Talent show takes all kinds

Monday, September 13, 2010 15:52

Mental health workers and their clients are in rehearsals for an inhouse talent show.

The staff of the Challenge Trust from all over the upper North Island will be celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week with their very own Challenge's Got Talent.

The organiser are quoting the Psychological Journal for inspiration: "Humour and laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use."

For this reason and more Challenge Trust will be having a day of fun on October 8 showcasing the talents hidden within Challenge Trust's staff and clients.

Challenge is a charitable trust which started operation in 1993 and now has 280 staff providing services to more than 1500 people out of 24 sites in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty regions.

Challenge Trust's clients include people affected by mental illness, physical disability, intellectual disability, addictions, dual disability and dual diagnosis. The organisation has contracts with district health boards, the Accident Compensation Corporation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development and other government departments, and an increasing number of private clients.

Services provided include 24-hour residential accommodation, community support to people living in their own homes, educational services, employment and life skills training, advocacy, information, employment opportunities, family/whanau support and various housing options.

Challenge Trust models itself on having the rigour and professionalism of a corporate, blended with the innovation and heart of a non-government organization.

Challenge's Got Talent

All Staff and clients are welcome to participate with one entry per service to perform before a panel of fine judges. The Grand Finale will be showcased at St Andrews Church Hall, in Otuhuhu, at 1pm Friday October 8.