Transitions
DRIVE is going through a transition period that includes a new website and new staff members. Edith is moving to Marketing full-time on January 1st 2024 although she will still be responsible for all of DRIVE’s social media in her new role of Content Creator for Ember Korowai Takitini. We therefore need a new Senior Network Coordinator. We are currently advertising for that role and have interviewed some outstanding candidates. Watch this space!
Andrew Blackburn has also joined Edith and Ruth to support since Troy Guest moved on. Andrew is with us for 20-hours a week and leads the Ember Experience initiative for the other 20-hours.
What is DRIVE?
DRIVE is a network of people that have lived experience of mental distress or harm from alcohol or other drugs – and their whānau – in the Counties Manukau area. If this is you – hello! You are welcome to become part of our network. You can do so by attending events, being involved in social media, or in a more active way. For example, we are always looking for people to support us with designing and running events and workshops.
Meet the DRIVE Team
DRIVE employs three coordinators – Edith works from Monday to Friday, Troy works from Wednesday to Friday and Ruth is with us for two days alongside her role as the Peer Employment Training coordinator.
Edith Moore
Edith is a mother of two and grandmother of three. She re-entered the workforce in December of 2017 after being unemployed for nine years due to mental distress and harmful use of alcohol and other drugs. She was born in Manurewa and is of Cook Island Maori descent. She has previously worked at the University of Auckland as a lecturer in Pacific Health and as a Pacific Postgraduate mentor.
Ruth Cheeseman
Ruth Cheeseman is very excited to join DRIVE as a part time network coordinator. She also facilitates the Peer Employment training for Ember. Ruth has done lots of mahi in mental health services working in Peer Support and as a Consumer Engagement Advisor at Counties Manukau Health, and a PET facilitator for two mental health and addictions services in the community. Her passion in recovery is that people are able to find support, do what works for them – and have a voice that is heard. Where better than DRIVE!
Edith and Ruth are proud to have lived experience of recovery.
The DRIVE contract is managed by Ember – Korowai Takitini.