Name: Namrata Gulani
Job: Community Support Worker

“Empowering people to achieve their aspirations is an important part of my job as a Community Support Worker. It is amazing how much difference even a little support can make".

I am one of 10 community support workers working for Framework Trust, a non government organisation that provides community based mental health and disability services across Auckland. I love being part of a team that is making a difference.

I’ve been in this job 18 months. I originally came from India to New Zealand in 2005 to study psychology and health science. I started at Framework as a casual employee with the residential rehabilitation service before going into community service full-time.

It is an interesting and challenging job; no two days or two diagnoses are the same. I like the idea that I’m helping mental health consumers integrate back into their communities, maintain independence and become part of society again.

Our approach is based on recovery through partnership. We support; we don’t lead. This means our consumers make their own decisions and choices about how to get well - I don’t decide what is right or wrong for them.

Good communication skills are essential. You need to find a way to connect with others that works for them and you.

We have to be very resourceful. We are always looking for free or cheap community activities that our consumers can get involved in. It could be Green Prescription programmes, libraries, parks, courses or groups run by Framework or other organisations. Helping people socialise is very important.

Supervision is an essential support and Framework ensures we get group and one-on-one supervision. Through supervision we can discuss achievements, challenges and concerns in a supportive and private way. We also get constant training in areas like non violent crisis prevention and intervention (CPI).”