Advocacy/Legal Services
Kaiapoi Community Support is a central place from which people in the Kaiapoi area can access information about a range of government and local services. We provide assistance to the community through our food bank and volunteer drivers, or by linking people to the appropriate helping agency. A coordinator, supported by a team of trained volunteers, is based at the Centre to provide information and a link to agencies. Kaiapoi Community Support was set up to support the local community in any way possible, and to initiate services that promote the wellbeing of people in the town.
Our services include: Safe emergency accommodation Advocacy and support Relocation to other areas Justice approved Education DVA (Domestic Violence Approved) programme for women, children and teenagers Public awareness Domestic violence training to government and non-government organisations
West Christchurch Women’s Refuge provides services for women, children and family/whanau affected by domestic violence. We provide a 24 hr crisis/support phone line, refuge safe house residential support services, community outreach services, Whanau Protect National Home Safety Service, support, advocacy and training and education to organisations and the wider community.
All MHAPS peer workers have personal lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges, and of working consciously with these experiences to move towards greater wellbeing. This work is more than just a job to us – it is about transforming our mutual understanding of our experiences, and giving expression to a freer and more dignified way of being in the world. Intentional Peer Support (IPS): IPS is a trauma-informed framework for creating safe yet transformative connections. IPS is founded on a willingness of both people to learn and grow, nobody is the helper and the point in not to “fix” you. We aim to grow a relationship that allows each of us to understand how we came to see things the way we do, and how we might work with our particular circumstances to find new possibilities, greater ease, confidence and fulfilment. We offer IPS for individuals and groups. We work through four tasks: building connection; exploring our own and each other’s worldview; practicing mutuality (two-way relationships); and moving towards what we want in our lives. Peer Advocacy: Peer Advocates are available to anyone experiencing mental distress and/or addiction or dependence issues. Advocates help you to have you voice heard in systems, and can assist you in resolving difficulties. Advocates can help with access to health care, addiction treatment access, complaints, housing issues, dealing with landlords, Work and Income, Oranga Tamariki, and more. Latnam 826 at MHAPS: Welcoming and comfortable weekend activity and social centre for people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges, located in the city centre. Awareness: Consumer leadership and participation forum. Learning Exchange: A range of daytime workshops, evening classes, themes evening talks. RecoveryWorks: 11-week programme to assist people with moderate to high anxiety to make positive and sustainable changes away from anxiety and into the life they would like to be leading. Quiet Minds: Weekly radio show on mental health issues. All MHAPS services are confidential and most are free (a small donation may be requested for some courses). We look forward to meeting you!
The Aranui Community Trust is based in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch. It is a vibrant diverse community with a sense of hope to develop together. Aranui Heartland services are available from the Aranui Community Trust. These services include: Partnership Community Workers Kiwisport Activator Early Childhood Education Coordinator Connectedness Coordinator Mower Shed Beneficiary Advisory Services Community Law Tenancy Protection Association Housing New Zealand/Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities Ara Institute of Canterbury B4 School Checks Fruit and Vegetable Co-op Green Prescription Heartland Coordinator Indoor bowls