Te Rapuora - Maori Mental Health Services in Blenheim & Nelson

Adult Community Day Programme
(available in Blenheim and Nelson)
This programme is for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and wish to improve their life skills and overcome social isolation. You can ask your psychiatrist, GP or mental health caseworker to refer you to the programme. The programme operates in Blenheim and Nelson, Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Transport to and from the programme can be arranged if you are in the Blenheim area.

The Adult Community Support (available in Blenheim and Nelson)
Anyone may contact the service if they have any concerns about their own mental wellbeing or that of a friend or family member. The service accepts referrals from any source and is generally available from 8.30 am to 5 pm. Outside of business hours contact Crisis Team at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim.

Planned Respite (available in Nelson and Blenheim)
Planned Respite provides you with help, resources and support to give you a break away when and where you need it in a safe and supportive environment. There are different options available for your Planned Respite, including: a private home setting; staying with whanau, extended family or friends; motels or holiday parks if you would prefer a holiday type break in another location.
To use this service you must be referred from inpatient or community mental health services. Ask your caseworker if our service is appropriate for your needs and if you want more information just give us a call.

Planned Peer Support and Advocacy (available in Nelson)
This service provides advocacy and social support where necessary for Tangata Whaiora.

NASC - Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination Support (available in Nelson and Blenheim)
This is a tool to identify what supports are needed to help a person experiencing mental illness towards wellness. Cultural needs are assessed to ensure that Maori receive appropriate services, support and models of care. We encourage your whanau to be involved at the assessment (you may request for kaumatua to be present at any time). NASC can assist you to access DHB funded services. Referrals must come through the DHB Mental Health Services.

PATHS - Providing Access to Health Solutions (available in Nelson and Blenheim)
This is offered in partnership with PHO and WINZ. To apply for PATHS you must be on an Invalid's Benefit or Sickness Benefit; be unable to work because of a physical or mental health condition; be wanting to work. If accepted for PATHS it may for example: pay for that simple operation you've been waiting ages for; connect you to the right health service for help; support and encourage you; help with your job search.

Like Minds, Like Mine (available in Nelson)
This is a public health programme (not a treatment programme) with a focus on promoting positive community attitudes and behaviours that are inclusive of Maori with experience of mental illness. A group of Tangata Whaiora meets regularly and participates in the planning and service delivery of the programme. The group supports and provides training opportunities for Tangata Whaiora.

Location & Contact:
Blenheim: Opawa House, 69-71 Grove Road, Blenheim
Ph: (03) 578 3348 Fax: (03) 578 8034
Nelson: Te Whare Manawa Ora (Nelson), 14 New Street, Nelson
Ph: (03) 546 9997 Fax: (03) 546 9157