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Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago > Mental Health & Addictions >

Able Minds

Mental Health Service, Addiction, Problem gambling

Today

34 Prince Albert Road, Saint Kilda, Dunedin

36 Kelvin Street, Invercargill

28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra

27 Coquet Street, Ōamaru

36 Shotover Street, Queenstown

Description

Able Minds supports tangata whaiora who are affected by mental distress or addiction and their whānau in New Zealand.  Our goal is to provide individuals and families with the strength, skills and support they need for a better life experience at home, at work and in the community both now and into the future. Since 1978, our support workers have provided tools and strategies to improve the wellbeing and resilience of tamariki, rangatahi, adults and their wider networks. Able Minds supports people of all ages.  Able Minds is a free, confidential, and mobile service and people can self-refer.

How do I access this service?

Referral

A referral can be made either online Referral to Able Minds' Services, or by phoning the Practice Manager 0800 494 262

Referrals can be either via another service or a self referral

Website / App

www.able.org.nz

Contact us

Conctact us

Email: admin@able.org.nz  or  Call 0800 494 262, Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm

Fees and Charges Categorisation

Free

Fees and Charges Description

No fees apply.

Hours

34 Prince Albert Road, Saint Kilda, Dunedin

Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

36 Kelvin Street, Invercargill

Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra

Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

27 Coquet Street, Ōamaru

Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Office hours are usually between 8.30am and 4.30pm. However, the office may be closed as Able Minds is a mobile service.  Please contact 021 353 325 to find out the Ōamaru local area office opening hours.

1 Charlton Lane, Gore

Please contact 021 193 0837 or email marloes@able.org.nz to find out the Gore local area office opening hours.

36 Shotover Street, Queenstown

Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Office hours are usually between 9.00am and 4.30pm. However, the office may be closed as Able Minds is a mobile service.  Please contact 021 402 794 or 021 328 121 to find out the Queenstown local area office opening hours.

Languages Spoken

English

Programmes

Family Support

Able Minds aim is to provide effective interventions for families/whānau dealing with mental illness and addiction. This includes: Education/Information Able Minds provide resources and information that may help you and the wider community better understand mental illness or addiction. Able Minds also provide education on different types of mental illness with a key role of assisting family/whānau with problem solving and coping strategies. Support Able Minds works with you to support your family member/whānau with a mental distress or addiction. We're here to listen, offer hope and encouragement, help you develop strategies for dealing with difficulties, and to create support networks so you and your family/whānau can cope with the impact of mental illness or addiction. Advocacy Able Minds acknowledges the importance of the family voice and will support you to feel empowered to ensure that your concerns and your opinions are heard. Able Minds can provide practical support in your contact with other service providers if needed.

Programme Areas

Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol, Addictions - other

Programme Type

Community based support - other, Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health, Advocacy / group / family whānau support (AOD), Non-acute specialist mental health community services, Disability support

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

An online referral form is available on www.able.org.nz  or phone 0800 494 262 if you would like to find out more.

Description

Able Minds aim is to provide effective interventions for families/whānau dealing with mental illness and addiction.

This includes:

Education/Information
Able Minds provide resources and information that may help you and the wider community better understand mental illness or addiction. Able Minds also provide education on different types of mental illness with a key role of assisting family/whānau with problem solving and coping strategies.

Support
Able Minds works with you to support your family member/whānau with a mental distress or addiction. We're here to listen, offer hope and encouragement, help you develop strategies for dealing with difficulties, and to create support networks so you and your family/whānau can cope with the impact of mental illness or addiction.

Advocacy
Able Minds acknowledges the importance of the family voice and will support you to feel empowered to ensure that your concerns and your opinions are heard. Able Minds can provide practical support in your contact with other service providers if needed.

Activity Centre - Dunedin

Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment. These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site. These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community. Dunedin Activity Centre can help by: exploring opportunities for community participation developing goals that focus on community integration providing on-going support and motivation Operating five days a week, times subject to change depending on activities. Contact Activity Centre co-ordinator to get an up-to-date schedule. Some of our current activities/groups may include: cooking skills computer skills keep fit - mind and body carpentry skills community outings art and craft activities gardening

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health, Disability support

Regions

Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

Please contact us or check out the www.able.org.nz website to find out what programmes we are running:  

Able Minds
Ph: 022 043 3672
Address: 2 Calder Street, St Kilda, Dunedin
Email: activitiesdn@able.org.nz 

Description

Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment. 

These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site.

These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community.

Dunedin Activity Centre can help by:

  • exploring opportunities for community participation
  • developing goals that focus on community integration
  • providing on-going support and motivation

Operating five days a week, times subject to change depending on activities. Contact Activity Centre co-ordinator to get an up-to-date schedule.

Some of our current activities/groups may include:

  • cooking skills
  • computer skills
  • keep fit - mind and body
  • carpentry skills
  • community outings
  • art and craft activities
  • gardening
Activities Centre - Alexandra

The Activities Centre operates at the Able Minds 28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra. Some activities also take place in Roxburgh. Phone 027 369 5845 to find out about activities, dates and times, or check out the www.able.org.nz to find out more. Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment. These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site. These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community. There are opportunities to: share problem solve chill out play table tennis or pool listen to or play music watch DVDs/TV on Demand work on own projects art and craft writing – journaling, poetry develop own strengths do community/volunteer work

Programme Areas

Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol, Addictions - other

Programme Type

Peer support (AOD), Community based support - other, Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health, Advocacy / group / family whānau support (AOD)

Regions

Central Lakes

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

If you would like to find out more contact:

Able Minds
Ph:
027 369 5845
Address: 28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra
Email: activities@able.org.nz 

Description

The Activities Centre operates at the Able Minds  28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra. Some activities also take place in Roxburgh. Phone 027 369 5845 to find out about activities, dates and times, or check out the www.able.org.nz to find out more. 

Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment.

These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site.

These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community.

There are opportunities to:

  • share 
  • problem solve 
  • chill out 
  • play table tennis or pool 
  • listen to or play music 
  • watch DVDs/TV on Demand  
  • work on own projects 
  • art and craft 
  • writing – journaling, poetry 
  • develop own strengths 
  • do community/volunteer work 
Peer Support - Invercargill

Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment. These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site. These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community. See our website for groups currently running. Current groups include: walking groups, art/craft groups, cooking groups. peer support groups community outings

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health

Regions

Southland

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

An online referral form is available on www.able.org.nz. Phone 0800 494 262 if you would like to find out more, or send an email to admin@able.org.nz.

To find out more, contact the Invercargill Peer Support Co-ordinator
Phone 027 248 9307

Description

Able Minds facilitates Activity Centres and Peer Support Groups for Tangata Whaiora in a community-based environment.

These are formalised group sessions where those with mental distress and addiction issues can come for peer support as well as actively focus on their recovery by learning new skills to build self-esteem and confidence both on and off site.

These groups are proven to get results and are led by our Coordinators and Peer Support Workers to reconnect people back into the community.

See our website for groups currently running. Current groups include:

  • walking groups,
  • art/craft groups,
  • cooking groups.
  • peer support groups
  • community outings
Rangatahi and Wellbeing (RAW)

Strengthening Akonga (student) resilience and wellbeing, encouraging engagement in education, training or employment, and achieving better pathways to success. Our RAW youth workers aim to support our Rangatahi to achieve the following outcomes: Support in working on mental distress and barriers; empowerment to overcome these. An increased level of engagement in learning and aspiration for the future; transition to training or employment. Stronger connections with whānau, iwi, community, and other support services schools, health and youth services. Increased confidence in learning environments for akonga aged 12 – 15 years. A clear plan for the future of akonga aged 16 – 21 years. Support to identify and create clear goal plans, short and long term. To participate in the RAW program, akonga will have one or more of the following risk factors: Disengaging or disengaged from education. Lack of a pathway into training and or employment. Affected by mental distress. Struggling with acceptance or isolation from peers. Limited family support and or connection to a positive role model or community.

Programme Areas

Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol, Addictions - other

Programme Type

Community / social support (AOD), Coexisting problems – mental health & addictions, Community based support - other, Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health, Advocacy / group / family whānau support (AOD), Non-acute specialist mental health community services

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

An online referral form is available on www.able.org.nz.
Phone  021 779 351 if you would like to find out more or email: natasha@able.org.nz

Note: PDF downloads require the free Adobe Reader application to view.

Description

Strengthening Akonga (student) resilience and wellbeing, encouraging engagement in education, training or employment, and achieving better pathways to success.

Our RAW youth workers aim to support our Rangatahi to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Support in working on mental distress and barriers; empowerment to overcome these.
  • An increased level of engagement in learning and aspiration for the future; transition to training or employment.
  • Stronger connections with whānau, iwi, community, and other support services schools, health and youth services.
  • Increased confidence in learning environments for akonga aged 12 – 15 years.
  • A clear plan for the future of akonga aged 16 – 21 years.
  • Support to identify and create clear goal plans, short and long term.

To participate in the RAW program, akonga will have one or more of the following risk factors:

  • Disengaging or disengaged from education.
  • Lack of a pathway into training and or employment.
  • Affected by mental distress.
  • Struggling with acceptance or isolation from peers.
  • Limited family support and or connection to a positive role model or community.
Children Understanding Mental Illness & Addiction (CUMIA)

CUMIA is designed for school aged children who have a family member affected by mental distress or addiction. This programme can be undertaken in a peer support group or with 1:1 support. It is designed to impart tools, tactics and strategies to accept the challenges associated with mental distress and live well. With respect to the CUMIA programme, one child reported in a recent evaluation that “the thing he learnt the most was that his mother’s illness was not his fault”. There is often blame associated with mental distress and addiction. Able Minds’ intervention allows children to be children. CUMIA is an age related group and/or individual programme that educates children about mental illness/addiction. The programme supports children to develop skills that enable them to understand the impact in their family/whānau environment (CUMIA is not intended for children suffering from mental illness themselves).

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

An online referral form is available on www.able.org.nz. Phone 027 248 9305 if you would like to find out more or email: pania@able.org.nz

Description

CUMIA is designed for school aged children who have a family member affected by mental distress or addiction. This programme can be undertaken in a peer support group or with 1:1 support. It is designed to impart tools, tactics and strategies to accept the challenges associated with mental distress and live well.  

With respect to the CUMIA programme, one child reported in a recent evaluation that “the thing he learnt the most was that his mother’s illness was not his fault”.  There is often blame associated with mental distress and addiction.

Able Minds’ intervention allows children to be children. CUMIA is an age related group and/or individual programme that educates children about mental illness/addiction. The programme supports children to develop skills that enable them to understand the impact in their family/whānau environment (CUMIA is not intended for children suffering from mental illness themselves).

Whanau Support Groups

Able Minds provides various support groups, located throughout Otago, Southland, Central Otago and Waitaki. Support Groups give families and whānau the opportunity to make friends, share information, share stories, listen, have fun, and to be just you. Currently, the following groups are running: Families/Friends Understanding Disordered Eating - Dunedin Education and Support Group - Dunedin Weekly Peer Support Group - Dunedin Grief and Loss Support - Alexandra Peer Support group for parents & caregivers of Neurodivergent children - Ōamaru Resilient whānau against Meth - Invercargill

Programme Areas

Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Advocacy / group / family whānau support (AOD)

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

For more information on support groups, please visit our website. An online referral form is available at www.able.org.nz  or phone 0800 494 262 if you would like to find out more.

Description

Able Minds provides various support groups, located throughout Otago, Southland, Central Otago and Waitaki. Support Groups give families and whānau the opportunity to make friends, share information, share stories, listen, have fun, and to be just you.

Currently, the following groups are running:

  • Families/Friends Understanding Disordered Eating - Dunedin
  • Education and Support Group - Dunedin
  • Weekly Peer Support Group - Dunedin
  • Grief and Loss Support - Alexandra
  • Peer Support group for parents & caregivers of Neurodivergent children - Ōamaru
  • Resilient whānau against Meth - Invercargill
Eating Disorders - Family/Friends Support Group

We are focused on providing support and information to people with a loved one suffering from an eating disorder. Coming together to discuss experiences, share ideas and develop strategies for coping, the Eating Disorder Group offers a way to connect with those dealing with similar issues.

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Eating disorders

Regions

Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

For more information phone 021 361 034 or email rebbecca@able.org.nz
This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday each month 5.30pm-7pm

Description

We are focused on providing support and information to people with a loved one suffering from an eating disorder. Coming together to discuss experiences, share ideas and develop strategies for coping, the Eating Disorder Group offers a way to connect with those dealing with similar issues.

Supporting Parents Healthy Children (SPHC) Co-ordinator

Able Minds holds the Supporting Parents Healthy Children contract which is the primary link between Te Whatu Ora and community. With a focus on achieving better health outcomes for children, parents and family as a whole. This comes from a family/whānau centred health viewpoint and is about analysing trends in the community and feeding this back into the system so that it evolves and produces equitable outcomes. The co-ordinator will assist to strengthen family/whānau centered "best practice" at the personal, service practice and organisational levels. This will include identifying and supporting the professional development of the workforce to recognise and respond to the needs of the children and their family/whānau.

Programme Areas

Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol

Programme Type

Advocacy / group / family whānau support (AOD), Training - mental health

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

DHB clinical services

Referral Process

The SPHC Co-ordinator works with all mental health and addictions services in the Southern DHB area, upon request.

Please contact the Co-ordinator on 027 248 9305 or email pania@able.org.nz

Description

Able Minds holds the Supporting Parents Healthy Children contract which is the primary link between Te Whatu Ora and community. With a focus on achieving better health outcomes for children, parents and family as a whole. This comes from a family/whānau centred health viewpoint and is about analysing trends in the community and feeding this back into the system so that it evolves and produces equitable outcomes. 

The co-ordinator will assist to strengthen family/whānau centered "best practice" at the personal, service practice and organisational levels. This will include identifying and supporting the professional development of the workforce to recognise and respond to the needs of the children and their family/whānau.

"Light Beyond the Shadows" - Suicide Bereavement

Able Minds runs groups for those affected by suicide. The programme aims to give: A better understanding of the complexities of suicide An understanding of the grief processes when a suicide occurs Understandng suicide prevention strategies A confidential, safe and friendly environment to share experiences Contact 0800 494 262 for further information about this service.

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support, Community based support - mental health

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Types

Self referral, GP

Referral Process

Contact Able Minds to find out when the next scheduled group is to be held.  Phone 0800 494 262 if you would like to find out more about this service.

Description

Able Minds runs groups for those affected by suicide.

The programme aims to give:

  • A better understanding of the complexities of suicide
  • An understanding of the grief processes when a suicide occurs
  • Understandng suicide prevention strategies
  • A confidential, safe and friendly environment to share experiences

Contact 0800 494 262 for further information about this service.

Suicide Prevention

Able Minds works with communities to promote mental health and wellbeing and support families/whānau, friends and others affected by suicide or suicidal behaviours.

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Peer / advocacy / group / family whānau support

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

Referral Process

Phone 0800 494 262 or email admin@able.org.nz

Description

Able Minds works with communities to promote mental health and wellbeing and support families/whānau, friends and others affected by suicide or suicidal behaviours.

Timeout Contact

Timeout Contact (TOC) Supervisors take pride in working alongside children and their significant whānau members who are exposed to challenges associated with separation. TOC provides a neutrally based supervised contact service which establishes and maintains whānau bonds, it creates positive memories through the facilitation of safe and meaningful contact.

Regions

Waitaki, Southland, Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

Self referral

Referral Process

Please phone 028 8500 3155 or email admin@able.org.nz if you are wanting to access this service

Description

Timeout Contact (TOC) Supervisors take pride in working alongside children and their significant whānau members who are exposed to challenges associated with separation. TOC provides a neutrally based supervised contact service which establishes and maintains whānau bonds, it creates positive memories through the facilitation of safe and meaningful contact.

Additional Details

Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi, Child / Tamariki friendly

Website

Contact Details

This page was last updated at 9:16AM on September 16, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Able Minds.