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The Difference

The Difference

Written by: Te Pou
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About this listen

 The Difference is a podcast by and for support workers in mental health and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series dives into the real experiences of support workers, sharing their stories with honesty, heart and humour. Topics include using your lived experience in your mahi, worker wellbeing, and vicarious trauma, leadership, career pathways and workforce retention and the importance of reflective practice. If you work in mental health and addiction services, or are interested in the work support works do, tune in! This podcast series has been created by Te Pou, a national mental health and addiction workforce development agency in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additional resources are available at www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/strengthening-the-mental-health-and-addiction-support-workforceCopyright 2025 Te Pou Careers Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Leadership and career pathways for support workers

    Leadership and career pathways for support workers
    Jun 25 2025
    “The best job in the world”

    Leadership and career pathways for support workers

    Tremain Tauhinu has more than 30 years’ experience in intellectual disability and mental health services. From Mangere East, Auckland, he has worked in roles from labourer to property manager. Now, as a team lead at Mahitahi Trust, he supports tāngata whai ora with complex needs to re-engage with their communities. He talks about career development and leadership for support workers. What are the opportunities and challenges for recruitment, retention and growth for the sector?

    • Te Pou web page for support workers - Support work is incredibly diverse and makes up the largest proportion of the mental health and addiction workforce. Visit the Te Pou website to find more information and learning resources for support workers.
    • Episode 4 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)
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    37 mins
  • The importance of reflective practice

    The importance of reflective practice
    Jun 11 2025
    “I had to dig deep.”

    Reflective practice

    Tashie Hoffman is a peer support specialist at Springhill Treatment Centre in Napier. After overcoming addiction and completing rehab, she stayed connected to the recovery community and was offered a role at the centre. She talks about her journey, and the value of reflective practice in her mahi.

    • Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.
    • Episode 3 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)
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    26 mins
  • Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma

    Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma
    May 28 2025
    "You can't pour from an empty cup."

    Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma

    Jonathan Miller is a team coach at Pathways in Auckland, managing a mobile community support team. With five years as a community support worker and two as a manager, he is passionate about support worker wellbeing. He talks to podcast host Alexia Black about his master’s research, which focused on support workers’ perspectives on their own wellbeing. Their kōrero covers vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, with some practical tips for support workers on how to look after their own mental health on the job.

    • Episode 2 - resource sheet pdf (tips, links and more info)
    • Te Pou web page for support workers - Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

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    34 mins
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