Consumer Resource and Information Services
(Services are provided throughout the Waikato District Health Board region)
The recovery-oriented service is provided by people with experience of mental health and/or addiction and offers:
- Up-to-date and accessible information, education and resources on recovery, harm reduction and how to get the best out of services;
- Support to people to access services;
- Development or maintenance of strong links with peer support networks, mental health services, addiction services, workforce development programmes and other community-based services;
- Information and support for access to health and social services;
- Active promotion of service-user inclusion and integration into the community;
- Education to service user groups and to community groups about mental health and addiction;
- Linkages to mental health and addiction workforce development programmes.
- Consumer Advocates;
- Recovery Educators; and
- CRIS Co-ordinators.
Consumer Advocates provide individuals and groups with support; promote self-advocacy, making use of advocacy services and complaints procedures; welcome you to the service/centres and ensure you are introduced to internal supports and resources; facilitate consumer meetings.
Recovery Educators provide skills, tools, shared ideas and experiences through a series of workshops that help you take charge of your life and maintain everyday well-being.
CRIS Co-ordinators ensure a wide range of up-to-date information and resources are available in our recovery resource centres and by staying in touch with other providers and service users themselves.
Entry Criteria: You can access this service if you are eligible under the Ministry of Health's guidelines for the provision of health and disability support services. If you are not sure, please contact Progress to Health, Freephone: 0800 77 57 57 for assistance.
Access: We welcome referrals directly from a potential service user, GP's, other health professionals, community mental health services, or community support services and family/whanau.
Cultural support can be available e.g. access to Kaumatua or interpreters.