Community Conservation Corps
In addition to our main purpose of buying deforested land and making it Wild Again, we also work with other groups to help replant land that they provide. One such project is the CSW Community Conservation Corps in Auckland, New Zealand.
The primary purpose of this project is to support people recovering from mental illness by giving them work experience reforesting urban environments.
The project is run by Martin Fraser, a Mental Health Community worker in Auckland, employed by the Auckland District Health Board.
Mr. Fraser supports up to 20 men and women living with mental illness in the Auckland community with conditions including Bi-polar Affective Disorder, Schizophrenia and Depression. Part of his role in the last 6 years has been to help find meaningful work for his clients. Unfortunately many of his clients are living in poverty, troubled by voices, anxiety and medication side effects. Even part-time work can be a major challenge. Benevolent employers are rare.
Mr. Fraser has created a reforestation work project for these clients, where his clients are paid a small salary for their efforts. Other stakeholders support the project:
- The Auckland Regional Council provides tools and occasional visits from rangers.
- The Auckland District Health Board provides staff and 2 vans.
The project has the use of a small plant nursery in the Mt Eden suburb of Auckland where native species are grown from seed.
However without funding the project cannot continue.
The goal of the Wild Again Reforestation Trust is to support CSW Community Conservation Corps to raise sufficient funds to pay each worker NZ$21 per week for the next year so that the project can continue into 2008 and beyond. The fundraising target is $NZ26,000 (about US$20,000, €15,000 or £10,000).
All contributions will go to the workers and all other overheads will be met by the existing stakeholders.
History
The CSW Community Conservation Corps had its first Community project in June 2006 working on Oakley Creek and on Hamlins Hill in Auckland City.
Purpose
To enhance Auckland Regional Council Reserves and raise awareness of conservation issues
To provide paid work for people recovering form mental illness in a low stress environment. To raise the level of confidence and esteem of workers, alleviate poverty and social isolation.
Workers are…
Clients of the Community Support Work Service (Mental Health) with a reasonable level of fitness who are willing to work up to six hours per week.
Stakeholders are…
The Community Support Work group at the Auckland District Health Board (Mental Health) Service who provide vehicles and staff to support workers and coordinate work in the field
The Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council who provide the land, work, equipment, training and plants for various planting programs
The work involves….
- Planting trees
- Mulching
- Pruning
- Maintaining tracks, spreading gravel, pruning overhanging branches
- Digging culverts and drainage channels
- Collecting native seeds
- Nursery work growing seeds and cuttings in the nursery in Mt Eden
- Release weeding
- Beach and riverbank cleanups.
What the workers have said…
“With my mental illness I haven’t been able to get out of the house much especially with my agoraphobia….. but with this work, little by little, has given me the incentive to get out and do work from little by little to more and more”.
“This course has helped me to come out of my shell in a safe way. I have made friends with the other people on the course and the course helps me with fitness and confidence”
“I’m learning new things getting out and about. I’m learning about council projects and future projects and working with people. Its good for future jobs”.
“Fresh air, gave up smoking for a while. I’m getting used to physical hard work. I’m increasing my stamina, pacing myself. I’m creating working habit and getting exercise. I’m understanding trees and plants in a practical way. Enjoyment of fresh air and fellowship with other workers. I earn some money knowing I have done a good job. Its creating positive well being (for me)”
From Mr. Fraser:
“The project has been a great success to date. We have planted over a 1000 trees on Hamlins Hill and Oakley Creek and are currently gearing up for another even bigger planting season. I have been involved in many recovery groups for people living with mental illness over the last 6 years but this is definitely the most effective by far. What I am asking for is some ongoing funding to provide meaningful and fulfilling Conservation Work for up to 20 men and women 3 - 6 hours per week on an ongoing basis. For some of the Corps this has been the first money they have ever earned. Earning money instills self esteem and confidence.”
The project can also be reached directly at:
Community Support Work Service
Auckland District Health Board
27 Sutherland Ave Pt Chevalier 1025
Auckland, New Zealand
