Waiheke Peer Support

Waiheke Peer Support is a consumer run mental health support group which was formed in July 2006. The group has been set up by service-users (consumers/tangata whai ora) who are able to draw on their own experience to support others. The group places value on each person's own recovery choices. The group believes everyone has a right to be free from discrimination and abuse and to be valued and supported by our communities and to be part of those communities.

Each week the group meets socially at the Lazy Lounge and on some Saturdays a stall at the Ostend Market provides an opportunity to raise funds by selling recyclables. The funds raised in this way have been used for a range of activities, including holding the popular Laughter Yoga workshops at Palm Beach Hall, creative writing workshops with Mike Johnson, drumming workshops with Kiran, performance poetry, singing, drama and making music generally.

In 2008 the group will be using its creative talents to produce a public stage show, funded in part by Creative Communities of Auckland City Council.

The current core group includes Rocky Rhodes (7605) and Rod Davis (6688). Support has been received during the establishment phase from WISH Trust, and Framework Community Support service.

On 3rd December 2007, the group took delivery of a Toyota van given away free by Waiheke resident Rob Vaassen.

As of February 2008, the group are working to upgrade the hanging baskets in Oneroa, many of which have been vandalised or neglected.

Networks have been established with the Regional Consumer Network and within the mental health sector.