Napier-based mental health and addiction service provider Whatever It Takes Trust (WIT) is firmly focused on raising its profile and expanding its services to support more people as it opens new central city offices.
WIT’s Chief Executive, Sam Aberahama, said the move to new premises on Shakespeare Road would make access to services easier for many of its clients, who suffered from severe mental health and addiction challenges.
Mr Aberahama said WIT had a strong record of helping people on their wellness journey, supported by a workforce where 70percent of staff had lived experience with mental health and addiction difficulties.
“Our services help people return to being contributing members of the community through wellness programmes tailored specifically for them. They set their own goals and begin to realise aspirations – many of our staff are examples of that,” Mr Aberahama said.
“Another example of our success is Āhuru Mōwai, a night shelter for the homeless in Napier, which is run by WIT staff. It has housed 10 chronically homeless people in the 8 months it has been operating. These people were all impacted by mental health and addiction difficulties and are now on the road to recovery.
“We want to raise our profile and strengthen our services, working in partnership with other organisations. This will mean we can broaden our reach across Hawke’s Bay and support even more people,” Mr Aberahama said.
The organisation currently had a housing portfolio of 138, was building another 10, and a further seven houses were at the planning stage.
WIT employs a total of 90 staff, 50 at its new premises in an open plan office environment, and the remaining staff worked from two community-based centres and three residential sites. As a registered charity, WIT relies on funding from Government and charitable organisations as well as donations from benefactors to deliver its wide range of services.
You can find out more about WIT and how to donate to further support its work and services here.
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