Exercise works out dependency issues

A sweaty morning workout is being used by a Rotorua social service trust to help people with mental health, and drug and alcohol addictions to get back on their feet.

Each day, Lifewise Trust residents at Kuirau Rd are being put through their paces with a regime of gentle exercises designed to build self-esteem and curb dependencies.

The daily programme culminates with a physical two-hour circuit training session each Friday with staff joining residents to lift fence strainer posts, lug around heavy tractor tyres and tummy-toning stomach crunches.

Lifewise Trust Rotorua Mental Health and Addiction Services manager Haehaetu Barrett said the HEHA programme was based on teaching residents to maintain healthy eating and living with physical exercise.

All residents are referred to the live-in centre for two weeks to be assessed.

Lifewise provided emergency and transitional accommodation for mental health and addictions clients who are referred by Te Utuhina Manakitanga Trust, funded under the Lakes District Health Board mental health portfolio.

The trust was always open to promote other forms of motivation and community social inclusion activities to help residents, she said.

Accommodation often included homeless people, particularly those with mental health, and alcohol and drug addiction issues.

"The daily exercise helps them to build their confidence and [to learn] working with others," she said.

"On Friday, it is about the staff joining in as well to show that we are walking the talk. It is seen as an end of week goal for many."

The 18-bed residential centre provided a safe environment for many residents who had hit rock bottom and had nowhere to turn "to sort themselves out", she said.

"The programme helps them ... [become] better prepared to interact with the community when they leave.

"It allows us to gauge their needs and how they assimilate in a welcoming environment.

"It shows them that there is fellowship outside the world of drug and alcohol they are used to."

People referred to the centre can stay up to nine months.

The centre also had access to the Waikite Rugby Club gym close by where many residents continued to work out after leaving Lifewise, she said.

HEHA programme leader, and circuit training instructor Shane Unuwai said the programme built inner confidence for residents.

"It also restores their health, and gives them the tools to maintain it and their well-being once they get back into the community."