Local Well-Being Programme Offers Transformative Opportunities

Residents of Mangawhai are invited to enroll in the Te Awatea programme, a well-being initiative that has significantly improved the lives of over 150 participants since its inception in 2020. This self-awareness course, facilitated by the Te Whai Community Trust and led by experienced counsellor Carol Syron, focuses on helping individuals achieve balance and harmony in their lives through manageable, incremental changes.

The Te Awatea programme, which translates to “New Dawn,” is a comprehensive 10-week journey designed for adults of all ages. Participants have reported a range of positive outcomes, including enhanced well-being, improved relationships, and increased joy and purpose. The course incorporates contemporary, trauma-informed therapies, enabling individuals to develop self-awareness and practical skills tailored to their unique needs.

Syron emphasizes that the structure of the programme is intentionally designed to foster a trusting and supportive environment. “As humans, we sometimes find ourselves in tough circumstances that can be difficult to navigate,” she explains. “Te Awatea is not about blaming or shaming. In fact, there’s often a lot of laughter, and people find it easier to make changes they’ve wanted for a long time.”

Participants join for various reasons, from managing stress to enhancing parenting skills. The course aims to be accessible, with no requirement for note-taking and personal sharing remaining optional. This approach is particularly important in close-knit communities like Mangawhai, where privacy is a concern.

“No one is ever asked to disclose their personal history,” Syron notes, underscoring the programme’s commitment to confidentiality and comfort. With decades of experience in counselling and community advocacy, Syron assists participants in understanding and navigating their challenges effectively.

Many past participants have described the course as life-changing, with testimonials highlighting improvements in anxiety and depression levels, as well as a newfound sense of purpose. The programme encourages participants to recognize their responses and habits while providing practical tools to navigate life’s complexities.

“At its heart, Te Awatea is about understanding our responses and habits, and combining that awareness with practical tools that help us navigate life more creatively,” Syron adds. “It’s about making changes with less effort than it takes to hold everything together with grim determination.”

Registrations for the next intake of the Te Awatea programme are currently open. Interested individuals can inquire or join the waiting list by contacting the Te Whai Community Trust at [email protected] or by calling 09 431 3459. This initiative continues to be a beacon of hope and transformation for many in the Mangawhai community.