Great support from Te Korowai Aroha

"My doctor is a Kiwi, so my support worker often came with me to my appointments give me language and cultural support" ~ Immigrant and Volunteer

A story about the supportiveness of Te Korowai Aroha (Affinity Services)

"In 1999, in China, my mental health was severely affected due to an issue with my family. Most nights I could not sleep, and the doctor told me I was experiencing mental distress.

In 2001, my son and I decided to come to live in New Zealand.

When I first arrived I was receiving support from WINZ. The case manager noticed I was feeling distressed, so she introduced me to Te Korowai Aroha (aka TKA), which helped me a great deal.

I was fully supported by a community support worker, who helped me gain access to the Adult Mental Health Service, and through them I was able to get help with language translation and medical support. My doctor is a Kiwi, so my support worker often came with me to my appointments to give me language and cultural support.

After I recovered, I was transferred to the local GP. Once again, the support worker guided me through language and cultural communication to enable the doctor to fully understand my Chinese Culture.

The support worker made regular visits to my house, and telephone contact, and she also helped me to integrate into New Zealand society. Most importantly, through this service, I was able to regain my confidence, and believe I would get better.

Now I am recovered, and I am involved with society and family activities. Currently, I am a volunteer worker for a Chinese consumer self help group, called Bo Ai She. I also am getting involved in the church as a volunteer to help others"

Footnote:

In 2006, Te Korowai Aroha officially became Affinity Services Ltd, a separate entity after 33 years as the mental health arm of Baptist Action.