The Difference

"See people for who they are." Support work from a cultural lens For many tāngata whai ora and whānau, support that is grounded in their own cultural values, worldview, and practices (such as kaupapa Māori and Pacific-led services) can lead to positive experiences and outcomes. Join our wonderful guests Janifa Bhamji (Kāhui Tū Kaha) and Lydia Gafoi (Penina Trust), who share their perspectives and...

"Always do good… and if you can’t – at least learn from it." Ethics and boundaries Ethics, boundaries, shared values, and your organisational policies are there to help you navigate through challenging situations. How do you navigate these difficult moments when they arise in your mahi? Join podcast host Alexia Black with guests Josh Monson (Stepping Stone Trust) and Caro Swanson (Te Pou) to discu...

"We need a village." Supporting parents Many tāngata whai ora accessing mental health, addiction, and other health and social services are parents who look after the wellbeing of their tamariki, while at the same time on their own journeys of hauora through wellbeing challenges. In Aotearoa, almost 3 in 5 whānau are single-parent families or couples with children, and between 12 and 18 percent of...

"The job I've always wanted." Peer support workers in EDs Visiting emergency departments (EDs) can be an overwhelming experience for people who are experiencing mental distress. Peer support specialists working in EDs can help improve support for people by providing empathetic and compassionate support, de-escalation, and linking people up with community supports. Currently, peer support services...

They still want to be seen; they still want to be heard. Supporting older people Older people have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share and contribute meaningfully to society. Yet, many older people feel ignored. Mental health challenges and addiction are common among older people but are often under-recognised. This episode focuses on supporting older people in the mental health and ad...

"Whānau - the biggest providers of mental health support." Whānau support work The first episode of season two kicks off with an in-depth kōrero on the vital role of whānau support workers in the mental health and addiction sector. Join Jade Caulfield (Yellow Brick Road) and Anne McGregor (Atareira) as they share their stories, experiences and insights with podcast host Alexia Black. Whānau play a...

“The best job in the world” Leadership and career pathways for support workers Tremain Tauhinu has more than 30 years’ experience in intellectual disability and mental health services. From Mangere East, Auckland, he has worked in roles from labourer to property manager. Now, as a team lead at Mahitahi Trust, he supports tāngata whai ora with complex needs to re-engage with their communities.&nbs...

“I had to dig deep.” Reflective practice Tashie Hoffman is a peer support specialist at Springhill Treatment Centre in Napier. After overcoming addiction and completing rehab, she stayed connected to the recovery community and was offered a role at the centre.  She talks about her journey, and the value of reflective practice in her mahi. Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the...

"You can't pour from an empty cup." Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma Jonathan Miller is a team coach at Pathways in Auckland, managing a mobile community support team. With five years as a community support worker and two as a manager, he is passionate about support worker wellbeing. He talks to podcast host Alexia Black about his master’s research, which focused on support workers’ perspect...

"I didn’t go through all that for nothing" Using your lived experience in your mahi Join Izzy Young, a youth support worker for Real (Nelson), and James Huata, support worker from Moana House (Dunedin) as they talk to podcast host Alexia Black about how to use lived experience in your mahi. They both share their personal journeys and experiences of struggle, healing and reconnection. They discuss...

Welcome to The Difference, a podcast by support workers, for support workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series shines a light on the great work that support workers do.