Self-help clinic to assist mentally ill

A Whakatane service to help people with mental illness has opened its doors.

Tutei o te Haua a Kiwa officially opened on Friday after two years of planning.

Run by people with mental illness, the service aims to provide support and advocacy.

Co-ordinator Lila Baker, who has run seminars for people with mental illness through the Serious Fun In Mind Trust, said she was reduced to tears at the opening ceremony.

She viewed it as reaching the top of a mountain.

Finance from the Bay of Plenty District Health Board was supplied after two years of planning and applications by the consumer advisory service.

Mrs Baker said the centre would offer many services.

They would range from help with everyday arrangements, such as accommodation and food, to support for those having other troubles.

"If someone comes to us with a problem, whether it is with the police or the courts or whatever, I will do whatever I can to help them," Mrs Baker said.

She said people who had experienced mental illness were often able to establish a better rapport with others with mental illness.

"For example, if you've never had depression how can you know what it is?" said Mrs Baker.