We can...

  • Listen to your concerns. 
  • Give you information about your rights. 
  • Assist you to identify and clarify issues. 
  • Advocate on your behalf to resolve your concerns.
  • Help with conflict resolution. 
  • Provide information and 
  • access to life skills/work skills programmes.
  • Advice and information on peer support 
  • networks.

Support you at meetings with...

  • ​​Doctors- GP or Mental health
  • WINZ - benefit or housing
  • Mental Health Services  
  • Lawyers
  • Police 
  • Community agencies
  • Government agencies

Assist you to...

  • Advocate on your behalf
  • Assist to write Letters
  • Transport you to meetings
  • Put advance directives in place
  • Refer to other services and/or people that may be more suitable

What you can expect from the Mental Health Advocacy Service

A free service which works in partnership with you to advocate on your behalf or support you to be respected, to have your rights heard and obtain the services you need…
  • Meetings and Appointments
  • Health Professionals
  • Benefit issues
  • Finances
  • Housing
  • Lifestyle and/or work support
  • Letter writing

​Mental Health Advocacy Downloads
  • Your rights when using a health or disability service
    ​Read online or download at this LINK

Our Advocates

Anne
Hi my name is Anne Collins, I am raised in Blenheim and continue to enjoy living here. I have six amazing children ranging from 30 to 19 years old plus two beautiful granddaughters, 7 and 3 years old.

While raising my children, I have been a caregiver for Oranga Tamariki (CYFS) where I have meet some amazing people and had many experiences with different agencies. I have always been passionate about children’s wellbeing, working in the field of family violence advocating for women and children to be free from violence and live safe and without fear in our community.
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I have had my own experience of mental health issues which I am still dealing with everyday, which is part of the reason I became a counsellor. I am enjoying meeting and working with our clients and advocating on behalf of them within our community, while building relationships with the many agencies and people along the way.
John
Hi, my name is John Black. I have just started working part-time as the new Mental Health Advocate for CARE Marlborough, based in 26 Percy Street, Blenheim.
I am originally from Northern Ireland and have recently moved to Blenheim from London, UK.
I have experience of living and working in Ireland, Sweden, Greece, United Kingdom and Whakatane, New Zealand.
I am a qualified counsellor, and a registered member of The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (MNZAC 2007) and The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 2000).
I have been able to work in Mental Health and Social Services for many years and have gained a lot of experience and learning both in the UK and NZ.
For the past 2 years my job in London was with a CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Service) outreach team, the main aim of the service was to prevent very mentally unwell 12 to 17-year-old adolescents from being admitted to children’s psychiatric units.
I have a special interest in anti-discriminatory practice in my work with people who may have (diagnosed or undiagnosed) mental health issues. I believe my role as a mental health advocate will provide me with the opportunity to ensure clients in Blenheim with mental difficulties have their rights respected.
 
Photos used under Creative Commons from mikecogh, Rising Damp, Semtrio