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David Baker was first admitted to a Tokanui psychiatric hospital in 1991 with severe depression. Since then he has experienced many more admissions at Sunnyside (in Christchurch), Henry Rongamai Bennett Centre (in Hamilton) and been prescribed a wide range of medication and treatment.
In 1999 he was introduced to the recovery principles. From that time his direction in life has changed and he has become committed to spreading the Recovery philosophy with humor and humanity. That same year David we elected chairperson for the Manic Depressive Support Group which he had attended regularly for a few years. Under his leadership the group grew and developed further and increased. The Groups meetings moved from Life Unlimited to Centre 401 and the frequency of it's meetings changed from monthly to weekly. Also the name was changed to Depressive Disorders Support Group (Waikato).
In 2002 with a study grant from Waikato Social Service (now Community Waikato) David completed the Mental Health Support Certificate at Wintec which resulted in him becoming a Support Worker for the group. Fielding calls and enquiries about the group, speaking to various groups about recovery and support, and running Depression Awareness and Recovery courses we some of the tasks he undertook. A support group was established in Te Awamutu after a recovery course was run there and ran for a couple of years with local people participating and facilitating. David was asked on more and more ocassions for advice and imput to groups and planning committees for consumer participation and ideas. David worked on the Incorporation of the group and formulted the constitution which was ratified by the committe at the start of
Later in 2004 when obstacles to moving forward in support work emerged depression again entered in. However with encouragement from many people and the support of GraceWay Acts (Apostolic) Church opportunities soon began to emerge and the philosophy of promoting mental wellness became a reality. Relapses and Hospitalisations have decreased dramatically with the last hospitalisation being in early 2005. The work of promoting wellness and wholeness take up an ever increasing part of his life. David is happily employed part time since April of 2005 by the GraceWay Community Church to lead the Promoting Mental Wellness organisation as it's Support Coordinator.
Presently David fulfills a number of positions in local and national organisations. He is a trustee on the board of Balance NZ a Bipolar and Depression network of support groups, is a member and Tangata Whaiora advisor for the local branch of SF (Supporting families in Mental illness), is a member of WCAG (Waikato Consumer Advisory Group), facilitates the ING (Integration Network Group) meetings on Mental health integrtion. attends the Coordinator and Fieldworkers hui @ Community Waikato, and other pertinent meetings and hui that come to the Hamilton Region.
With David’s extensive experience in running groups and education courses, organisational skills, cultural experiences, relationship abilities, and Christian faith have all led him to the belief that we all can grow and develop better life skills.
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Steve Waghorn has spent a good part of his adult life dealing with the effects of trauma, hospitalisation and lifes curved balls that have come his way. His love for and understanding of others have added to his hospitable character. He is well respected by the group and and his Recovery journey and Christian belief have served as his two greatest allies. Congratulations Steve.
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Other volunteers help with various parts of running the
programme and providing transport to and from Rally meetings.
All the services are received with thanks and make for a better
running and caring service.
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and we’ll do what we can to help.
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