Te Whare Atawhai

Peer support in the Wairarapa

The internet might tell you that Featherston in the Wairarapa has a population of approximately 2330, an information centre and a train station. What it doesn’t tell you about the peer support service is Te Whare Atawhai is now provided from a rented property in Fitzherbert Street.

Te Whare Atawhai is a drop in centre that is run for and by people who live with mental illness and addiction. They say it’s the simple support things that make the difference. At this centre and also the one in Masterton the support team offer encouragement, understanding and a place to share stories. They know that when you are alone finding a group of people who understand the impact mental illness can have on everyday life makes all the difference to staying positive about recovery.

The importance of Te Whare Atawhai’s existance in our community

• Support from day to day
• Awesome Company in a family environment with supportive people and great meals
• Te Whare AtawhaiexistenceAwesome is a good place to come to; it gives you a break away from home.  It is good to come here to see friends and just to have somewhere to go and relax – Thank you.
• What I like about Te Whare Atawhai is you can have a good mind about things and all the friends I have come across and that you are welcome here.  Staff are good.
  Support, Helping, Caring, Friendly, Builds your confidence
• What Te Whare Atawhai means
  SUPPORT for people
  LOVE for people
  FAITH for people
• We are all as ONE – Support – Love – Hope – Faith
• One big family – I look forward to comfort