Reach Out Waiheke

Reach Out Waiheke is a charitable trust based on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. We are a community response to mental health needs on the motu. We aim to enhance the wellbeing of people affected by a mental illness by reducing social isolation and creating meaningful connections.

Reach Out was formed in 2021 when a few of our trustees, all with lived experience of mental unwellness (through whānau, work or research), got together to share their experiences and agreed that there was a gap in support networks available for Waiheke whānau living with a mental illness.

Jump ahead to today and Reach Out Waiheke now has five dedicated board members, a part time Community Coordinator, and a network of Reach Out Friends who support us to achieve our goals. We work closely with Waiheke’s professional health teams who refer people to us, and we enjoy the support of our island community.

Our work has continued to grow and we are proud to offer connection, support and hope to people on Waiheke affected by mental unwellness.

Our wish for the future is that our people on Waiheke are well served. We also strive to be a good model for other small communities throughout New Zealand – providing hope and support for those living with mental illness.