Hello! Welcome to DRIVE Consumer Direction Counties Manukau

DRIVE stands for:

development

RECOVERY

Information

VOICE

EDUCATION

We are a network that represents the interests of people in the Counties Manukau region who experience mental distress and/or harm from alcohol or other drugs – and their whānau. We know what it’s like to be challenged – and the path to recovery. Our list of events is here.
help-icon
services
involved

We are concerned with personal development, with the development of the peer service workforce, and with developing the mental health and addiction sector in Counties Manukau.

DRIVE stands for:

development
RECOVERY
Information
VOICE
EDUCATION
We link people to resources that will support them in their recovery. For example, services for addiction, mental health, housing or advocacy, peer support groups, funding & training. We also administrate two scholarships for the Cutting Edge Conference and the Recovery Camp. 
help-icon
services
involved
DRIVE supports systemic advocacy by promoting the voice of lived experience. We are very proud to have spearheaded the creation of Puna Whakataa the only respite for people with lived experience of harm from alcohol or other drugs in Aotearoa.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

“DRIVE has had such a positive role in supporting me to engage in my recovery. The Networks (DRIVE) has supported me through training, personal and workforce development…”
Anonymous
“…..Most especially I appreciate the way DRIVE stimulates me to think outside the box and have a broader view of Recovery and the power a “consumer voice” has…”
Anonymous
“….Not just at a grass roots level, but in every area of leadership from personal recovery leadership to being involved in service and systematic change in Counties Manukau and New Zealand wide…”
Anonymous
“…By being able to be involved, share my voice, learn and engage with other people sharing opinions and experiences it’s amazing and a privilege…”
Anonymous
“…That we can then affect change with our voices is such an amazing empowering feeling. I am lucky through DRIVE to have met some amazing and inspirational and supportive people….”
Anonymous
“…To me DRIVE is all about connections and sharing our life narratives to support each other and our communities to learn, grow, and affect positive changes.”
Anonymous

THE TEAM

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.