At Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai, mental health and trauma support are central to its mission of assisting Aucklanders in greatest need. In 2024, Hynds Foundation commenced a multi-year initiative to support further development of mental health initiatives.
The funding empowers a dedicated mental health specialist, Theresa Fa’afiu Morgan (pictured), to directly assist clients, positively impacting the wellbeing of numerous individuals on their path to recovery and towards a brighter future. Her work has been instrumental in providing quicker, more efficient care, reducing reliance on secondary services and addressing gaps in support for those often declined due to alcohol or drug use.
Since the introduction of this role in May 2024, approximately 730 mental health consultations have been completed, with clients also referred to services such as Wairua practitioners, Awhi Ora Mahitahi, and secondary mental health teams. The role enables primary care to manage complex cases effectively, avoiding escalation to urgent response services.
By collaborating with teams like Supportive Housing and Street to Home Outreach, the Mental Health Nurse has strengthened service connections and improved patient outcomes. Their presence ensures immediate support, alleviating distress and anxiety, improving patient and staff safety, and fostering partnerships to deliver holistic care.
Case Study
Patient L, a Wāhine Māori aged in her mid-40s, met with the Mental Health Nurse in July 2024. She was experiencing significant stress from relationship issues, which re-triggered past trauma, leading to angry outbursts towards tenants and staff. Through initial whanaungatanga (introductions) and subsequent appointments, Patient L recognised the need to prioritise her wellbeing. She reconnected with her ACC psychologist for therapy, explored coping strategies, and worked on addressing her AOD (alcohol or other drug) use and relationship dynamics. Over time, she completed a social detox, moved to a new whare, and began thriving in her community. Patient L now actively engages with tenants, supports Kaupapa, and continues weekly check-ins with the Mental Health Nurse, reporting: “I am doing well. Things are falling into place.”
Auckland City Mission is very grateful to Hynds Foundation for supporting in this extremely important mahi.