Helena was stuck in a cycle of methamphetamine addiction for 20+ years.  Spent every year in jail for 2o years.

Helena went to to many treatment facilities around NZ and did well in that therapeutic community, but when she went home, it was not long before she was back using drugs again. Why?

It was more about the environment for her. Learning to live clean. Making new friends, having a peaceful mind. Smiling and being happy. Those things were all scary, especially  when youve been in the game for years. Its like grieving for someone so close to you who has gone.

The last time Helena was released from prison, she started a peer support group in Moerewa and this grew quickly. Helena is nearly 5 years clean today, 2 months away from graduating bachelor of social work. She coordinates Whakamana Tangata peer support drop in centre in Dargaville and also works for Whatu Ora as a peer support worker.

Isolation breeds addiction.

"Its about social inclusion and connecting with others on the same journey"

Ngatiwai