Te Whare Waimairiiri is an 8-bed supported accommodation unit for wāhine who have had past or present engagement with the criminal justice system and who have previously completed a residential AOD treatment programme.
It is a partnership between Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections), Odyssey House Trust Christchurch, and Pathway Charitable Trust. Based in the north-west of Christchurch, it is easily accessible on bus routes to the city centre. Supported accommodation can be provided from 2 - 16 weeks.
Te Whare Waimairiiri aims to provide a safe and supportive environment to help women who are struggling with their addictions as the begin to work and/ or study. The programme offers a range of additional assistance such as help to maintain changes that have been made around substance use, build whānau and social support, aid in developing life skills, structure and routine and assist when liaising with government agencies such as Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections), Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Social Development. The aim of the programme is to provide a pathway to independent living.
Time spent at Te Whare Waimairiiri is structured from the time from the start to the end of the day. Daily activities consist of daily house chores, study/employment, groups, and leisure activities. The aim of the programme is to provide a stepping-stone to independent living. Each wāhine will be helped to develop and follow an individual timetable to feel confident and ready to reintegrate back into the community.
To come to Te Whare Waimairiiri, you must:
• have a study or work plan in place
• have current or prior engagement with the criminal justice system (with the past 3 years)
• and, have completed an approved intensive residential alcohol and drug treatment programme