feel safe enough to access the support that they need.”
So far, 103 wh?nau have gone through the pilot programme, with continued funding allowing Wh?nau Whakapuawai to be offered as a service for midwives to refer in hap?tanga and beyond.
Organisation
Country: New Zealand
