Helping men build better lives
When Man Alive was assessing its new programme, Men in Relationships, the message came through “loud and clear” that women wanted to be part of the solution too.
TrustLine, March 2009
The organisation provides services to men and adolescents in Auckland and Northland, helping them deal with abuse and violence. The Men in Relationships course, one of its key services, helps men deal with stress and conflict.
However, Man Alive CEO Chris Davidson says that to deal with the issues affecting their lives, those men also needed to be connected to their families and their communities.
“During our assessment of the programme the need was seen for a couples’ course,” says Chris. “The message came through loud and clear that people were looking for a group programme.”
So this month Man Alive launched Couples in Relationships, a 12 week course in revitalising stressed and challenged relationships.
The response is typical of the way Man Alive has evolved and grown – provide a service, assess its impact and learn how to make it even better.
The Men in Relationships programme was itself a response to community demand, when it was found that Manukau East lacked a dedicated men’s service.
Once it was working well in one area, the course spread and there are now plans to deliver throughout Auckland in 2009.
Since 1993 Man Alive has grown from a West Auckland service provider to one of New Zealand’s largest, most comprehensive men’s centre.
It is supported by the Child Youth and Family Service, ASB Community Trust and meets the Ministry of Justice’s standards. As a result, it works with around 1100 clients annually.
While many are referred by the courts, a large number are self-referrals. It runs Living Without Violence and Boys Alive courses, support groups, fathering programmes, family and couple counseling.
Chris says one of Man Alive’s strengths is that it is a service provided by men, for men, with the aim of awakening the unique spirit of men to build communities that work for everyone.
Boys Alive, for example, provides an action-packed eight week programme for 8-12 year olds who lack a positive male role model in their lives. They learn to deal with issues around anger, relationships, communication and self-esteem.
“What the boys learn in the programme is linked to their own experiences,” says Chris, “so they are helped to understand and develop personal responsibility surrounding thoughts, feelings and actions.
“This taking of responsibility is fundamental to making a change in their lives.”