Navigate Initiative Partner Profile : Drug-ARM Christchurch

Interview with Geoff Howard, Manager of Drug-ARM Christchurch.

How long has Drug-ARM been involved with the Navigate Initiative (NI)?

“Drug-ARM has worked closely with Pathway since 2004 and over that time we have had many conversations about the challenges for men making the transition from prison back into our community. We have been involved in the conceptualising of the NI from the very outset – sitting down with Carey ‘dreaming dreams’ about how things could be done differently. 

After walking alongside men throughout their journeys from one side of the wire to the other for so many years, you get a sense of the common struggles they face and where the gaps are in practical support.”

Why did you decide to support the initiative?

“For us it was a ‘no brainer’ — the issues and challenges surrounding our bulging prison populations are varied and complex…and I believe it’s unrealistic to expect the Department of Corrections to simply ‘fix’ people during the time they are in prison. This is a whole community problem and as such it requires a whole community response. There is no ‘magic bullet’, but if there is an opportunity for help and support to come in behind the wire and build relationships that continue through the wire, that is certainly a big step in the right direction.”

What services will Drug-ARM provide within the unit?

“Drug-ARM is involved in the NI’s Core Project Team and we will be involved within the unit facilitating reintegration-focused support groups. The groups have a holistic focus and are a place where men can come together and talk about ‘real life’ stuff — the good and the bad. The common issues that come up in these groups are often things like relationships such as connecting with family and parenting, conflicts, alcohol and drugs, anxiety and depression and general lifestyle balance stuff. In my experience, it’s often the little things that build up and become big things, so having the opportunity to safely process life as it happens can be really valuable. This type of support is also available in the community for the men when they are released.”

What are your hopes for the NI?

“While there are no easy fixes, I would love to see the NI become a real ‘point of connection’ between prison and the community, where men can come and equip themselves with really relevant and meaningful skills and relationships — not just to get out of jail, but to go on and become engaged and productive members of our community. To reach their full potential as partners, fathers, brothers, workers, bosses — whatever roles they are or
will become.”

 

We need your support. Buy a supporter share in the Navigate Initiative Reintegrative Community and help someone turn their life around.

Contact us at info@pathway.org.nz to find out more.