New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Mental Health and Addiction Support

This programme is suitable for people who want to, or who already, work in the mental health and addiction sector (including peer support). You will develop a solid understanding of mental health and addiction issues, as well as the important skills you'll need to work with people, whanau groups, and communities.

This programme emphasises kindness, caring, and compassion, and respects individual identities and experiences, particularly when it comes to recognising te ao Maori. You'll also learn about relevant legal issues such as human rights and privacy. A combination of classes and work-based learning means you'll apply skills as you learn them.

You'll use your own experiences and values to come away with a clear understanding of your own role within the mental health and addiction sector in Aotearoa. You'll then be able to harness your own unique qualities to assist and encourage the people you work alongside to develop and then maintain their own mental health and wellbeing.

Please note: While this programme is full-time, you are only required to be on-campus for 3 days a week. The remaining time can be spent on self-directed learning or work experience.

• You'll be able to practice safely and professionally as a mental health support worker.
• You'll learn by doing, by completing at least 200 hours in work placements in a mental health or addiction setting. This can be prearranged, or we can arrange a placement for you when you start the programme.
• You'll receive up-to-date knowledge about mental health, addictions, and co-existing issues.
• You will learn more about yourself and others by examining different cultures, values, and attitudes around mental health and addiction support.
• You'll learn how to be a highly skilled communicator to create a trusted and open relationship with the people you work with, as well as their families/whanau, and community networks.
• You'll be taught by lecturers who specialise in mental health.

If you want to continue on to further study upon successful completion of this programme, you could consider the Bachelor of Social Practice, where you'll have the chance to become a registered social worker.