Supporting
Waiheke whānau
living with
mental illness by reducing social isolation
Your Donation Will Make A Difference
Project Reach Out is a new charitable initiative set up to enhance the wellbeing of Waiheke Island whānau affected by mental illness. By building a compassionate, supportive and culturally diverse network of community volunteers that connect people to people.
Project Reach Out supports recovery by alleviating social isolation and loneliness, creating meaningful connections that touch hearts and change lives.
Our Reach Out Mahi
Four purposeful pillars guide and support our kaupapa to enhance the wellbeing of people living with mental illness on Waiheke Island through increased social and community engagement.
Community
Project Reach Out is grounded in community spirit and kindness. Our mahi recognises that many whānau affected by mental illness need more opportunities to socialise and connect in supportive, safe and meaningful ways. It’s the little things that can make all the difference. A walk on the beach, a shared coffee or lunch, a game of golf, a casual BBQ, an art or writing group.
Project Reach Out facilitates increased social connection by engaging ‘reach out’ volunteers who connect with individual people, and small groups of people living with mental illness, to create social hubs and social opportunities.
Awareness
The loneliness and social isolation commonly experienced by people living with mental illness are often overlooked and accepted in silence.
Project Reach Out actively raises awareness in the local community through accessible print and social media marketing and speaker events and fundraising activities, educating the wider community about the positive difference that increased social connection has on quality of life, wellbeing and recovery.
Access
Project Reach Out works in partnership with Waiheke Island’s mental health service providers including the Taylor Centre, local GP’s and Piritahi Mārae to improve and facilitate increased access to a range of support services that meet individuals specific needs – supporting whānau affected by mental illness to find the right activities and social connections for their unique situation and circumstances.
Hope
Project Reach Out seeks to build hope and joy for individuals living with mental illness, and for their wider whānau. By actively instigating social activity and connection, the Project offers a fuller range of social opportunities – the chance to get together, talk, laugh, enjoy new experiences and explore strength-based activities.
Community
Project Reach Out is grounded in community spirit and kindness. Our mahi recognises that many whānau affected by mental illness need more opportunities to socialise and connect in supportive, safe and meaningful ways. It’s the little things that can make all the difference. A walk on the beach, a shared coffee or lunch, a game of golf, a casual BBQ, an art or writing group.
Project Reach Out facilitates increased social connection by engaging ‘reach out’ volunteers who connect with individual people, and small groups of people living with mental illness, to create social hubs and social opportunities.
Awareness
The loneliness and social isolation commonly experienced by people living with mental illness are often overlooked and accepted in silence.
Project Reach Out actively raises awareness in the local community through accessible print and social media marketing and speaker events and fundraising activities, educating the wider community about the positive difference that increased social connection has on quality of life, wellbeing and recovery.
Access
Project Reach Out works in partnership with Waiheke Island’s mental health service providers including the Taylor Centre, local GP’s and Piritahi Mārae to improve and facilitate increased access to a range of support services that meet individuals specific needs – supporting whānau affected by mental illness to find the right activities and social connections for their unique situation and circumstances.
Hope
Project Reach Out seeks to build hope and joy for individuals living with mental illness, and for their wider whānau. By actively instigating social activity and connection, the Project offers a fuller range of social opportunities – the chance to get together, talk, laugh, enjoy new experiences and explore strength-based activities.
Keen to Volunteer?
If you’re interested in becoming a Reach Out community volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! The contribution you can make is both important and hugely rewarding. To find out more about the Reach Out volunteer eligibility criteria, and what it is involved, please contact us here.
