Te Whare Mā, The White House sees demand double for mental health support

A day activity centre in Nelson for people with lived experience of mental health and addiction, has doubled its visitor numbers over the past four years. Te Whare Mā, The White House, now records around 800 visits a month from people in the community, who come for practical help, connection and a place to go during the day.

Centre Manager Anna Mount says the growing demand reflects both the level of need in the community and the importance of a place where people feel safe, seen and supported. “We walk alongside people with lived experience as they get through the day, learn to support themselves, and advocate for themselves in their journeys. When people come here, they have a sense of belonging, they feel safe and they can just be who they are. They also get a say in what they want and what they need. The house belongs to the whānau – we support them, but it's their house.”

The centre was first established in 1996 and is open every day, including Christmas, to anyone aged over 18 years with an open-door policy. It has around 300 members, supported by 12 part-time staff members, and 10 volunteers. It offers wraparound support, including meals, laundry facilities, peer support and advocacy services, predominantly free or at very low cost.

Anna says the impact of that mahi can be seen in everyday changes. “People who were homeless for two years have found housing. Others have found employment, including roles within the centre as cleaners, gardeners, and chefs. We see a lot of people reconnecting with their community, not being so antisocial or learning how to just order a simple coffee without getting frustrated.”

Peer support worker Aaliyah Gill works alongside whānau both at the centre and through the courts, supporting people as they navigate the criminal justice system. “Peer support is very organic. People can come up to us whenever they want to talk. We sit down together and have a kōrero about what's going on for them, what could look better and how we can achieve that together.

“Te Whare Mā, The White House allows people to be comfortable in who they are. They can come here and they don't need to pretend to be someone else. They can talk to each other without feeling like they need to be ashamed of anything. I like to see that sense of community extend into the wider Nelson community."

Finn Smith, who accesses the centre, says the centre provides a valuable support network. “People can be dehumanised going through the system with so many terms and labels. Having a sense of identity and belonging is important. The empowerment model is much more likely to lead to recovery and it's good just to have camaraderie with friends and check in. It provides emotional stability and a reason to carry on in life.”

Long-time visitor Paul White says he keeps returning to the centre because of the sense of community. “Thirty odd years ago, my mate introduced me to the White House. I was a bit nervous going, but I fell in love with the place and meeting people. The White House is more like a family. People can come here and relax and have a coffee and talk to others, and it's good to have a community that reaches out. Sometimes you can get quite lonely where you are, so it's nice to come to a place where you feel good.”

The Rātā Foundation has supported Te Whare Mā, The White House for almost a decade. Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says the funding reflects its commitment to backing community-led responses. “Te Whare Mā, The White House provides a place of connection and practical support for people navigating complex challenges. The peer-led model, the open-door policy, and the genuine sense of ownership people feel when they walk through the door are not small things. They're the foundation of real, lasting change. We’re pleased to support mahi that helps people stay connected to their community.”