Pact West Coast was established in 1999 following the deinstitutionalisation process from Seaview Psychiatric Hospital, when people were given the opportunity to live in a community setting. The service currently supports people with intellectual or other disabilites or people recovering from mental illness.

CHILD AND YOUTH COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Our support workers support children and adolescents all over the West Coast who have moderate to severe mental health issues. They are also involved in schools working with at risk children.

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION

We have houses where flatmates with intellectual disabilities are supported in Hokitika and Greymouth. The houses have varying degrees of staffing depending on people's needs.

The flatmates in each house are encouraged to take a big part in the running of the household and to set personal goals which they are supported to achieve.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION

We have homes for people recovering from mental illness in Hokitika and Greymouth. Staffing levels reflect the needs of the flatmates living in the house.

Staff support clients to set and achieve goals by focusing on their strengths.

RESPITE CARE / CARER SUPPORT

For people who live independently and care for themselves our respite care services allow them to have a break. We also provide carer support to provide a break for those living with and caring for someone with mental illness or intellectual disability.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE

Options West Coast supports around 10 people a week in Greymouth and Westport, helping them to increase their skills and supporting them into employment or vocational work. There is also assistance into schemes like the Green Prescription exercise programme through the local PHO (primary health organisation) and support into facilities like local gyms where people can develop their own natural supports. The Ministry of Social Development-funded programme caters for people with intellectual or physical disabilities and people recovering from mental illness.

MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMER ADVISOR

Joe Hall’s role as mental health consumer advisor covers advocacy and peer support. Her job is to  ensure consumers are involved at every level, have the chance to participate in activities and understand any new information.

PEER SUPPORT

Pact West Coast’s peer support work service employs three peer support workers in Westport, Hokitika and Greymouth, all of whom have had experience of mental illness and can help others needing non-clinical support. People from all over the West Coast are referred to this service.