Tai Wātea Programme
Waves of Freedom
This is our intensive 9-week programme that involves surf therapy, group therapy, one-on-one clinical sessions, one-on-one life navigation skill sessions, as well as cultural sessions, including haka and researching and learning their pepeha. One full day each week involves the surf therapy, group therapy and the haka and pepeha cultural sessions. The following two days then consist of their one-on-one clinical and life navigation sessions. This programme also includes an ‘Open Day’ where clients are transported around, shown and educated on work and course opportunities available to them and taught about finding meaningful employment. Tai Wātea finishes with a formal graduation for the clients, where they share their pepeha with the crowd, perform a haka and give speeches. At graduation, the graduates are recognised for all their progress and hard work and presented with their individual awards and taonga.
Tai Tautoko Programme
Waves of Support
This is our ongoing relapse prevention programme that is open to all past Tai Wātea graduates. Tai Tautoko keeps graduates connected with LFM and each other while offering ongoing support as they continue to develop and make positive changes in their lives. It is intentionally less hands-on than Tai Wātea because its aim is empowerment as the clients take the concepts learnt in Tai Wātea and apply them to their lives. Tai Tautoko is run every week on Friday and includes a surf therapy session, followed by lunch and a group therapy session. One-on-one clinical and mentoring sessions are also still available to help the graduates continue to stay on track, achieve their goals and receive any needed support. Tai Tautoko is available ongoing to graduates for as long as they want and need – the support from LFM never ends and is always offered to them.
Tai Ora Programme
Waves of Change
This is our ongoing recruit programme that is open to all potential clients. The aim here is to initially engage new referrals and clients and familiarise them with LFM while they prepare to begin the Tai Wātea surf therapy programme. Tai Ora is run each week and consists of a fitness session with our youth mentor, followed by lunch and a group discussion. Depending on staff availability, there is also some initial practical life navigation support available for clients.