Balance Wanganui had its origins as a manic depression (bipolar) support group, established in 1992 with the help of the DHB Community Mental Health occupational therapists Sarah Somerville, Olive Redfern and Viv Millward.
The group originally met at Good Health Wanganui’s Community Mental Health rooms; however when it was not possible to use these rooms, the group met in members’ homes. For a short while the group met at MIST and then met at the Quaker Meeting House, 256 Wicksteed Street every second Thursday before moving to weekly meetings by popular demand.In January 2008 Balance shifted into room 111, first floor, Community House 53A Ridgway Street, Whanganui. The rooms are open Monday-Friday, 1-3pm and the group meets every Thursday night from 7-9pm.
Funding was provided by the Whanganui DHB in 2002 for a fieldworker. After an external review in 2007 the Trust shifted into its own premises in Community House in 2008. Governance was completely separated from operations by appointing a Board external to the day to day running of the Trust and appointing a Manager. The Trust obtained a 10 hour per week contract from Central Potential –TRM for systemic advocacy in 2008.
By evolution Balance Whanganui now provides peer support, education and advocacy services across the mental health continuum. Balance Whanganui still provides high quality information about mood disorders and it is often through a diagnosis that people will self refer to Balance Whanganui for that expertise.
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