New Peer Support Group for tangata whaiora in Lakes

28/02/2025

A new drop-in peer support group will provide support for tangata whaiora both in the Whare Whakaue mental health inpatient unit and in the community.

LinkPeople Peer Leader and Peer Group facilitator, Gavin Pike, says the weekly support groups aim to provide support and encouragement to tangata whaiora to practice self- management, stress management and build on communication skills. It will also share relevant knowledge and health-based information.

In addition, the group is an opportunity for tangata whaiora to explore the Peer Workforce space and to look at what that looks like for them.

Peer support meetings are each Wednesday.

• Community Based Peer Support is each Wednesday from 11am – 12pm

      At LinkPeople offices, Level 1, 1213 Haupapa Street, Rotorua.

• Whare Whakaue Inpatient Unit is each Wednesday from 1pm – 2pm.

Gavin Pike says Peer Support groups are complimentary to clinical treatment and have proven to reduce admissions into acute settings.

This is because peers can share their lived experience (LEX) journeys and support people on their own journey to wellness.

Gavin adds that there will be opportunities through the peer support group to attend the Peer Support Induction training, delivered by the Peer Leader at LinkPeople.

The training aims to grow the LEX (Lived Experience) space across Lakes and / or other regions. Scholarships readily available for LEX.

The aims of the Peer Support Group are to

• Provide tāngata whaiora with information and knowledge about relevant topics.
• Encourage tāngata whaiora to practice health self-management, stress management and build on communication skills for long term goals.
• Provide support, encouragement and an opportunity for sharing personal problems while working towards appropriate solutions.
• Support and promote independence.
• Encourage opportunities for mutual support.
• Share specific health-based information.
• Assist tangata whaiora to develop skills and build confidence.
• Support tāngata whaiora gain access to local community-based services and information.
• Respect the different ways that tangata whaiora cope with the trauma.
• Respect and acknowledge each tangata whaiora social values, cultural and religious individuality.
• How do we achieve this? By applying the recovery principles with a focus on SMART method and strengths-based practices.

Daniel Elazegui (occupational therapist MHAS), Rawinia Te Rangipuawhe (activity facilitator MHAS), Jacob Hae (activity facilitator MHAS), Gavin Pike Peer (Leader Lived Experience, LinkPeople Lakes).