Family Advocacy

Working in Partnership with Family/Whānau

Family Advocacy

Family Advocacy is integral to all planning, implementation and evaluation of Affinity's mental health services. The Family Advocate actively seeks input from people using services and their family and whãnau.

WHAT DO WE OFFER

The Family Advocate

  • Will address any concerns family and whanau may have regarding the services Affinity provide.
  • Will encourage family and whanau to contribute to Affinity's planning and implementation of change.
  • Will engage family, whanau and Affinity Staff in regular forums and workshops which address mental illness and its treatment. Emphasis is placed on the important role family and whanau play in people's journey to recovery.
  • Works with the Kaupapa Maori Service for whanau and family. Both Karihia and Kuia are available to assist and provide support with the assessment and establishing of the level of service required. They will ensure the appropriate care and support is provided to Maori.

FAMILY AND WHANAU RIGHTS

The Family Advocate helps to ensure that the rights of families and whãnau are respected.

These include:

  • Being treated with understanding and respect.
  • Being able to provide relevant information about a family member's history in confidence.
  • Being taken seriously when expressing concerns about changes in a person's behaviour.
  • Information on the range of relevant services and supports available in the community.
  • Being consulted about a family and whanau member's discharge plans.
  • Culturally accepted treatment options which are inclusive of the family and whãnau.
  • Affinity recognizes the need for families and whanau to participate in shaping the service. Affinity invites families and whanau to take part in all aspects of their service planning, implementation and evaluation.

HOW TO ACCESS THIS SERVICE

If you would like further information, please contact the Family Advocate on 526 0320.