The programme
A Girl Called Hope exists to see young women reach their full potential through participation in a structured residential programme. The holistic programme provides support, care and life-development training for young women who are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self harm, suicidal thinking or unplanned pregnancy. The programme is open to NZ women aged 16 – 28 years, and consists of the following three phases:
1. Intake
2. Residential
3. Transition
1. Intake
An application to the Residential phase of the programme at
A Girl Called Hope is initiated by the young woman herself. This is the first step in demonstrating a sincere desire and readiness for change. Applications are reviewed by the Intake Coordinator who conducts an in–depth interview and presents the application to the intake committee. If the programme is found to be a suitable fit then applicants are supported through regular contact with the Intake Coordinator. Until a place becomes available each young woman is provided with resources to help her prepare for the residential phase. Regular reviews take place to ensure the programme's suitability to meet current needs. A Girl Called Hope reserves the right to decline an application at any stage of the application process.
2. Residential
A mihi whakatau is held for each young woman and her support people as she joins us in the home. Participants of the programme live on–site for approximately six months, and have a structured daily routine tailored to the issues they are working through. The programme has been developed to encompass life skills classes, individual counselling and staff coaching to build resilience. Each young woman participates in the daily running of the home and have agreed to participate in all aspects of programme as part of living in community. Activities are also facilitated to build healthy socialisation skills which include beach and bush walks, supervised gym exercise groups, church and shopping outings. Residents are actively supported by the programme staff, including a dietician and counsellor.
3. Transition
To build on her work through the Residential phase, a twelve month transitional support phase is offered to each young woman as they graduate. An accountability mentor from her community and regular contact with our Transition Coordinator supports the graduate's reintegration back into community.
Key programme components
Therapeutic
Our therapeutic environment helps young women to gain essential building blocks necessary for developing boundaried and authentic relationships.
Individual Counselling and Group process also addresses the root causes of issues and behaviours which the young woman is seeking change from.
Life Development
A Girl Called Hope operates a daily structured learning programme, which is holistic in approach and focuses on nurturing the following areas:
> Identity
> Relationships
> Character
> Purpose
Recreation
The young women participate in recreation every afternoon; activities include attending the gym, general sports, bush walks, shopping and community service.
Household duties
Participation in caring for our Home helps to build the skills necessary for harmonious and healthy living back in community. Young women work alongside our team in daily tasks such as meal preparation and creating a welcoming home environment.
Journey
The journey for a young woman begins during the Intake phase and the mihi whakatau into Residential phase celebrates her courage to trust the process of change. A poroporoaki acknowledges the end of her journey in the Home as she shares her renewed hope for the future.