Man Alive News June 2007
Download print version of June 2007 Newsletter [183KB PDF]
Much has happened in the few months since our last newsletter! We have completed our Strategic Plan for the next two years. We have updated our website to reflect the changes going on here at Man Alive (www.manalive.org.nz).
We have been investing in the maintenance of Cranwell House, the gorgeous old villa in Henderson we have the privilege of working from. We have contracted independent consultants to review our clinical procedures and policies to ensure we are delivering to best practice.
Further, we are in the process of building a new group room to improve our capacity to deliver services to our community. Our thanks go out to the ASB Community Trust for their support of this project.
In this issue we introduce you to our new Clinical Manager. Jim Heays comes with an excellent reputation having managed Family Works Waitakere for the last four years. His professionalism and commitment to the work will be welcomed.
We have also welcomed Waata Tupe onto the team, our new Client Coordinator (see 'Spotlight').
The 'Fathering Our City' report was released in May. We report on some of the findings and what we are doing about them. It has been an invigorating few months. Thanks again to you, our community, for supporting us in this work.
Chris Davidson - Chief Executive
NEW CLINICAL MANAGER
Kia ora, my name is Jim Heays. I have just been appointed to the role of Clinical Manager with Man Alive. I have a range of life experiences to draw on, from spending the first 30 years of my life living on farms in the Mid-North, followed by overseas travel (attending a range of courses and situations that enabled me to gain deeper clarity into my life purpose) through to beginning my BSW degree at Massey University in 1994.
I have worked in the social services since completing my studies, and have been the Service Manager at Family Works in Waitakere (formerly James Family) for the last four years. This has been an exciting and challenging role that included managing and supervising a team of up to 12 Social Workers and Family Counsellors.
I have developed professionally and personally through this experience. I was blessed by being part of a team committed to best practice and all that encompasses. I have been both challenged and supported with this team, all good 'grist for the mill'.
I am committed to supporting our community through working in this sector. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of supporting front line workers to be as effective as they can whilst remaining motivated, accountable and safe in their work.
I think we are blessed to have Man Alive within our community and are looking forward to contributing to the great work it does for the men and their families residing within Waitakere City and greater Auckland.
Jim starts with Man Alive early July.
SPOTLIGHT
Tena koutou katoa, I'm 21 year old Waata Tupe, Man Alive's Client Coordinator. I have been recently appointed. It is my responsibility to assist our counsellors and facilitators in ensuring all our clients receive the best standard of service possible. I have been involved with Man Alive now for about two months, it gives me great pleasure interacting with the people who are associated with the agency.
I have been an entertainer for at least ten years, professionally singing all over the country and appearing on various television programmes (for example, second place on a popular TV series called McDonalds Young Entertainers in 1997). I am also a part of the Waitakere Christmas Fesitival Trust as an entertainer.
I am proud to call Waitakere City my home. I live in the Waitakere Ranges with my four horses and dogs and of course my whanau. My general interests are music, dancing, good food and meeting people.
I am thrilled to be part of such a giving organisation. I am available for all general enquiries and assistance from 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
An important part of this role is to maintain and build relationships between ManAlive and the community in general. I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead and meeting you all.
Kiaora Waata Tupe
FOCUS ON RESEARCH - FATHERING
The 'Fathering Our City' report written by Warwick Pudney and commissioned by Te Korowai Manaaki - Great Start Waitakere and Violence Free Waitakere was released at the Waitakere City Fathering Hui on 16 May.
It raises some serious concerns and poses a number of challenges for our community. Some key points made are:
- Fathers have a powerful opportunity to demonstrate a respectful, loving and equal relationship with women
- Fathers hold aspiration for their children and so give a sense of future
- For both boys and girls, love and dependency can become confused without a father
- Fatherless males are 5 times more likely to suicide
- Under-fathered girls are more likely to become pregnant
- The under-fathered child is more likely to use drugs
- Fatherless boys are 20 times more likely to end up in prison
- Fatherless boys are 9 times more likely to drop out of high school
The report outlines a number of recommendations for Waitakere City. A network was formed from the meeting to be coordinated by Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust to maintain momentum on the issues (for information on the network contact either Man Alive or the Trust).
Man Alive has responded to these issues through recently launching the Dad's Alive programme and through our Men's Change and Support Group. Contact Man Alive for a copy of the report.
MENSLINE
Man Alive is a big supporter of Mensline, they are currently seeking telephone counsellors, the following is a message from them:
At Mensline we want to provide a strong telephone counselling service to the men of our city and country. We are looking for 4-5 men with a background in counselling and a proven desire to help men to staff the Mensline telephone line each evening.
These are paid positions. We particularly want men who can make a strong connection with our callers. To register your interest please ring Denis on 09 524 3080 by Monday 2 July.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Our Governance Committee recently signed off the strategic plan. The community engagement that took place through a series of forums directly shaped the outcomes. The business plan that will emerge from this will directly address a number of the key issues arising in those forums.
The plan continues the consolidation and foundation building work that has been going on at Man Alive for the last 12 months, and begins building towards new community focused services for the future:
| Goals | Objectives |
|---|---|
1. OrganisationalMan Alive will develop and maintain structures and systems that reflect best practice in governance, financial management, communications, staffing and resources |
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2. ProgrammesMan Alive will provide relevant, effective and innovative programmes that enhance men in communities. |
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3. CommunityMan Alive will identify and respond to the needs of men and boys in the community |
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IN BRIEF; MAN ALIVE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES
Living Without Violence and Te Ara Taumata Ora
A unique approach to non-violence courses. 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.
Individual Counselling
All men have times when they 'hit the wall' ... we're here to help them move though it. Counselling for men by men and family and couple counselling.
Youth programmes
Boys Alive, an action packed group programme and one-on-one counselling. Helping youth understand and devlop personal responsibility.
Mens Change and Support Group
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. Dad's Alive How do I protect my kids from this scary world? How do I teach them respect? For ordinary guys who just want to be a better Dad.
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.