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Guest information
This guide helps you feel ready for your first (or fiftieth) Whakatau Mai session. Learn how to join, what to expect, and how we keep our community safe.
Who we welcome
Whakatau Mai is for everyone seeking gentle, peer-led support. We especially design sessions for people navigating mental health distress, addiction recovery, grief, identity journeys, and everyday stressors. We honour cultural, gender, and neurodiversity.
- ✔ Adults and rangatahi 16+ (youth-specific sessions note age ranges).
- ✔ Support people, whānau, and professionals who want lived-experience insight.
- ✔ Rainbow, takatāpui, disabled, and migrant communities—bring your whole self.
If you have immediate safety concerns, contact 1737 or emergency services first. Whakatau Mai complements, not replaces, clinical care.
Before you join
Check your tech
- Download or update Zoom (zoom.us/download).
- Test your camera and microphone—remember they can stay off during the session.
- Choose a quiet space if possible; headphones can help you stay present.
- Have the meeting link accessible (email, calendar, or saved note).
Prepare yourself
- Read the session description to check themes, content warnings, and access needs.
- Decide how you will take part—chat contributions, spoken kōrero, cameras on/off.
- Plan aftercare: who can you debrief with, what grounds you, what comfort food or rest is nearby?
- Have our email [email protected] ready if you need support.
Group values and safety agreements
We co-create safety together. When you join a session you agree to:
- Respect everyone’s identities, pronouns, cultures, and experiences.
- Share from your own story and avoid giving unsolicited advice or diagnosis.
- Keep camera optional; mute when you are not speaking to reduce background noise.
- Avoid graphic detail about self-harm, suicide, or violence. Speak gently and reach out privately if you need immediate help.
- Maintain confidentiality—do not record sessions or share others’ stories without permission.
What happens during a session
- Karakia or grounding: we open with a welcome, breathing, or movement to arrive together.
- Host introductions: facilitators share their lived experience, the plan for the session, and guidelines.
- Main practice: this could be gentle yoga, poetry, peer conversation, or skill-building depending on the session.
- Breakout rooms (optional): small-group kōrero for those who want deeper sharing. You can stay in the main room if you prefer.
- Wrap-up: we finish with reflections, resources, and next steps. The peer support crew stays for a few minutes afterwards for anyone needing one-on-one support.
Confidentiality & privacy
Registration details are securely stored by Changing Minds. Facilitators receive only your first name (or alias) and camera status. Sessions are not recorded. Chat messages are deleted when each Zoom call ends. We may contact you if you leave abruptly to ensure you are safe. Read more in our privacy statement and privacy FAQs.
Benefits and potential challenges
Benefits
- Experience connection with people who understand.
- Collect practical tools for self-care and emotional regulation.
- Enjoy creative outlets that feel gentle and empowering.
Challenges
- Topics may stir strong emotions. Pause, breathe, or message the crew if you need support.
- Tech issues happen—have patience with yourself and others.
- Not every session fits every person; you can leave at any time and we will check in afterwards if needed.
How to register
- Visit the upcoming sessions page.
- Select the session you want and tap Register.
- Enter your details (name, email, optional phone). An email will arrive instantly with the Zoom link.
- Add the session to your calendar or set a reminder.
- On the day, join a few minutes early to settle in.
If you do not receive the link, check your spam folder or email us.
Still have pātai (questions)?
Email [email protected] or message us via Facebook. We can walk you through Zoom, arrange a support person, or recommend sessions that match your interests.
We look forward to seeing you in the Zoom room when you are ready.
