Man Alive News November 2007
Download print version of November 2007 Newsletter [464 KB PDF]
This year has been a real mix of consolidating what Man Alive does well and thinking forward to the future. We have experienced increases in client numbers in all areas of our core work: Living Without Violence programmes, Counselling and Youth. Importantly, we have placed a strong emphasis on improving quality. We have had a full independent clinical review and our new Clinical Manager is busy implementing improved systems and processes.
Alongside this we have launched an exciting new primary intervention programme in Pakuranga called 'Men in Relationships'. Initial feedback has been positive and we are looking forward to developing this in 2008. We have also seen increased interest in our Men's Change and Support Group and the Dads Alive programme.
We have a lot planned for 2008 around continuing to improve our services. We look forward to working alongside you in community into the New Year.
Chris Davidson, Chief Executive
NEW BROCHURES
We recently spruced up our brochures (including a brand new general brochure) and produced a new poster. Thanks to The Trusts Charitable Foundation for supporting this! Let us know if you would like us to send some copies out to you.
SPOTLIGHT
In this issue we turn the spotlight onto Ron Rolston, Man Alive Counsellor and Family Therapist:
Old, white (more correctly, graying) middle-class male (yawn)! That's what I come up with sometimes when I look in the mirror and wonder what others see. The great thing is there is more about me than what's reflected in the mirror. What-you-see-is-what-you-get applies in some ways but is not the full story by any means!
I am constantly reminded of this as I sit with people in the counselling room, whether it's one-on-one, working with couples or with whole families.
My work at Man Alive is all of the above and both challenges and invigorates. I love it! I've been a professional counsellor for 7 years. I am married (37 years) and love that too. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Two of the grands live in Italy so travel is something we do and also enjoy.
From time to time I like to blow the cobwebs out of my system through involvement with the Manukau Volunteer Coastguard. It's amazing to get out in some of that Wild West Coast water and assist people in difficulty, getting them back into sheltered, calmer water. It's a lot like counselling really!
Ron Rolston
FOCUS ON RESEARCH—WAITAKERE FAMILY VIOLENCE COURT
The report 'Counting on Protection: A Statistical Description of the Waitakere Family Violence Court' (Coombes, Morgan & McGray, 2007) was recently published.
This is the second report of an independent evaluation of the Waitakere Family Violence Court.
Man Alive plays an active role there through holding a presence each Wednesday and through working with many men who go through the Court. We provided the researchers with information to assist their analysis.
The report explores a number of questions in relation to overcoming systemic delays, protection of victims and holding offenders accountable. The research suggests an association between (Man Alive) programme completion and reductions in repeat offending, though it does raise a number of areas for further research in establishing the effectiveness of the Court and Man Alive programmes.
For further information contact the authors at Te Kura Hinengaro Tangata/School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North or visit the website: http://psychology.massey.ac.nz/news/psychnews.htm or download PDF: http://psychology.massey.ac.nz/pdf/Counting-on-Protection.pdf
NEW PROGRAMME – MEN IN RELATIONSHIPS
Supported by Child, Youth and Family we are piloting this programme in Manukau East from Anchorage Park Community House in Pakuranga.
We strongly believe more can be done at the primary / preventative end of the spectrum and are excited about what is developing with this programme. It has been welcomed into the community with a great deal of interest and a good number of men subscribing for the course.
Men in Relationships runs for 12 weeks and works with a number of themes such as anger management, stress management, family communication, team building and equal relationships, self-esteem and fathering skills.
Feedback from participants has so far been encouraging and we will be completing an evaluation upon completion. We are looking forward to what 2008 may bring for this programme.
WHITE RIBBON DAY
The Canadian men's movement launched White Ribbon Day in 1991 in response to men's violence against women. It is now an international day supported by the United Nations.
Man Alive was a strong supporter of action in Waitakere City in 2006. Again in 2007 we fully support the second annual March Against Family Violence. There were 63,000 incidents involving family violence in New Zealand in 2006. White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to publicly say – 'It's not OK!'
Details of the March:
- This Friday, 23 November
- Assembles: Waitakere Hospital 10.15am
- Ends: Civic Centre Henderson (approx) 11.30am
For more information on White Ribbon Day: www.nzfamilies.org.nz/white-ribbon.php
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.
Dads 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.