New community based Health services for Maraenui

MARAENUI URBAN RENEWAL TRUST

“A safe, healthy and connected Maraenui”

Maraenui Urban Renewal Trust Press Release

15th August 2008

New community based Health services for Maraenui

Maraenui Urban Renewal Trust in Partnership with Hawkes Bay District Health Board Addiction Services and Hawkes Bay Regional Problem Gambling Services are pleased to announce the success of a drop in centre from the office of the Trust at 3 Longfellow Ave.

Mark Roberts HBDHB Addiction Service Clinical Leader said; This is a positive move to offer our services from within Maraenui, we have a large client base there and it is easier for them to come in to the MURT office than into Napier, also it is an opportunity to get new clients whom may have been hesitant to go into our Wellesley Rd office, the MURT office offers a friendly, non threatening, neutral place which is close at hand.

The service has been running for over two months as a drop-in centre for new clients every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and has proven successful. We now will also offer our existing clients in the Maraenui community the choice of Wellesley Rd or the MURT Office.

MURT Trust manager Rob Lutter said; we conducted a survey on the Health needs of the Maraenui community last year and at the top of the list was the lack of drug and alcohol addiction services in Maraenui. The Trust is happy to provide the space in our office for both Addiction Services and now Problem Gambling Services to help kick start a community based service.

The Problem Gambling drop-in centre is every Friday 10.30am-12.30pm.

Mark says; I have been involved with community based services before in England and without a doubt their success was based on “Taking the Service to the Client” Often there is reluctance for some people with Drug and/or Alcohol concerns to come to hospitals or clinics. It’s really about giving the client a choice. In England I actually had to run a group for drug users in a Church Hall and regularly met clients in their local pubs. We are so lucky to have the support of MURT who provide this wonderful opportunity in the heart of the Maraenui community.

What is also evident is that the informality of ‘just dropping in’ for a chat is what a lot of people are looking for. In Maraenui I have spoken with a number of concerned parents, partners and of course locals with their own concerns who probably wouldn’t bother seeking any sort of help until the substance abuse became out of control. At Longfellow Avenue people can come and talk about their worries in a confidential setting and then we can look at what can be done.

Substance abuse, whether its booze, cannabis, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine or anything else destroys individuals and rips families to shreds. But there is help out there.

“We are privilege to be part of this Maraenui health forum initiative and want to be actively involved in supporting the kaupapa of a safe, healthy and connected Maraenui” says Monica Stockdale, manager and founder of Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust, HB Regional Problem Gambling Service. “After working in the area of addictions for 26 years, I saw that there was a need for a free, confidential service for people affected by gambling in the Hawke’s Bay. Te Rangihaeata Oranga means ‘Breaking of a New Dawn’ and often people lose everything in their lives to gambling, it’s about empowering people to beginning again, renewing hope and vision for their lives. We have a wonderful team at Te Rangihaeata Oranga who will come alongside people to help them access practice help and assistance…we care about seeing people restore their self esteem, confidence and dreams for the future.’

Hinewai Taungakore has been working for Te Rangihaeata Oranga for 4 years and is a trustee of the Maraenui Urban Renewal Trust says ‘If you or someone they know have a problem with gambling, don’t lose more than you can afford, some people have big gambling debts and broken relationships due to gambling addictions. ‘Kanohi ki te kanohi’ is the best approach with people, which is why I have made myself available on Friday mornings 10.30 – 12.30, 3 Longfellow Ave. Monica Stockdale says, ‘Having someone available that understands the needs of the community and who is available to talk with people in the Maraenui community creates an essential link… working alongside people and meeting their needs within a safe and confidential environment’

ENDS