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.
Kites Trust is recognised as being an innovative organisation, bringing service-providers and consumers together to achieve sustainable and harmonious communities. Kites believes this outcome is achievable by working in conjunction with the people involved and affected, while utilising and maintaining resources from our communities. Kites is run by a passionate and dedicated team. From the outset, Kites strove to be a model by employing consumers. Kites believes this is crucial to the sustainable development of our communities and implements positive change through research, evaluation and communication. To date, Kites has been involved in more than 15 new initiatives and projects in the Wellington region, including:
- Hutt Valley Transitional Employment project
- Worklink Employment Consultancy Service
- Homelink Housing Support Services.
Current works-in-progress include:
- participating in a working group exploring issues for women who have experienced mental illness and domestic violence
- investigating and facilitating opportunities within primary health organisation development to meet the needs of mental health
- implementing a buddy system, between consumers, for further support and in recognition of experience