Graduates champion the “Stop Meth Use” programme
Kia Taumata Te Oranga methamphetamine programme was launched in Stoke in October. Within the year it has had its first two graduates, Colby Kelly and Joseph Batchelor. The completed eight months of the community-based, abstinence treatment programme and more than 100 hours of face-to-face group attendance time.
In acknowledgement of their part in our ‘Te Piki Oranga, Ngaru tuatahi’ first wave, Colby and Joseph were actively instrumental in helping us pioneer and shape the programme.
Their contribution to the group and overall programme, the sharing of their wealth of experience, and knowledge of methamphetamine helped catapult the programme.
“I could have continued making my recovery on my own but found that being on the programme helped me gain further tools and understanding,” said Joseph. “The programme covered extensive conversations that I may not have thought of by myself, which I felt was relevant to me and my recovery journey. I had been declined other services but heard of the Te Piki Oranga Kia Taumata Te Oranga methamphetamine programme. Today I’m proud of the milestones that I achieved.”
Colby agrees, and he felt that additionally, the programme allowed him to be himself, to share with like-minded people, and having the ability to learn from each other, support each other’s stories and journeys. He felt the programme was highly needed and he could think of many other people who might benefit from it. He would like to continue attending as part of his ongoing commitment to his recovery and responsibilities of maintaining change.
Nga tino mihi ki a korua kua eke ki runga I te taumata otira te mutunga o te wa kia korua me o korua mahi i waenganui I a matou, Kia Taumata Te Oranga, Te Piki Oranga.
As Joseph and Colby progressed in their recovery, they became an inspiration to the other Matrix programme whānau/clients, especially those who were in the early stages of recovery, or those who thought that abstinence was impossible. They are role models that everyone looks up to.
