Supporting parents

Many tāngata whai ora accessing mental health, addiction, and other health and social services are parents who look after the wellbeing of their tamariki, while at the same time on their own journeys of hauora through wellbeing challenges.

In Aotearoa, almost 3 in 5 whānau are single-parent families or couples with children, and between 12 and 18 percent of mothers and 10 percent of fathers experience depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health issues during the prenatal period.

In this episode, host Alexia Black talks about parental mental health and addiction support work with guests Margaret Vitale (Odyssey) and Bianca Taute (PADA and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora).

1. Further resources for episode four - Please visit this link to learn more about parental mental health and addiction support.
2. Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Peer support workers in EDs

Visiting emergency departments (EDs) can be an overwhelming experience for people who are experiencing mental distress. Peer support specialists working in EDs can help improve support for people by providing empathetic and compassionate support, de-escalation, and linking people up with community supports.

Currently, peer support services have been established in eight EDs across Aotearoa.

Tune in to this episode to hear Dave Snell (Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora) and Hamish Bowker (Kites Trust) talk with Alexia Black about how the pilot project is going, and the strengths of having lived experience perspectives in ED settings.

1. Further resources for episode three - Please visit this link to learn more about peer support work in emergency departments.
2. Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Supporting older people

Older people have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share and contribute meaningfully to society. Yet, many older people feel ignored. Mental health challenges and addiction are common among older people but are often under-recognised.

This episode focuses on supporting older people in the mental health and addiction sector. Join guests Janeta Vasega (Vaka Tautua) and Lanie Palm (Equip) for a heart-felt kōrero with podcast host Alexia Black on how we can value, care for and work alongside older people and their whānau. An essential listen for anyone who works with older people, our taonga.

1. Further resources for episode two - Please visit this link to learn more about supporting older people.
2. Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Whānau support work

The first episode of season two kicks off with an in-depth kōrero on the vital role of whānau support workers in the mental health and addiction sector. Join Jade Caulfield (Yellow Brick Road) and Anne McGregor (Atareira) as they share their stories, experiences and insights with podcast host Alexia Black.

Whānau play a vital role in supporting the recovery and wellbeing of tāngata whai ora experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. How can we support them? What does it take to be an awesome whānau support worker?

1. Further resources for episode one - Please visit this link to learn more about whānau support.
2. Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Leadership and career pathways for support workers

Tremain Tauhinu has more than 30 years’ experience in intellectual disability and mental health services. From Mangere East, Auckland, he has worked in roles from labourer to property manager. Now, as a team lead at Mahitahi Trust, he supports tāngata whai ora with complex needs to re-engage with their communities.  He talks about career development and leadership for support workers. What are the opportunities and challenges for recruitment, retention and growth for the sector?

• Te Pou web page for support workers - Support work is incredibly diverse and makes up the largest proportion of the mental health and addiction workforce. Visit the Te Pou website to find more information and learning resources for support workers.
• Episode 4 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)

Reflective practice

Tashie Hoffman is a peer support specialist at Springhill Treatment Centre in Napier. After overcoming addiction and completing rehab, she stayed connected to the recovery community and was offered a role at the centre.  She talks about her journey, and the value of reflective practice in her mahi.

• Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.
• Episode 3 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)

Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma

Jonathan Miller is a team coach at Pathways in Auckland, managing a mobile community support team. With five years as a community support worker and two as a manager, he is passionate about support worker wellbeing. He talks to podcast host Alexia Black about his master’s research, which focused on support workers’ perspectives on their own wellbeing. Their kōrero covers vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, with some practical tips for support workers on how to look after their own mental health on the job. 

• Episode 2 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)
• Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Using your lived experience in your mahi

Join Izzy Young, a youth support worker for Real (Nelson), and James Huata, support worker from Moana House (Dunedin) as they talk to podcast host Alexia Black about how to use lived experience in your mahi.

They both share their personal journeys and experiences of struggle, healing and reconnection. They discuss how they use their lived experience in their daily life as support workers.

• Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.
• Episode 1 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)

Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series shines a light on the great work that support workers do.