Man Alive News February 2007

Chris Davidson

It's great to be here! For those who I haven't met, I came on board mid-way through last year. It has been an exciting time and I have very much enjoyed working with the Man Alive team and getting out and meeting the community. For those I have met, thank you for welcoming me into the community.

I plan to get newsletters out periodically through the year to keep you informed of the work we are doing and the general 'goings on' at Man Alive.

We have recently relaunched our youth programme, began a fathering course, a mens support group and embarked on the strategic planning process. Our core programmes of Living Without Violence and one-to-one Counselling continue strongly.

I hope you enjoy our newsletter. If you wish to know more about Man Alive, please give us a call, and you are more than welcome to come by for a visit.

Chris Davidson, Chief Executive

FATHERING

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We are providing a ten week skills based programme for fathers of children of all ages. The couse is based on the SKIP programme and is facilitated by Joe Waru.

Joe provides a place where fathers of all backgrounds can share their experiences of fathering in a safe and nonjudgemental environment.

We ran this programme as a successful pilot late last year. The positive feedback from the participants made this a priority for this year. Research shows responsible fathering results in healthier communities, healthier fathers and mothers and healthier more stable marriages, leading to outcomes for children that include:

Contact us for further information, the details are:

THE YOUTH TEAM

Thomas Felton - Man Alive Youth Coordinator

It's an exciting time for the youth department at Man Alive. We have two dedicated youth counsellors, Thomas Felton and Brad Cameron. Together they have a wealth of training, experience and enthusiasm. They provide a dedicated youth counselling service for both general and specialist anger management issues as well as group programmes for male boys and adolescents.

The Boys Alive programme for boys aged eight to twelve years has been so successful that we are expanding into a local primary school. This eight week, fun, action packed programme is for boys who have a lack of positive male role models, behavioural difficulties, or issues around anger, emotion, relationships, social isolation, communication, self-esteem and identity. We are currently taking enrolments for term two.

At the end of term one we will be running three, one day Respect courses, for eight to twelve and thirteen to fifteen year olds (24 March, 31 March, 1 April). These are designed to help male youth respond to aggression and bullying through selfcontrol as taught in the martial art of Aikido. There is no charge for this course and lunch is provided. Enrolments are currently being taken.

During 2007 we are looking to expand the programmes and services Man Alive provides to the West Auckland community. We will be re-starting our very successful 'Journey to the Falls' programme and welcome feedback on how best to serve the community.

Thomas Felton - Youth Coordinator / Counsellor (B.Ed, PGDipEd(Couns), MNZCCA, MNZAC)

SPOTLIGHT

In each Newsletter, we plan to put the 'Spotlight' on one of our staff, to help bring you more into community with us. In this issue, the focus is on Rick Currie. Rick writes:

Rick Currie

I'm Rick Currie, Man Alive's most recently appointed Counsellor.

I'm currently working from Henderson on Monday's and Wednesday's, and I also work in Glen Innes at the Marae on Tuesday's and Tuesday evenings, facilitating the Men's Living Without Violence Group with Mike Redmond.

I've been with Man Alive for over three years, originally starting as a trainee participant in our Living Without Violence programmes, graduating last year as an accredited facilitator for these groups.

I'm also currently completing my studies with H.D and T for a diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy. In addition to this I'm also a member of the Family Therapy team and a Solo Telephone Counsellor at Youthline, practicing at their Ponsonby Centre.

On a personal front I live with my partner Rowena and my youngest daughter Emily on the North Shore. As the picture suggests I'm an old rocker playing drums for our band Two Left Standing (I've been playing the drums for over 30 years in various New Zealand bands). My other interests are fishing, New Zealand music and movies, family and surfing. I'm looking forward to meeting the many people associated with Man Alive in the not to distant future.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Man Alive is nearing the end of its Strategic Planning process.

We have reached the stage where we want to hear voices from the community. We were formed out of a direct community initiative and it is important to draw on it to help us identify the way forward.

We will be holding a planning day at the beginning of March. We will ask what you know about us, the challenges you believe we must face and what you want from Man Alive now and into the future.

We aim to do this in an innovative (and fun!) way. We are at an exciting point in our development where community input can make a real difference.

The day is open to all organisations with an interest in Man Alive, the details are:

Date
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Time
9.30am to 12.30pm
Location
Man Alive Rooms, 11 Edmonton Road, Henderson

Please RSVP to Chris Davidson, primarily for catering purposes: chrisdavidson@manalive.org.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

We have two vacancies at present, if you know of someone who will be great in either of these roles, please let them know:

Clinical Manager

We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Manager to lead our counselling and group programmes. We are going through dynamic and exciting changes. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role. We need someone who can consolidate and expand the services.

Client Coordinator

The Client Coordinator's responsibilities include attending to all incoming enquiries, enrolment of clients into counselling or group programmes, support of office, facilitation and counselling staff, maintenance of the client database and client files and liaison with community agencies and networks.

For detailed information on either of these positions, please phone Chris Davidson on 835 0509, x801 or chrisdavidson@manalive.org.nz

IN BRIEF

Living Without Violence and Te Ara Taumata Ora

Over ten years, Man Alive has developed a unique approach to non-violence courses. Participants work in a group of 16 men with two facilitators, once a week for two and a half hours. We'll also arrange one-to-one counselling if it's needed. Our programmes will not blame, shame or judge men, however they will be encouraged to take responsibility for their violence and understand there is no excuse for abuse.

Men's Change and Support Group

Men often find themselves in situations where they are expected to deal with big change in their lives and with little support. This group is an open, easy-going group of ordinary guys who have had crisis and change in the past, helping men who are going through hard times now.

Room Hire

Man Alive is based in Cranwell House, situated in park like grounds in the central Henderson shopping area. There is extensive parking across the road and we are a two minute walk to Westcity, Westwave and the Henderson shops. We offer a range of room options at affordable rates to community groups, ranging from small groups up to 75 people.

For further information on any of the above, please phone us on 835 0509 or email info@manalive.org.nz

DONATIONS

Thanks for supporting Man Alive. Our programmes help many men and families in our community work through some of their toughest times. Please contact us for information on how to further help us in our work.

Is there a person or organisation you think would be interested in receiving this newsletter? Point them to the ManAlive contact form, where they can subscribe.

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