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2011 Cutting Edge - Concurrent Sessions Presentations

Please find below the presentations for the various streams. If a presentation is missing then it was not supplied or we were not allowed to publish it.

Copies of Stream A abstracts

Stream A Presentations

Stream A

Stream A 1.50pm – 2.10pm

Sift Through Eurocentrism to Focus on Our Pasifika People

Authors:
Pesio Ah-Honi Siitia, Mapu Maia – Problem Gambling Foundation
Mrs Rufo Pupualii, Mapu Maia – Problem Gambling Foundation
Mrs Losa Patterson, Mapu Maia – Problem Gambling Foundation

Abstract:
Pacific people have always been creative and would express themselves in song, dance, theatre and poetry. Our ancestors used poetry to tell old stories using our rich language to express sadness, love, joy, hope and in particular God's love. This medium is still used today in the everyday lives of our Pacific people.

Mapu Maia have sifted through Eurocentrism and developed a 'Tagata' Model that privileges the relationship with an emphasis on engagement. This model highlights talatalanoa as a pivotal intervention for healing and restoration and alligns it to a Eurocentric model to share common ground as clinical and health promotion practitioners.

What's working and what's not working is the focus on this presentation. "E fofo e le Alamea le Alamamea". The Alamea is a spikey starfish also known as the "Crown of Thorns". If you stand on the spikes ut will cause sharp stining pain and poison you causing nausea and vomitting for hours. However,if you flip the starfish on its back into the infected area, the starfish will suck the poison back out. The metaphoric meaning is that our people contain the solutions to their own problems, but do we have the courage to let them stand up for it? Mapu Maia have used creative mediums to show that it works!

Biographies:
Pesio Ah-Honi Siitia was born in Samoa but raised in New Zealand and of Samoan and Asian decent. As the Pacific Manager of Mapu Maia, her background is in Pacific marketing and media and she has over 20 years experience working with Pacific Island communities.

Rufo Pulualii was born and raised in Samoa. Her background lies in community development/action within the Pacific community and she has 7 years experience in public health/social work.

Losa Patterson was born and raised in New Zealand and is a registered psychotherapist with 18 years experience in mental health, addictions; primary care and research.



Stream A 2.15pm – 2.35pm

The Big Boys & Big Girls Club – An Obesity Assault Program with a Difference!

Authors:
Sellosa Patterson, Problem Gambling Foundation Mapu Maia
Buck Stowers, Off the Couch Charitable Trust

Abstract:
"It's an addiction program, but they don't know it" was Buck Stowers response when interviewed by 20/20 TV. Good Morning Show; 20/20 and Tagata Pasifika have been following the movement of the Big Boys and Big Girls Program delivered in South Auckland. An obesity program with a difference! Procare have provided funding to endorse this new service delivery to people who are weighing in as heavy as 280kilos. Using an addiction model with value centred interventions has been the success formula that is producing phenomenal results!

A consumer led group compiled a "Gratitude Journal" in appreciation of their journeys to "Fight for their Life" and take back control. Testimonials like "After my first work out we had a debrief session and I felt like I was in an AA group"; "I haven't smoked for 10 years, but all I wanted to do was 'dak' out – I felt so ANGRY!"; "I was so depressed, then my brother came to me and told me that he had a dream that I would die. "A common expression as taught to them in the program is "Where the MIND goes, the BODY will follow". With passion, dedication and tough love Big Boys and Big Girls are winning their addiction to food.

This presentation is a must see as it combines a "Let's Get Real" approach that addresses the top 2 inches of any addiction It works from a potential model that enhances mana and awakens your soul!!!

Biographies:
Losa Patterson has worked in mental health and addictions for over 15 years and is a registered sychotherapist. She joined the Big Girls program in June 2010 and currently works as an Addiction Specialist for OTC supported by Mapu Maia/PGF.

Buck Stowers has been in the health and fitness sector for over 25 years. Reknown for body building achievements Buck was determined to help those that weren't able to help themselves. At 21 he lost his mother to obesity related diseases and now he's on a crusade to save others – an inspiration and legend to his community!



Stream A 2.40pm – 3.00pm

"Can You Smell What The Youf Are Cookin?" (How well are you engaging with Pacific youth?)

Presenters:
Dwaine Faletanoa'I, Tupu Services Waitemata DHB
Mike Tapu, Tupu Services Waitemata DHB
Tupu Service Youth Clinicians, Waitemata DHB

Abstract:
The "umu": a traditional method for Pacific (specifically Samoan) of preparing and cooking food for the family and the village. Tupu is a common term for "growth" in the South Pacific. TUPU Services is an Auckland regional Pacific Alcohol, Other Drugs and Gambling service, under the auspices of Takanga a Fohe (Tongan language translated as "Unison of Oars") – Pacific Mental Health & Addictions Service, Waitemata District Heath Board. BEST Training is an Auckland New Zealand based training provider with a mission to work with Pacific people to fulfil the educational, vocational and business aspirations of Pacific communities, by providing quality educational programmes that responsively and effectively meet their learning and career needs. As part of 'Youth Week' in May 2011, in collaboration with BEST Training the Tupu Youth team using the processes of the traditional 'umu' (for example: afi: fire, lagolago: supports, ieofi: tongs/tools) as a basis to evoke leadership, promote and support recovery and wellbeing for youth around substance and gambling use. The primary challenge presented through the umu is for youth to identify tangible and intangible future values, goals, vision, aspirations that will benefit or detriment them personally, their family and extended family, and/or community. This is represented by the mea'ai (translated: food) that they will begin to prepare now and in the future. In the time allocated the TUPU Youth team will present some of the relevant ways of engaging with Pacific youth in NZ, to attend to the challenge for all who are working with youth, can you smell what the youf are cooking?

Copies of Stream B abstracts

Stream B Presentations

Stream B

Stream B 1.50pm – 2.10pm

Ways OST Services can Support Client Recovery and Improve Treatment Attractiveness

Authors:
Sheridan Pooley, AOD Consumer Network & CADs Auckland
Rhonda Robertson, AOD Consumer Network & Matua Raki
Dr Daryle Deering, National Addiction Centre & Dept of Psychological Medicine University of Otago

Abstract:
What does 'recovery' mean in opioid substitution treatment? How does clinical recovery differ from personal recovery? Where is the focus? What could make OST more attractive and in so doing, support client recovery?

A Ministry of Health supported research project comprised parallel surveys of consumers (some receiving OST and some not) and OST specialist service staff. According to consumers, OST services might be improved if there was 'better treatment by staff', 'more flexibility', 'better takeaway arrangements', and 'less waiting time.' Service providers agreed that 'having to go on a waiting list' and 'restricted takeaways' were significant barriers to OST.

While specifically tailored approaches are required for local contexts, a number of practice implications that arose from the findings of this research are consistent with those considered in the international OST literature. In the sensitive political context underpinned by stigma and misunderstandings, within which OST is provided (Bell, 2000; Wodak, 2002), strong professional leadership and advocacy are required to ensure that responsive treatment for individual clients remains the central concern (Joseph et al., 2000; Woods, 2001). But consumer leadership and advocacy for OST carries its own challenges.

By pulling together the findings of this research, international research, and Rhonda's experience of OST, the presenters will offer some responses to the questions posed above as we strive for a culture and attitude change in OST where a client-centred and recovery oriented model of care is accepted and expected.

Biographies:
Rhonda Robertson BA, Cert.ComPsycC. For 20 years Rhonda has worked in health and disability; since 2004 in dedicated consumer roles in the addiction sector. Her clinical journey began via illegal prescribing of methadone, due to a two year waiting list for entry to the specialist service. Rhonda subsequently became involved in issues around access to opioid services in the mid 1990s as a member of the consumer group Canterbury Methadone Education Organisation (CAMEO Trust). CAMEO and the local needle exchange became a hub for education and information – the pathway to empowerment. Rhonda continued to work and obtained a tertiary qualification and improved her quality of life throughout her clinical journey which is signposted by specialist opioid and primary care services across three District Health Board localities. After 16 years Rhonda is no longer prescribed methadone.

Sheridan Pooley MA, (Hons. First class). For the past 10 years Sheridan has called on her experience to inform her role as Regional Consumer Advisor for CADS Auckland. Sheridan works with all the services provided by CADS which includes a fruitful working relationship with the Auckland opioid service. She regularly attends the National Association of Opioid Treatment Providers meetings to provide consumer perspectives on OST service delivery. Her involvement with OST began when short-term low dose methadone treatment was considered good practice; she then experienced the shift in philosophy and practice to harm minimisation and retention in treatment. Sheridan participates in various national initiatives which require her to network with AOD consumers around the country. She is committed to ensuring services are responsive to the needs of people with AOD issues, and promotes a recovery and client centred way of working for OST (and other AOD) services.

Daryle Deering RN, PhD. Daryle has extensive clinical and research experience in working in mental health and addiction treatment services. In accordance with the mission of the National Addiction Centre she has a particular interest in contributing to improving treatment for people with opioid dependence that is underpinned by concepts of client centred, recovery, and wellbeing.



Stream B 2.15pm – 2.35pm

Mortality in Methadone Maintenance Clients – the changing face of opioid substitution treatment

Author: Dr Karla Rix-Trott, CADS Auckland

Abstract:
The age and cause of death in clients of the Auckland Methadone Service in the 5 years 2005 to 2009 was reviewed and this was compared with the previous mortality review completed in the Wellington programme in the years 1972 to 1989 prior to the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.

There were 51 deaths in the review period. All except 2 occurred in those aged 35 years and over. Over 70% were the result of disease/natural causes of which one third were the result of liver disease and none were related to HIV. All 9 who died as the result of overdose were over the age of 35 years and most of them were male. The remaining 6 clients died as the result of trauma (3) or suicide (3).

When compared to the earlier study completed in Wellington our clients were older and more likely to die of disease/natural causes. This is probably related to the increased retention in treatment in the post-HIV era and a consequence of our aging client profile. This has implications for treatment development and best practice.

Biography:
Dr Karla Rix-Trott is a senior medical officer with CADS Auckland and has been working in the service for 23 years. For the past 11 years she has been working principally in the opioid substitution service.


Stream B 2.40pm – 3.00pm
Oxycodone
Author:
Dr Alistair Dunn, Northland Mental Health & Addiction Service Whangarei
Abstract:
Oxycodone is a potent opiate analgesic, very much like morphine, that is rapidly changing the landscape of opiate prescribing in this country.

This presentation describes the marked rise in Oxycodone prescribing observed in the U.S.A. and Australia, which has worryingly resulted in a corresponding increase in opiate-related overdose and death in those countries. The emerging Oxycodone prescribing pattern in New Zealand appears to be following a similar pattern, raising concerns that a commensurate rise in Oxycodone related deaths will surely follow.

The preference for Oxycodone among prescribers is somewhat puzzling in the light of these concerns, especially when one considers it is no more effective than morphine. Some possible reasons for its popularity are outlined and explored, as well as a brief discourse on the role of opiates in the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain.

This presentation represents a call to action for those working in the addiction sector to take heed of the experiences in other countries so that we may avoid witnessing the same resulting harms from Oxycodone in New Zealand.

Biography:
Alistair Dunn (FAChAM, FRANZCGP), has worked as a medical officer for the Northland Health Addiction Service in Whangarei for the last 15 years, while also working in General Practice. He is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine, a clinical senior lecturer for the Department of Psychological Medicine (University of Otago ) and a PTAC sub-commitee member for PHARMAC. Dr Dunn last presented at Cutting Edge in 2003, and was awarded the John Dobson Opioid Presentation Prize for his presentation of a pilot study of minimal methadone prescribing.

Copies of Stream C abstracts

Stream C Presentations

Stream C

Stream C 1.50pm – 2.10pm

Contingency Management in the New Zealand Context
Authors:
Anna Nelson, Matua Raki
Ashley Koning, Matua Raki

Abstract:
What do an art exhibition, laminated drug urine screen results and coffee have in common?

Contingency Management has an extensive evidence base for effectiveness when working with problematic substance use but appears to have been little heard of, or used, in New Zealand. In 2010 and 2011 Matua Raki provided a series of workshops introducing the use of Contingency Management to the addictions sector. The workshops described the theory underpinning Contingency Management and summarised the evidence for its effectiveness, especially when used alongside other best practice models of intervention such as Motivational and Cognitive Behavioural approaches. Taking into account the New Zealand context the focus of the workshops also included the potential use of low cost, no cost or naturally occurring incentives to help: engagement with services, retention in treatment and meeting treatment goals.

Throughout this training it became clear that many practitioners were already using principles of Contingency Management in an ad hoc way. These participants were quickly able to consider how they could more formally incorporate Contingency Management strategies and motivational incentives into their work.

Following a brief overview of the training content this presentation will provide a summary of the options and ideas that were generated by the participants in their 'Contingency Management Action Plans' developed as part of the workshop. These practical and imaginative ideas will be presented to illustrate how Contingency Management can be effectively used in the New Zealand context at no or low cost.

Biographies:
Anna Nelson is currently the Programme Manager with Matua Raki. She began her career in the AOD sector 16 years ago as a 'dual diagnosis' social worker in the Waikato. More recently she was a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at London's South Bank University where she specialised in teaching problematic substance use to a range of allied health and social care professionals. She has just finished writing her book 'Social Work with Substance Users' which will be published by Sage Publications in October 2011.

Ashley Koning is currently a Project Leader at Matua Raki. Ashley has worked as a clinician in the addictions field for the past 20 years for the Nelson Marlborough DHB outpatient service. Prior to this he worked as a social worker, youth worker and also spent some time as a registered psychologist working for the Family Court. His particular interest is encouraging recognition of the specialist skills of the addictions workforce.

Stream C 2.15pm – 2.35pm

Ibogaine in Aotearoa / New Zealand: Implications for treatment in a new legislative regime

Author:
Dr Geoff Noller, Substance Use & Policy Analysis, Otago University

Abstract:
This presentation explores the recent approving of ibogaine (a psychoactive indole alkaloid present in the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga) as an experimental prescription medicine in New Zealand. The implications for its use in drug treatment are discussed.

Background
Internationally, there is an increasing interest in ibogaine treatment. Alper (2008) notes over 3,400 cases to 2006, with 68% being for a substance-use disorder (SUD) and 53% specifically for opioid withdrawal.

In some countries ibogaine is classified as a controlled drug, e.g. the U.S. and Australia. Elsewhere its status is more ambivalent, e.g. a herbal supplement (Canada), or as an unlicensed experimental medication (U.K.).

Aotearoa / New Zealand
Until recently ibogaine was unregulated in New Zealand. Limited unofficial treatment occurred, principally for SUD's. However, in 2010 ibogaine was gazetted by Medsafe as a non-approved prescription medicine, making it available for use in treatment via licensed medical practitioners.

Implications for treatment structure and networks
Legislative changes have opened the door for a hybridized treatment driven by peer treatment providers but supported by medical professionals. This fits well within New Zealand's opiate addiction services as the country has long been at the forefront of harm minimisation initiatives for IDU.

Ibogaine's new 'quasi-legal' status has facilitated the beginnings of a number of important clinical and structural relationships in the AOD treatment sector, and with medical and medicine supply professionals, continuum of care and aftercare agencies, legal advisors, and policy advisers within government.

Biography:
Dr Geoff Noller has a background in social science and qualitative research. He completed his PhD thesis (Cannabis in New Zealand) with the Otago University Medical School's Department of Psychological Medicine in 2007.

Geoff is a self-employed consultant specialising in substance use research. Current projects include an international study of informal coercion in mental health; an evaluation of rural outreach for New Zealand's Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) and an observational study of outcomes for ibogaine treatment.

Geoff's research practice emphasises mixed-method analysis. He has undertaken ethnographic fieldwork in New Zealand, Australia and the Caribbean. He lives in Dunedin with his two young children.



Stream C 2.40pm – 3.00pm

A Non-Threatening Approach – raising awareness of gambling harm for the wellbeing of the Asian communities and reducing stigma associated with problem gambling

Author:John Wong QSM, Asian Family Services, Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ

Abstract:
There has been a rapid increase in Asian immigration to New Zealand, with Asian ethnic groups showing the fastest growth. The Asian population of New Zealand doubled between 1996 and 2006, with 9.2% of the New Zealand population being of Asian descent in 2006 (Statistics New Zealand, 2006).

There are indications that this population has complex and multiple needs, including immigration and trauma-related stress, isolation and loneliness, boredom, language barriers, employment, housing and finance. There is also a strong stigma associated with problem gambling among Asian communities. Interventions are important. However, contemporary public health perspectives are also very useful and are not limited to the biological and behavioural dimensions, but can also address access to social and healthcare services related to gambling and health.

This presentation will demonstrate and explain using a non-threatening approach project "Gamble free Day Dinning Discount Campaign" which involving volunteers raising awareness of gambling harm for the wellbeing of Asian communities and at the same time reducing stigma that associated with problem gambling. This project has been proven workable and successful. It was awarded the "Auckland City's Community Safety Awards" on 1 September 2010. This presentation will also address the challenges of having limited man-power and resources in raising awareness locally and nationally as well as report evaluations from different groups of the projects participants, which are very informative.

Biography:
John Wong had a business and management background when he migrated to New Zealand in 1992. He was awarded a Master of Education in Counselling (Honours) degree. He accumulated many years of counselling experience. John is the Director Asian Family Services at the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand where he has extensive involvement with different community groups. He has a strong interest in problem gambling and is committed to help new migrants in their settlement process. Recently he was awarded The Queen's Service Medal in the 2010 New Year Honours List.

Copies of Stream D abstracts

Stream D Presentations

Stream D

Stream D 1.50pm – 2.10pm

Where Three Roads Meet – violence, criminality and addiction

Authors: Sean Manning, Moana House Therapeutic Community

Abstract:
This is an evidence-based psychodynamic approach to therapy with men who have violent, criminal and addictive traits. These are not seen as separate disorders or syndromes, but as the results of early survival strategies and as a coherent response to extraordinary circumstances. The psychological mechanisms underlying the presentation are described in the context of a therapeutic model.

Biography:
Sean Manning is a psychotherapist with a background in psychiatric social work. His childhood in Belfast set in motion a sustained interest in, and a tendency towards, violence. Not being very good at it, he eventually decided on an academic approach.

Stream D 2.15pm – 2.35pm

The Visual ADOM – making outcomes meaningful

Authors:
Polly Websdell, CADS Auckland
Dr Susanna Galea, CADS Auckland

Abstract:
Outcome measurement is generally considered to be something that the addictions and mental health sector does to consumers. It is popularly considered to be the application of a set of tools to measure how consumers fare in treatment that is for the benefit of the service. Clinicians view the use of measure with scepticism, as a management tool that is not for the consumer.

What is known about outcome measurement tools is that they are much more readily administered and received if they are perceived as clinically useful, collaborative with the consumer and offer direct benefits to the consumer in terms of being able to evaluate their treatment and progress.

With these factors in mind, the authors set about enhancing an existing NZ outcome measure (the Alcohol and Drug Outcome measure) to become more acceptable to consumers and clinicians.

The Visual ADOM offers a graphic representation of the progress that people have made and is an engaging way of representing data from and outcome measurement tool. The visual ADOM has translated numbers into a consumer and clinician tool which offers a flexibility of application.

This presentation describes the process of developing the Visual ADOM and the experience of using it in practice.

Biographies:
Dr. Susanna Galea, CADS Service Clinical Director / Consultant Psychiatrist: Susanna has worked in the addiction field for a number of years. She provides clinical leadership to the largest drug and alcohol service in
New Zealand. Susanna has been contributing to the scientific knowledge of addiction through involvement and facilitation of research projects, training of various disciplines and publications such as book chapters and peer review journals. Dr. Galea's main interests are in multimorbidities related to addiction, alcohol related harm and use of substances in special populations.

Polly Websdell has a long history working in the AOD treatment industry as a clinician in both community and residential settings. Her interests include public health, social justice and equity in treatment delivery.

Stream D 2.40pm – 3.00pm

The Relevance to Therapist Self-care and Well Being of Integrating Mindfulness Within the Therapeutic Relationship: An overview of the literature and report on the findings from a qualitative study within a team of Community Alcohol and Drug Clinicians.

Authors:
Teresa Behrens, CADS Auckland
Catherine Lowry-Hanlon, CADS Auckland

Abstract:
The relationship between therapist and client has been well documented as a factor common to all psychotherapeutic modalities underpinning successful therapy (Norcross, 2002), and specifically in the treatment of addictive behaviour it has been suggested that the therapeutic relationship may be the most critical determinant of treatment outcome (Marlatt, Bowen, Chawla & Witkiewitz, 2008).

More recently, mindfulness, as exemplified by the therapist, has been posited as another possible common factor determining successful therapeutic outcomes (Bien & Hicks, 2008; Germer, 2005).

Considered from a Western psychological perspective mindfulness has been described as "The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgementally to the unfolding experience moment to moment" (Kabbat-Zinn, 2003, p.145) and, "The non-judgemental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise" (Baer, 2003, p.125).

While the research focus has been primarily on the benefits of mindfulness as an intervention for clients, a growing body of evidence suggests mindfulness training may directly benefit health care professionals by enhancing their well-being and self-care (Shapiro & Carlson, 2009).

This presentation discusses the findings of a recent qualitative study, which explored community based AOD clinicians' experiences of therapist mindfulness in the context of the therapeutic relationship and its influence on therapist well-being. The findings are presented in the context of the relevant literature.

Biographies:
Catherine Lowry Hanlon is CADS North Clinical Team Leader and programme director of the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Programme in Takapuna, and carries a clinical caseload working with DBT and non DBT clients. The CADS North DBT programme has been established for three and a half years. Catherine has an MSc in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy from Metanoia Institute & Middlesex University London and has completed the Behaviourtech Intensive Training in DBT. She is a NZ Registered Psychotherapist with over 15 years' clinical experience with CADS.

Teresa Behrens is an Alcohol and other Drug Counsellor at CADS Central in Auckland, where she facilitates Relapse Prevention and Managing Mood (based on DBT skills) groups. Her interests are in mindfulness based interventions in individual and group work, and the place of mindfulness in therapist and team resilience. Teresa holds a Bachelor of Alcohol and other Drug Studies from WELTEC and is currently completing post graduate studies in psychology at AUT. She is a student of Zen, affiliated with the Auckland Zen Centre, under the guidance of Sensei Amala Wrightson.

Copies of Stream E abstracts

Stream E Presentations

Stream E

Stream E 1.50pm – 2.10pm

Walking with the Taniwha

Authors:
Paul Burns, Mental Health Commission
Paul Bennett, Te Runanga O Ngai Te Rangi iwi Trust

Abstract:
Paul Burns will give a brief introduction of Paul Bennett and then Paul Bennett will give a 15 minute presentation specific to the key points in his life, his battles with and recovery from addiction and how this led to his book Walking with the Taniwha.

Paul Bennett is the author of Walking with the Taniwha which was co published by Paul and Te Runanga O Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust, June 2005. It is Paul's autobiography of twenty five plus years of addiction and how he recovered despite being given 2 months to live by Dr's in 1998.

The first edition of Walking with the Taniwha came out when New Zealand was experiencing a methamphetamine explosion. Paul was supported by the trust for the original printing of the book. The ensuing book launch and stress from travelling and presenting led to a relapse and admission to a residential drug rehabilitation centre. He was then diagnosed with a mild mood disorder.

Paul then began to focus on his Mental Health issues and how that was causative to addiction. In March 2011, Paul received confirmation from the Mental Health Commission that they would fund the editing and reprint of an updated version of his book.

In Maori, the word taniwha has different meanings: it can be a good or a bad deep-water monster. Paul's lifelong battle with addiction was heightened due to his under lying mood disorder and vice versa. In Paul's recovery, he has learnt to walk with and embrace his anxiety, hence the title – Walking with the Taniwha. Paul's latest version of his autobiography incorporates all of his learning's post the last edition and has a greater focus on his tools for dealing with anxiety along with various options for drug rehabilitation.

Biographies:
Paul Bennett – In 1997 I was assessed but turned down for a lung transplant because I tested positive to hepatitis B. My life of substance abuse dependence had finally caught me up. Due to stigma and discrimination I found myself at my family cemetery where I began facing my fears.

Thus began my journey of self discovery and writing my book with the thoughts of helping others. Since 2004 I have worked under the umbrella of Ngaiterangi Iwi in drug abuse resistance education, peer support and net working locally and nationally, also completing much training in the mental health and addictions sector.

Paul Burns has been active in AOD consumer networking for 10 years now culminating in his AOD Consumer Advisor position he currently holds at the Mental Health Commission. Paul is a member of the Matua Raki AOD Consumer Leadership Group and has completed the Blueprint Consumer Advisor Training. He presented at Cutting Edge in 2009 and at Building Bridges in 2011 and is a current facilitator of MH101.
Prior to his consumer role at the Commission Paul has worked in the Mental Health and Disability sectors as well as managing a Needle Exchange in Masterton.



Stream E 2.15pm – 2.35pm

Many Journeys, One Voice

Author:
Broody Runga, Counties Manukau, AOD Consumer Network

Background:
The Counties Manukau AOD (Alcohol & Other Drug) Consumer Network has been operating and supporting consumers in the Counties Manukau area for the last 4 & a half years. Recently there have been changes in structure with the appointment of a new Network Coordinator as of April 2011.

Aims:
By way of power point presentation and personal stories from Network Members.

Pioneering
History of the Network, and how it evolved into a unique model.
The network played a key role in the development of Te Puriri Trust, a "Consumer Governed Organisation" that operates in Counties Manukau.

Peer Support
The primary value, and usually the entry way into the AOD Network, is the Support Groups. Currently there are 3 Support Groups a week. They are facilitated by peer support staff.

Workforce Development
The network offers free trainings and a number of network members have gone on to complete Peer Support trainings and gained employment throughout the AOD & Mental Health sectors.

Opportunity for consultation and collaboration
Network members sit on Steering Groups and other forums with the Counties Manukau DHB and other service providers.

Lifestyle changes/initiatives
The network offers outings and other recovery initiatives that members gain much value from.

Acknowledgements
Recognising the massive contribution of Mike Hamlin & other stakeholders.

Biography:
Current Network Coordinator – Brody Runga. Lived experience and recovery for both mental health & addictions, peer support worker 2010, Te Puriri Trust Board member since 2009, involved in AOD Consumer Network since 2007 and facilitating Tai Chi for well-being groups at Pitman House Medical Detox since 2009

Stream E 2.40pm – 3.00pm

Living Well – a consumer's perspective

Author:
Marc Beecroft, ADANZ

Abstract:
Recovery is defined as the ability to live well in the presence or absence of a person's mental illness.
Living well is determined by the person with the mental illness (O'Hagan 2001, Recovery Competencies for NZ Mental Health Workers, Mental Health Commission, Wellington, NZ).

So how does this statement fit with the addiction sector?

Well... put simply, different strokes for different folks – we all have our views on what's what and for a few years now mental health have been talking 'Recovery' and what that means to the individual. It's time for us in the addiction sector to see how that works for us -a consumer's perspective.

Biography:
Marc Beecroft currently works as the Consumer advisor for the AOD sector in Canterbury, South Canterbury and the West Coast. He has also been facilitating peer support groups for the Christchurch addiction sector for the past 8 years.