“One in five New Zealanders have anxiety or depression, but not everyone will talk about or role model what recovery looks like. Peer Supports do.”
Peer Support Specialists across a number of organisations in Counties Manukau have been working together to raise the profile of Peer Support services in our region. In this video, created by Peer Potential Governance Group and Counties Manukau AOD & Mental Health Collaborative, with support of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Counties Manukau Health, we describe what Peer Support is all about.
Peer Support Specialists engage with both whaiora and whaanau, supporting them to achieve their goals. Peer Support services have been able to engage with Maaori, rainbow and rangatahi/youth communities in a way that enhances their strength.
In addition to partnering with Counties Manukau Health, Peer Support services are at the front-line of our COVID-19 response. Community Connectors, both Peer Support and other workers with lived experience have been employed to work with people in Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities, supporting them to integrate back into New Zealand’s culture and society, access physical and mental wellbeing resources, and connect with New Zealand life.
Counties Manukau Peer Support programmes are an example of partnership in action, developing the leadership skills of the Peer Support workforce in the future.
To find out more please visit http://www.aodcollaborative.org.nz/promoting-understanding-of-peer-support, and contact us with your feedback and questions.
- Janice Mcgill, Peer Development Lead - Pathways, mcgill@pathways.co.nz
- Elizabeth Downes, Associate Professional Leader Peer Support - Counties Manukau Health, Downes@middlemore.co.nz
- Debby Sutton, Programme Manager Improvement & Development - Odyssey, debbys@odyssey.org.nz