Key UC Contact
What We Did
The He Kete programme, a joint venture between Odyssey House and Pathway Trust, is the South Island’s only residential therapeutic community for women with alcohol and other drug dependencies. This research, led by Dr Jarrod Gilbert in collaboration with UC PhD students Ben Elley and Irina Golda Lamadrid, evaluated the efficacy of the 12 month He Kete pilot programme. This evaluation was conducted by interviewing a cohort of He Kete’s first 20 residents three times; at entry, exit, and once they had returned to the community. Interviews were also conducted with staff, stakeholders and clients’ family members. Findings deduced that overall the wāhine were happy with their experiences at He Kete, and for many the programme has been transformative. In these instances, often harrowing tales of previous lives have been swapped for ones of happiness and optimism; which stem from improvements in a number of areas of the wāhine’s lives including improved health and wellbeing, and increased engagement with whānau.
Who Was Involved
The Michael and Suzanne Borrin He Kete, Odyssey House, Pathway Trust
Why It Matters
Research has shown that women-only AOD programmes are desirable, and may in some cases be more effective than mixed-gender programmes as they are able to target the issues common to women more effectively, and can provide an environment that is more comfortable for women. This evaluation has demonstrated that the He Kete programme is an invaluable resource for women suffering from addiction. The programme is vital in assisting women with addressing their past trauma and substance related issues to enable them to led lives free from addiction. This research in small part has contributed to the important kaupapa that the programme and its staff embraces. .
Learn More
Read more about the launch of He Kete Oranga o te Mana Wāhine: www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1906/S00096/he-kete-oranga-o-te-mana-wahine-facility-officially-opens.htm & www.pathway.org.nz/news-and-resources/blog/he-kete-oranga-o-te-mana-wahine-facility-officially-opens-its-doors/
