New community-based alcohol and drug addictions service launches in Otago
More community-based alcohol and drug services are now available in Otago, following the launch of the new alcohol and other drug (AOD) addictions service run by Te Kāika in Dunedin and funded by Te Whatu Ora.
The service is available to all adults who seek support in their recovery, including those with current and/or past involvement with Corrections. The new services will have an expert workforce who will be culturally safe and confident with providing support services to Māori and Pasifika.
Tāngata whaiora (a person seeking health) and their whānau will experience an open-door-whare steeped in Te Ao Māori, where kaimahi warmly manaaki them into an environment that caters to their recovery needs.
Participants will have the benefit of clinical outpatient services, outreach services with wānanga, whānau ora approaches, therapeutic interventions, and peer support delivered within a Te Ao Māori framework. Tāngata whaiora will also be able to connect directly with the other Te Kāika services to receive he korowai manaaki (a cloak of care and support).
Te Whatu Ora Executive Director of Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Toni Gutchlag says the need for expansion of community-based alcohol and other drug addiction services was identified through the 2021 Time for Change – Te Hurihanga review.*
“It’s great to see the launch of a new service that meets a need for our community. It will provide alcohol and other drug addiction services within a Te Ao Māori framework, closer to home and within a broader range of health services at Te Kāika.”
Te Kāika Chief Executive Officer Matt Matahaere says, “We are delighted to launch this addictions Service, which offers both clinical interventions and support for tāngata whaiora and their whānau. A key part of this vision is to open a new low-cost health centre and reduce financial and cultural barriers to accessing health services and support in the community.”
The service can be accessed in the following ways:
- Tāngata whaiora can self-refer
- Referral by whānau
- Referral by GP
- Referral by other external parties
Those requiring the service, or wanting to refer whānau into the service, can express interest at tewhare@tekaika.nz. It is not a crisis intervention service.
Information about the service is also available on the Te Kāika website.
*Time for Change – Te Hurihanga is a focusing programme of work led by the Te Whatu Ora Southern to address health, equity, location, social and systemic issues and put people at the centre of care. It’s part of the direction to transform Aotearoa’s mental health and addiction system over the next 10 years, as outlined in Kia Manawanui Aotearoa.
More information about the Time for Change – Te Hurihanga programme and review is available at www.southernhealth.co.nz/timeforchange.