Manaaki programmes, support groups and workshops

We offer a variety of regular groups, workshops and manaaki (care) programmes to support our clients, their carers and whānau.

These take place at Te Kowhāi, in the community, family home or the place of care. Our range of activities and programmes allows a change of scene, companionship and support in various settings. We also offer grief support groups and workshops for whānau after a loved one has died.

All our services are free for people with a life-limiting illness in Wairarapa, including their whānau and carers. Programmes and workshops generally run during school term time and are facilitated and supported by trained professionals. Transport can be arranged for anyone who needs help to attend and all sessions can be attended on a drop-in, or regular, basis.

Programmes and regular activities

  • Individual creative arts therapy

    Individual creative arts therapy, with a registered therapist, is offered to support those with a life-limiting illness and grieving whānau including tamariki.

    Art and creative therapy offer opportunities to explore feelings that may be hard to put into words and may help reduce anxiety and find new pathways to healing.

    We can also offer small group sessions of between 4 and 10 participants.

    Please contact us for further information or if you’d like to attend.

  • Grief support group

    We hold a monthly coffee group for grieving whānau and carers at Te Kōwhai.

    This informal coffee group is designed to provide an opportunity to an opportunity for for those in bereavementto meet with others and share experiences, ideas and strategies for coping with grief that follows the death of a loved one.

    Our spiritual carer and a trained volunteer facilitate the meet-up.

    Sessions: Monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, 10:30am - 12pm.
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us if you’re interested in attending.

  • Creative workshops

    These creative workshops offer the opportunity to practice self-care for those with a life-limiting illness, whānau, carers and the bereaved.

    Creative expression through art, regardless of skill level, has been shown to reduce stress and provide some distraction from pain, aid with sleep and support legacy gifts.

    Our workshops are run by trained artists supported by our spiritual carer and provide a safe outlet to express emotions and discover the joy of making something by hand.

    Sessions: Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm
    Frequency: Fortnightly during school term
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us for further information or if you’d like to attend.

  • Other support groups & workshops

    We offer other grief support groups, remembrance services and workshops for whānau including tamariki.

    Our support groups and workshops can provide an opportunity to find support and expression in a variety of ways.

    Sessions: Regularly throughout the year
    Location: Te Kōwhai, 59 Renall St, Masterton

    Please contact us if you’re interested in attending.

Other services we offer

Our supportive care is tailored to individual physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs and these factors are taken into account to help optimise the quality of life for our clients.

The other services and resources available to you include:

Please don't hesitate to call or contact us if you have any questions about our services or the support we offer.