Man Alive News Summer 2009
Download print version of Summer 2009 Newsletter [1,277 KB PDF]
We are entering an important time for social service organisations. Amongst the doom and gloom of economic and environmental crisis, it is important we remain focused on the key role we must play in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities.
The last few months have been busy for Man Alive as we look toward tomorrow's needs. In particular, we have been putting energy into developing our preventative programmes. Men in Relationships ran in Manukau East and Waitakere City in 2008, and we are now planning to expand delivery in 2009. Strong participant and partner feedback from Men in Relationships led us to develop the new Couples in Relationships programme, due to be piloted beginning this month.
We are gearing up to review our core Living Without Violence and Te Ara Taumata Ora programmes. To this end we have begun working with internal and external stakeholders on how to improve their effectiveness. Development work will continue throughout 2009.
Further to this we began delivering Te Ara Taumata Ora in Whangarei, Kaikohe and Dargaville earlier this year. We are excited about working with Northland communities and have received a warm welcome from many key stakeholders in the area. We acknowledge the excellent work previously and currently being done in the region and look forward to engaging and collaborating in the North to explore how we can compliment existing efforts to reduce family violence.
This year will be a challenge. Referrals have skyrocketed. Arguably the 'Family Violence – It's Not OK' message is reducing social tolerance for family violence. We hope so. We are up to the challenge of doing what we can to support this message thus creating safer communities for us all.
Chris Davidson, Chief Executive.
The team creating a new garden!
SPOTLIGHT
In this issue we turn the spotlight onto Brad Cameron, Man Alive Youth Counsellor and Group Facilitator:
Kia ora, I'm Brad Cameron.
I joined the crew here back in 2006 and have been thrilled to be part of a developing team focussing on supporting troubled youth through their adolescent journey, a challenging time we can all (memory willing) reflect back on in our own lives.
My personal search for meaning in my life caused a serious change in my career course in 2003 when I went back to University to retrain as a counselor. From there I connected with Man Alive and for the last two years have been part of the growing youth team.
We run a Boys Alive group Programme for 8-12 year olds, involving a camping experience with wilderness challenges, activity days, and a fun and supportive learning environment for young men to begin to realize their full potential.
We also offer individual counselling, and I'm proud to now be helping Man Alive launch a new youth service in Manukau East from February 2009. I have been working with Manukau youth one day a week at the Highland Park Community Centre.
Brad in action
The energy of the work we're doing and the areas we are growing into to support the needs of men and boys in our community is tremendously rewarding, and I'm looking forward to the many future services we can offer our wonderful young men!
Brad Cameron
NEW PROGRAMME - COUPLES IN RELATIONSHIPS
Evaluations over the last 18 months from the successful Men in Relationships programme clearly identified a need to develop a 'next step' for couples to work together in a group to develop new understandings about how to have a successful relationship.
Pilot funding was obtained from the Manukau City Council and the Lion Foundation and the first programme is ready to be delivered in March 09.
Couples in Relationships is a 12 week course in making stressed and challenged relationships revitalised and renewed. It is designed to deal with relationship conflict and communication and create happier couples.
Note: Couples and Men in Relationships are preventative programmes aimed at self referred clients and explicitly exclude Court mandated referrals, for whom we offer the Court approved Living Without Violence programme.
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.
Men in Relationships
A 12 week course that could change your family and work life. A course designed to help you deal with stress and conflict. It will help you come closer to your family. Programmes in Manukau East and Waitakere.
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.
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, including our new 'Garden Room' which is separate to our main building.
For further information on any of the above, please phone us on 835 0509 or email info@manalive.org.nz
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS!!!
The great work our team has been doing has been made possible through the generous support of the community, including recent grants from:
- ASB Community Trust
- Community Organisations Grants Scheme (COGS)
- JR McKenzie
- Lottery Community
- NZ Post
- Portage Licensing Trust
- Waitakere City Council
- Waitakere Licensing Trust
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.
