October 2004 - Tracey Napa

Kia Ora, tena koutou katoa.

This month I had the privilege of attending the National Mental Health Support Work Forum, held in Dunedin. This conference was designed to inform and celebrate the expansion of mental health support work, and the innovative way in which support workers work within the community to improve the lives of people in recovery from mental illness.

Recovery is fostered in an environment of emotional support, hope and empathy, and during Mental Health Awareness week this month (10th-16th. It was our wish that people took a moment to reflect on how they could be more aware and supportive of those in the community who may struggle with mental illness.

I was most inspired to hear the stories of how support workers across the nation feel so passionate about their vital role in helping to make a difference in the lives of their clients. It is reinforcing to bear witness to testimonies of the support workers, and how rewarding they find their jobs. I admire the way they help people in the community access their potential for recovery, and help empower them to get in touch with their dreams and aspirations. A wonderful therapeutic rapport evolves as people move from strength to strength, through a journey of self-discovery.

The completion of the subtitled documentary, “Open Door,” is a project I feel particularly pleased with, all thanks to a multi-media expert and friend, Greg Callinan. The end result is an informative promotional video resource that will play an instrumental role in inspiring our Deaf clients to become involved in the Toi Ora Live Arts for Mental Health classes.

My vision for our deaf clients is that this video will be the first point of reference in helping to initiate participation and ignite the interest of clients feel that they would like to attend art classes run by professional tutors. The great thing about art is that it is a universal language, that does not need speech or hearing as a requirement.

Toi Ora provides a service that is of immense value to those with mental illness, and hopefully now that we can offer the subtitled video as an introduction to Deaf clients, they may benefit from the programme. The benefits will come in the way of fostering creative talent, improving confidence and sense of belonging, reducing social isolation, and providing a kosher place to explore personal interests and discover new or hidden strengths.

I would like to end with a poem by a keynote speaker at the National Mental Health Support Work Forum, whose presentation was simply awesome. The poem gives a glimpse of insight into the effective “Recovery Approach”.

Start with a childhood
Trauma or affliction
Suffer abuse in small doses
Thus inoculated
Grow up strong
Find passion in youth
For smaller things
Immerse in sea find a friend
Furry animal companion
Make a bond
Have a vision
For personal place
Enjoy time
Measured in season Take your time
Stand in a clearing
And wave a white flag Whisper greetings and
Salutations
Move forward slowly
Lay out a feast
With more than you need
Be generous in time
And warm with your hands
Show visible intentions
Be prepared Keep everything ready
An approach is
Always just
An approach

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