Kites Trust

Kites Trust - www.kites.org.nz

In 2000, three existing mental health NGOs recognised a gap in the mental health sector. There were few organisations, independent of bureaucracy and politics, working with and for consumers. In 2000 these trusts combined their housing, employment and service-access resources and Kites was conceived. Their name reflects their operational concept, to fly ideas. They are in a unique position, at the forefront of the mental health evolution. Kites’ purpose is to increase the participation of people, with experience of mental illness, in the community.

In 2006 Kites Trust, in partnership with MASH Trust and Wellington City Council, developed a resource for WCC workers to help them improve the accessabiity of WCC recreation facilities, to people with experience of mental illness. The resulting document "Opening Doors", won the New Zealand Recreation Association Outstanding Project Award for 2006.