MHAPS provides both mental health and addictions peer advocacy and peer support services in Christchurch to people experiencing mental distress. MHAPS’ peers come from all walks of life, and find connection through the kinship of shared experience with their peer workers, all of whom have personal lived experience of distress and of recovery. Up to 1000 people a year meet at MHAPS for support, advocacy, and education, in groups or one-to-one. Several hundred more each year approach them for information and one-off support, including via their website and quarterly newsletter.
MHAPS was formed in July 2011 through a merger of Anxiety Support Canterbury, Bipolar Support Canterbury and Psychiatric Consumers Trust.
