Testimonials

"To Whom it May Concern

Our son J had, over the past couple of years, developed a serious drug dependency. We had no way of appropriately dealing with him, nor his dependency. We were advised to take him to WellTrust in Lower Hutt which we did in mid-2009, where J was paired with his present counsellor.

This decision has made a massive, tangible and measurable change in both J's and our lives. His change, largely due to his counsellor's peer-style leadership input into J, has been spectacular. His drug tests have reduced from unusually high concentrations, down to zero for the past two-three months. J's positive change in lifestyle, attitude and self-esteem have directly corresponded with his new abstinence from drugs, and as a direct result of WellTrust's methods.

We are now more confident that J is on the right track in his life, and that he will cement and build on these gains. Neither he, nor we, could have forseen such changes without the partnership of his counsellor and WellTrust.

We are profoundly grateful and thankful for what WellTrust has done for our son, and we wish to offer our strongest possible support for, and endorsement of, it's work within the 'at risk' teenage youth culture in the Hutt Valley.

This organisation and it's staff is a shining beacon of hope for what can be achieved. With our grateful thanks." Upper Hutt Parents. 

 "Many thanks for the hours and hours of constant support and initiatives to help our daughter. You displayed commitment beyond any expectation and we are eternally grateful as our daughter is now well and happy". Parent

"We are extremely grateful that there is an organisation in the local community who can work in this area with teenagers and their families. Thank you for being available for our students when they need you". Secondary School Chairperson

"Thank you for all the work that you are doing. So many of our young offenders in the Youth Court are involved in your services and I know that all the Judges in the Wellington Youth Court region are very grateful for your service. It is the only service of its kind that we are aware of, and we would be absolutely lost without it". Andrew Becroft, Principal Youth Court Judge

Comments from students:

"Found it very helpful seeing M regularly. Text messaging was helpful. Got a lot of support"
"Gave me awesome knowledge and understanding of cannabis"
"I would probably still be a stoner and wag school a lot if it wasn't for Jo"
"I got a lot of things out of it and it was really useful and it has kind of changed my attitude towards school and my classes"
"My counsellor was a big help. I've seen how alcohol and drugs can damage me. I've decided to stop using cannabis and to have less alcohol in my life"
"She was nice to me"
"I really enjoyed it. It helped me".

Comments from School Guidance Counsellors:

"Really good contact and communication with WellTrust staff. I appreciate the work they do under not always the best of conditions".
"Positive and professional counsellor. Great relationships with students. Very clear protocols around work. Willing to listen and happy to talk to anyone about the service".
"It's great to be able to offer this service at school. Student attendance at counselling sessions may improve their outcomes. I would like to work on this, this year".
"Students are always keen to see J which does not happen with many counsellors they see. J has built very positive relationships with the students and has made real progress in their understanding of how their personal drug use affects them. I have really noticed a change in attitude from the students she sees. Staff are very thankful as J often shares ideas etc to help us better deal with these students".
"Value the open communication that exists between WellTrust and the guidance counsellor. M's commitment to the students and her work is much valued".