TRAINING
For practitioners wanting to upskill in supporting impacted family and whānau
Whānau support is a key element in successful outcomes for people using alcohol and/or other drugs. Research shows that 57% of people struggling with substance use stop their use without going into any 'treatment'. This means that they rely on whānau for support. Yet family members who live with or are emotionally bonded to someone using substances often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and impaired wellbeing. Even a little bit of support goes a long way. We have two training options available for supporting family/whānau, for both clinical and non-clinical AOD, mental health and community-facing kaimahi/staff.
Training for support workers
WHĀNAU SUPPORT IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS
Family impacts are present across every part of the health and social sector. Whānau support can be provided across health, social service, peer support and community settings.
small changes can make a big difference
Learn practical, evidence-based skills and approaches that help reduce stress, strengthen coping, and improve wellbeing for people impacted by someone's substance use.
evidence informed and practice ready
Training is grounded in the internationally recognised evidence-based 5-Step Method. It recognises the holistic nature of wellbeing, with practical skills that can be applied immediately.
build confidence and capability
Full of real life scenarios and reflective activities, the flexible, self-paced learning provides accessible knowledge and tools suitable for real-world practice.
Peer support, lived experience and other support workers play an extremely important role in the Mental Health/AOD and social services eco-system.
Whether working with whānau in the community or directly with the person using substances, the support work workforce are likely to spot that the family/whānau around the person using substances are being negatively impacted. Many family/whānau spend years trying to help someone they love, often experiencing extreme stress and emotional strain. They may need support in their own right.
But support work kaimahi may have limited understanding, training, or tools to feel confident to support impacted family/whānau effectively.
Supported by the Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngamahi Anamata, this 3-4 hour online training has been created especially for the support work workforce, to provide practical knowledge and skills in working with impacted family/whānau. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora have generously pitched in with extra funding to enable kaimahi from NZ NGO non-profits and community groups who enrol to receive the training completely free of charge.
5-Step clinical training
For practitioners who are interested to add to their existing practice and skills by becoming a 5-Step Accredited Practitioner for Family Drug Support, we provide full training, international level accreditation, and ongoing supervision at no charge.
In return, we request a minimum two year commitment to volunteering in this capacity.
Once trained and accredited, further fully funded professional development may be available across single session consultations, working with couples, and working with young adults/taiohi.
We take great care to match the right practitioner with impacted family/whānau, so actively seek diversity in our practitioner team.
Our next training is in Ōtautahi Christchurch in August 2026. To register your interest, please complete the registration form and submit a copy of your CV.
We will get in touch ASAP to discuss requirements and organise an interview with our clinical team.