A safe, creative environment

28 January 2009
Established in Whangarei in 1999 as a peer support service for mental health clients, Whau Valley Whaiora Support Trust has become a creative space providing a range of arts-based activities alongside and supported by peer and advocacy services.

Anyone in the community between the ages of 18 and 65, suffering from a mental illness and prepared to participate in our activities, is invited to apply for membership to Whau Valley Whaiora Support Trust.

Its contract with the Northland District Health Board specifies that the trust concentrates its efforts on the higher needs group: that is, those suffering moderate to severe mental illness.  It has a current membership of 90 with a daily average of approximately 25.

Each participant has individual needs, requirements and pathways to recovery and good health.  Whau Valley follows a recovery strengths model, working with individuals’ abilities, strengths and goals. 

Whau Valley provides a safe, creative environment with programmes that ensure participants can:

•    belong to a supportive community
•    access peer and advocacy support
•    explore and develop artistic expression
•    participate in social and outdoor activities
•    feel safe being who they are
•    become confident to pursue personal goals that may lead to disengagement from our service.

Whau Valley Whaiora Support Trust offers programmes in art, outdoor activities, peer support, indoor activities and art exhibitions.

Art

Mosaic classes, creative art (painting, paper-making, card-making etc), bone carving and pottery.

Tutored by both skilled artists and peer support personnel, these classes encourage creative expression and development of artistic skills; provide focus; build confidence, self-esteem, interaction skills and a sense of achievement; and the chance to make and give a handmade product.

Outdoor activities

This includes fishing trips, bush walks, camping, lawn bowls, beach trips and other sports. Facilitated by a trained outdoor education tutor, these activities provide interaction within the community, confidence, socialising and team-building skills.

Peer support

Provided daily through deck meetings, activities and within each class, peer support aids in recovery and provides support and confidence on a daily basis.

Indoor activities

Whau Valley offers both gym equipment and computer use at the centre. 

Art exhibitions

Whau Valley has its own gallery on site. In addition, it has at least one art exhibition each year in October (this year it held two exhibitions), in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week. These exhibitions showcase and celebrate the artists’ work, and makes the public more aware of issues and the stigma faced by those with a mental illness.  

Whau Valley’s programmes follow the school terms but activities vary from term to term. Opening hours are 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Please contact:

Christie Brophy, Arts Director
Whau Valley Whaiora Support Trust
237 Kamo Road, Whangarei, 0112
T: 09 437 0467
E: