Te Ara Tupu – The Pathway of Growth

Te Ara Tupu works alongside Reconnect Te Ope Pirita’s programmes to provide comprehensive support to rangatahi and whānau. Led by our Clinical Manager, Te Ara Tupu offers specialised assistance in whānau support, employment, education and mental health.

About Our Support Services

Whānau Support Team

Our social workers work closely with whānau to identify and achieve meaningful goals, fostering whakawhanaungatanga – the deepening of
relationship and connections within families – and work to provide:

    • Strength-based approaches to enhance family relationships and ensure whānau feel empowered
    • Advocacy and practical support for whānau at court hearings, Family Group Conferences (FGCs), and professional meetings
    • Assistance with transportation to essential appointments, including court, medical visits, and community services
    • Coordination of weekly kai box deliveries when needed
    • Offering practical support to help secure safe and stable housing

Education Advisor

Our Education Advisor supports rangatahi who wish to return to education – whether in mainstream schooling or alternative pathways, helping by:

    • Guiding rangatahi through school enrolment processes
    • Providing in-school support to address challenges
    • Assisting with transitions into new learning environments
    • Attending school meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional discussions
    • Evaluating numeracy and literacy skills
    • Advocating for rangatahi and whānau in education matters

Employment Support

Our Employment Support Specialist works alongside rangatahi and whānau, using the Individual Placement Support (IPS) model to help them identify strengths, set goals, and create individualised plans for career success, offering supports such as:

    • Personalised employment coaching to explore vocational interests
    • Hands-on support with job applications, CV development, and cover letter writing
    • Skill-building for the workplace, ensuring rangatahi are equipped for employment
    • Ongoing coaching and feedback to support rangatahi in their jobs and career growth

Mental Health and Disability Advisor

Our Mental Health and Disability Advisor provides guidance and support for rangatahi and whānau facing challenges such as anger management, anxiety, or low mood. Key areas of support include:

    • Suicide prevention and crisis intervention, ensuring safety and care for rangatahi and whānau
    • Providing support and advocacy to assist rangatahi, whānau and caregivers in accessing counselling and therapeutic services during times of distress
    • Guidance and education to whānau and caregivers in supporting mental health needs of rangatahi
    • Training for caregivers (non-kin and whānau), mentoring, and residential staff supporting rangatahi with complex needs
    • Providing mana-enhancing behavioural support to staff, whānau, and caregivers in their care for rangatahi
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Our Programmes