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The Akiaki Community Participation service offers customised one on one support for people who want to overcome barriers to education, employment and/or participation in the wider community.

Our model of facilitation is adapted from the Enabling Good Lives principles

  • Self-determination – participants are in control of their lives.
  • Person-centred – participants have supports that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.
  • Ordinary life outcomes – participants are supported to live an everyday life in everyday places; and are regarded as citizens with opportunities for learning, employment, having a home and family, and social participation
  • Mainstream first – participants are supported to access mainstream services before specialist Mental Health services.
  • Mana enhancing – the abilities and contributions of participants and their families are recognised and respected.
  • Easy to use – support is easily accessible and flexible.
  • Relationship building – supports, builds and strengthens relationships between participants, their whānau and community.
Individualised

Individual goal plans are developed in partnership with a Facilitator.

The focus of the work undertaken is:

  • Participation and inclusion in the participants wider community. Participants will explore options to support greater involvement in their community. This may include joining social activities, sports/recreation, interest groups etc.
  • Further Education /Training. Participants explore and connect with training or study options based on career planning. This may include tertiary study or short courses/workshops.
  • Confidence Building for Work. Participants develop skills to enhance their confidence to *prepare for job seeking. This may include support into volunteer work.

*Akiaki Ora does not support people into employment. However, when participants express a desire to find employment they may choose to be referred to Ember Employment

Referral to Akiaki Ora

Akiaki Ora is available to people from 16-65 years of age who have experienced mental ill-health. Referral to the service can be made by any of the following:

  • Self-referral
  • Community Support Worker
  • Community Mental Health Centres
  • Supported Accommodation Providers
  • Family / Whanau
  • General Practitioner
  • Other Ember services
Or download the referral form:
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