Peer Support

Janeine

My story still to come...

Helena

There was a lack of hope for me when I became unwell. I was challenged by a lot of anxiety, hearing of voices and required support from family and mental health services. I found hope after knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. I believe recovery is possible especially if you know if one person can do it, so can you! In sharing and telling my journey of my ongoing recovery it’s my aspiration to be able to hold the hope for other service users. My role as a Peer Support Worker is also introducing the role to people in GP practices. I found writing poetry, having a few friends I can trust and understand me, reflecting on myself where I have come from in my journey, and arts and crafts has helped me so much. Having my son born this year has enlightened me to see I can do it when I remove negativity from myself and work on my barriers. Kia kaha.

Ati 

I am a fifty year old German male, living in West Auckland and Aotearoa for the last fifteen years. I was a sole child and mental wellbeing was of no concern to my family or myself when I grew up. I believed myself to be the one who is different, difficult and at fault when I wasn’t coping or performing to expectations. For the longest time I was play acting large parts of my life rather than living it. Many years and crises later I am very grateful for those individuals that at times have been at my side. I am grateful to the warm, curious and caring people that have supported me and taught me how to find more of myself. Peer support means to continue the journey towards growth and healing while acknowledging that by now I may have something worthwhile to offer to others.

Tui

I am a Ngapuhi woman raising a large whanau and believe that to be a strength on its own. I am a strong believer in the Te Whare Tapa Wha model that sets a platform in all aspects of my life. It is through my life experiences that has brought me here to where I am today. I prefer to say that I have a “living” experience in Mental Health. “Living” because I am constantly working on things and doing things to keep myself well. “Living” because I continue to face challenges in my life, some of which I overcome and some which I learn to be at peace with. “Living” because I continue to face barriers in my life. It’s working through these living experiences that I have been able to learn about myself, I have been able to allow myself to grow and been able to broaden my horizons. That’s when I recognised what Hope looked like. I’d like to share hope and I look forward to walking along side others on their journey. To celebrate strengths and wellness, and to promote independence and growth.

Jayne

My story still to come...

Sharon 

When an insightful friend told me he thought that my life’s theme was transformation through suffering I felt very despondent. For many years my struggles shrouded me like a shabby old overcoat. But by using mindfulness and Radical Acceptance practices I was able to slowly throw off that worn out old coat. Then it dawned on me that without suffering there couldn’t have been a transformation. Now I am honoured to be able to walk beside peers on their own journeys as they shed their own layers of struggle and discover the true preciousness of life.