New talking therapy facility opens in Papanui

A new mental health hub has been established by Pegasus Health (Charitable) Ltd on Cranford Street. The building was officially opened on the morning of October 14 with a blessing by Matua Ruru from Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury. The new facility will see up to eight mental health clinicians delivering Rongoā Kōrerorero (talking therapy) to people in need of short-term wellbeing support.

“It was a privilege to have Matua Ruru bless the building,” Karl Belcher, Service Manager Primary Mental Health, said. “The blessing was a chance for us to cleanse the space and create mana and mauri here. The people who will come here for support are often in a time of distress and by infusing that mana we hope they are able to walk out of here with hope and heads held high.”

The building has four distinct spaces for clinicians to see patients. Each room is warm, filled with sun and has a comfortable, inviting feel far removed from a traditional clinical health setting.

“We spent a lot of time looking for a site that fits the community and is vibrant and welcoming. It doesn’t feel clinical, but is a space that is warm, caring, nurturing and reflects the concept of manaakitanga (respect) and whanaungatanga (connection),” says Karl.

Rongoā Kōrerorero, previously Brief Intervention Talking Therapy, is a private and confidential process available to people enrolled with a Pegasus Health General Practice. It is an opportunity for people in need to access support in refocusing on their values and what they need at a particular time in their lives. Mental Health clinicians will work with the patient to find coping strategies that are helpful and lasting. In the past 12 months, 14,202 Rongoā Kōrerorero sessions have been delivered across Canterbury.