Having someone in your corner when life gets overwhelming can make all the difference – and that was certainly the case for one young wāhine.
Oreigan was just 23 when she left her life in Australia to come home to Taranaki to care for her nan as she navigated ongoing health challenges.
It wasn’t the easiest of moves.
“I found it hard because everything had to be built around nan’s care, we had to move from Hāwera to New Plymouth and ended up in a really bad rental, I was working two jobs to support us and I got totally overwhelmed and just sort of stopped, really,” she says. “I couldn’t deal with it all, I didn’t know where to start, and I ended up shutting it all out and not wanting to do anything.”
And then Nadja Bernhardt from the Te Manawanui service came into her life. Te Manawanui is a free service where kaitautoko, or health coaches, provide support and encouragement to help whānau connect with the services they need, introduce wellbeing tools to help keep emotions on an even keel, advocate when needed, and help set personal goals as part of a hauora journey to wellness.
“When I first met Nadja, she wasn’t there for me – she was there for my nan,” remembers Oreigan. “But she turned to me and asked how I was doing and how I was really feeling, and that’s when I realised I could actually do with some support myself.”
The first hurdle was that whānau need to be enrolled with a GP.
“I was really nervous about going to see the doctor, but Nadja talked me through it and even came with me on the day of the appointment,” said Oreigan.
“She supported me to explain how I was feeling to the GP so I could get some medical help.”
“Since then she has been really amazing, encouraging us to be more proactive about things and advocating for us. That meant we were able to move into a better house, which has made a real difference to our overall health. She has also been working with me to understand all the different factors involved in looking after my wellbeing.”
Nadja has helped Oreigan connect with WINZ to help their financial pressures, something Oreigan had been very reluctant to do after a previous negative experience.
“Nadja has also provided me with the opportunity to connect with my cultural side and understand more about my whakapapa,” says Oreigan. “Starting our hui with karakia really sparked my interest in my own culture. It’s been really affirming on a personal level, and I want to continue that journey.”
“She has given me confidence in myself to get up in the morning and get out there and do something that is meaningful to me.”
Oreigan has signed up to do a Mana Ora – Māori Business & Management course with TWOA and has big plans for the currently neglected vegetable garden at their new home.
“I honestly have the best job,” reflects Nadja. “I get to support whānau to see their potential and improve their wellbeing. Oreigan is an amazing human, and it was an honour to walk alongside her as she moved through a period of challenge and growth. She has shown real courage and commitment, and put in the hard mahi, to bring about some real positive changes in her life.”
“I want people to know about the Te Manawanui service and give it the chance to improve their lives like they did for me,” says Oreigan. “Take that step and reach out, you won’t regret it. Just because it is free doesn’t mean they care any less.
“I’ll never forget Nadja and what she has done for me. We’d be in a very different place now if it wasn’t for her.”
If you would like to speak to someone about how the Te Manawanui service could support you, please contact us on 0800 TUI ORA (884 672)