Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust has supported me to change my drinking habit and get my life back on track.
Drinking had become a huge part of my life when I turned 50 and started working in the shearing industry.
It was a part of the culture, and after my relationship fell apart, it was my way of coping with stress. I would drink 30 bottles of beer at a time. I knew I needed to slow it down but I didn’t know how, or where to find support.
After another drink driving charge the Probation service helped to put me in touch with a Whanau Ora Navigator.
The navigator visited me at home, which was a blessing because I had lost my license. He helped me to set some long and short-term goals, which I needed to do because I was going around in circles.
Some of my goals included getting my teeth fixed, purchasing a hen house for my hens, painting my house and getting better heating. I have achieved almost all of my goals in the past few months.
I can’t speak highly enough of this service. The navigator has taken me to appointments, allowed me to open up and talk without any judgement, helped me to focus and to be happy with what I’ve got. He’s even taken me out for walks.
I’m getting back into crafting now (something I love to do), and voluntary work. This is all part of me achieving everything I wanted to, and now I feel like my life is finally on track again.
I have also received support from Mahana Southern Maori Mental Health and Addiction Service. Drinking had turned into a problem for me, so the counsellor would come to my house and talk with me with no judgement. I’m lucky to have a counsellor I can be vulnerable with and who is supporting me to reduce the amount I am drinking.
Both of them have done everything for me.
I’m much happier in life now and I am coping so much better, especially knowing both the counsellor and navigator are just a phone call away if I need them.
