Services for men expand on the West Coast

RISE can help more West Coast men access non-violence programmes after receiving Lottery Funding and a generous grant from a Westport-based anti-violence network.

The grants mean RISE can meet a gap in services for men in the non-violence field in Reefton, Westport and Murchison.

RISE was recently awarded $29,000 of Lottery Funding; $25,000 of this funding will go towards the provision of programmes on the coast.

The Kawatiri Family Harm Prevention Network also kindly awarded RISE $10,000 for work on the West Coast.

RISE already subcontracts to Greymouth-based Family Works and Mel Adams provides individual programmes to clients mandated to do a non-violence programme through the Family Court or the Community Probation Service.

RISE clinician Victor says the new funding is exciting as RISE can now offer help to more people.

“It means we can offer a service to any individual that wants to do a non-violence programme,” Victor says.

“Previously the only way for them to get on one the West Coast was to be sent by the court. It’s still early days but I think the problem is going to be keeping up with the numbers rather than getting enough takers.”

The new funding will allow more men from Reefton, Murchison, Westport and further north to get help.

The clients might self-refer or be referred through their GP, Oranga Tamariki or other organisations.

Victor says if demand exists he will look at offering a group programme as that would allow RISE to offer the service to more people.

He believes there is a need for good non-violence programmes on the West Coast especially in Reefton and Westport – as most services were based in Greymouth.

“We are really pleased to get this money. We will be able to offer more solid support to our existing men’s groups and expand our help to more men who want help with non-violence programmes to live safe and healthy lives.”

Victor has been working and networking with agencies and groups on the West Coast.

RISE has supported Victor and Hardy Bachert to run a Men’s Open Day in Reefton in October, and Victor is supporting and setting up men’s groups in the area.

Men who finish the programme might also want to join the men’s groups, Victor says.

RISE has new funding to help provide non-violence programmes for men in the Buller District. (Nimmo Photography.)

Lorraine Scanlon of the Kawatiri Family Harm Prevention Network said the funding was part of the group’s plan to support non-violence programmes for men.

Lorraine says it was identified there was a gap in non-violence programmes being offered in the Buller District.

The network had previously worked with RISE and Victor and was pleased to help him extend his services in Buller and the West Coast.

“What he does fits with our work; how he does it fits with our values. We are looking forward to working together and it will be good for our area, for our people, and give them somewhere to go locally to talk to someone.

“It’s massive to have services facilitated and offered locally. We look forward to a good solid relationship and working together to improve access to services for our people in the Buller area.”

The network also wants to support the continuation of the Kawatiri Men’s Group which is coordinated from the Homebuilders’ Office. The group was set up by Steven Young and Colin Townshend. Victor, who is very experienced in men’s groups, has connected with that group.

The Kawatiri Family Harm Prevention Network has a large database that it corresponds with on a regular basis and meets monthly. Its aim is to educate and raise awareness about family harm.

RISE general manager Dee Cresswell welcomes the fact RISE has re-engaged with Homebuilders on the West Coast and supports this much-needed work meeting a gap in services.