Ensuring that our whānau have a voice
At DCM, we are committed to ensuring that our whānau have a voice – at DCM and in Aotearoa.
Many of us have been sharing stories of lock-down with our family and friends; we wanted to ensure that the experience of the people DCM works with over this time was also captured and shared. We interviewed 65 of our whānau. Here are some of their insights they shared with us.
An empty Wellington city, 2 April 2020
What have been the biggest challenges for you?
Staying indoors, not being able to go out - 33%
Not being able to spend time with friends or whānau - 27%
Not being able to do the things I enjoy, missing my routine - 29%
There haven’t been any challenges - 15%
What have you enjoyed most about lock-down?
One third commented that they had not enjoyed anything about this period (“Nothing really”; “I enjoyed nothing, just carried on with my life”), but two thirds spoke about the positives of lock-down.
They had enjoyed the quiet, time with family, being busy and getting exercise – “watching TV and listening to music”, “cleaning my house”, “I have been enjoying the long walks daily” and “getting out and getting fresh air”. And then there were those who most enjoyed not having much to do – “the best thing has been not having to do anything”, “being lazy” and “we don’t have to do so many things”.
Several referred to the positives of reduced alcohol and drug use:
“We are not drinking as much as we used to.”
“I have given up drinking and have been using my money for much needed things for my home. Utility bills and food. I always have food now.”
“I've been getting off the drugs.”
“Getting off the drugs means I've been enjoying food more.”
“I didn’t gamble.”
But the very best thing about lock-down, mentioned by 25% of those we spoke with, was having a roof over their heads or moving in to a home:
“Not having to worry about where I am going to stay.”
“Showers, warm bed, a roof.”
“Having my own apartment, I can make a drink when I want to, turn my TV on.”
“Having a place to stay – just knowing there was somewhere.”
“Being safe and having a roof over my head.”
“Being in a motel has made me feel safe and warm.”
“I have coped well, better now that I am housed.”
DCM kaimahi moving whānau into their own home
When this is all over, what would you like to do differently?
“I would be very happy to get back into my daily routine.”
“Keep focused and go forward.”
“No going back onto the streets.”
“Stay committed to the process – settle down, look at me!”
“Stay in a home, and we can do it because we have done it here.”
“I have lost whānau over this time you know, and time’s too short, so maybe I can see my whānau again if they want to see me.”
Some of the things people spoke about doing differently after lock-down were focused on habits they did not wish to return to, while others identified new habits or skills they wish to focus on.
“I will try not to go begging; that habit.”
“Hopefully go out more and be more assertive about finding work, or studying.”
“I want to do some exercise.”
“I want to keep buying groceries and cooking – it’s a good habit.”
“Try to do more – access services myself because I was not aware of what support I could get, but now I do.”
What does DCM do well, and what could we do differently?
We asked whānau what they like most about DCM. The most common response was to talk about the many different ways in which DCM had supported them, and to focus on the very positive experience they had of DCM kaimahi. 40% responded in these terms.
“The supportiveness of DCM is great, big thanks to them, keep up the good work, keep in contact with the people; that’s how it works so well.”
“The people we work with at DCM are really great and friendly. They give so much support.”
“They are really awesome people, been nice, thoughtful, very helpful and supportive. Thank you, this is much appreciated.”
“The supports and encouragement much appreciated.”
“They are very helpful when you need them.”
“I am very grateful for all the help, it is nice to have such genuine support; thank you very much.”
“That DCM is there. Little things – can come in for supports, food, putting people in their houses.”
“THANK YOU to all staff at DCM for the food parcels, contact and support throughout the last month and a half. The support is very much appreciated and God bless you all.”
The second most frequent response indicated how highly people value having a place to spend time where they are made welcome, can socialise and where there are activities and opportunities for learning.
“Somewhere you can socialise with others, chat, coffee, hear awesome ideas, observe what others have to say, non judgmental.”
“Activities and learning more – I would like to continue to do this.”
“Meeting other people, listening to what they had to say; they always made me feel a part of everything, really miss that.”
The third aspect of DCM which people most valued related to housing: 20% specifically referred to this.
“How they have supported/helped me out, housing, furniture, WINZ, etc.”
“Housing people.”
“I am very happy with my house, my space and I like my whare.”
Many whānau were very pleased to be part of our survey. They commented on how much they appreciated being checked in with, and being able to share their experiences:
“Thank you for listening to me, calling me, and talking to me about how things have been for me. I really appreciate it.”
