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 Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm in Blenheim and daily in Nelson. 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. If you need an after-hours appointment just phone us and we will strive to make suitable arrangements. Outside of business hours contact Crisis Team at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim.

Tamariki/Rangatahi Service /Child and Youth Mental Health
(available in Blenheim and Nelson)
This service is for all children aged 0-18 years of age and their whanau. We accept referrals from any source.

The Targeted Youth Health Service (TYHS)
This is a primary healthcare service, the purpose of which is to:

The development of this service will help link students with primary health care providers. The TYHS should also lead to improved access to appropriate services such as mental health, drug and alcohol, nutrition, weight and exercise service, and positive youth development programmes.
The service will aim to improve youth health by improving access, assessments and referrals by giving students in low socio-demographic circumstances the opportunity to access a youth health nurse.
The focus of the service is on improving outcomes for individuals and reducing inequalities, supporting early detection and treatment of problems related to vision, hearing, behaviour and development, and other health and disability conditions to facilitate learning, school performance, and positive youth development.
In addition, this service will aim to provide overall improvement in the provision of services to young people in this district by providing:

Services are expected to contribute to reducing health inequalities and achieving Maori health objectives in particular, targeting services to impact on asthma, diabetes, injury prevention, smoking, hearing, mental health, oral health and immunisation, including violence prevention.

Planned Respite (available in 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)
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)
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