New talking therapy facility opens in Papanui

A new mental health hub has been established by Pegasus Health (Charitable) Ltd on Cranford Street.

The building was officially opened this morning with a blessing by Matua Ruru from Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury.

The new facility will see up to eight mental health clinicians delivering Rongoā Kōrerorero | talking therapy to people in need of short-term wellbeing support.

“It was a privilege to have Matua Ruru bless the building,” Karl Belcher, Service Manager Primary Mental Health, said.

“The blessing was a chance for us to cleanse the space and create mana and mauri here. The people who will come here for support are often in a time of distress and be infusing that mana we hope they are able to walk out of here with
hope and heads held high.”

The building has four distinct spaces for clinicians to see patients. Each room is warm, filled with sun and has a comfortable, inviting feel far removed from a traditional clinical health setting.

“We spent a lot of time looking for a site that fits the community and is vibrant and welcoming. It doesn’t feel clinical, but is a space that is warm, caring, nurturing and reflects the concept of manaakitanga | respect and whanaungatanga | connection,” Karl said.

Rongoā Kōrerorero, Talking Therapy, is a service provided by the Pegasus Health Mental health Team to patients enrolled with Pegasus Health General Practices. It is an opportunity for people in need to access support in refocusing on their values and what they need at a particular time in their lives.