Supporting positive health outcomes for Wellington women.

Wellington Women’s Health Collective (Wāhine ora o Te Waimāpihi) has been a small but vital part of the Wellington community sector since 1986. They provide support to women who would otherwise not be able to afford private mental health services, offering up to eight sessions of free or contribution-based counselling.

WWHC also provides regular free or low-cost workshops on a range of topics – from meditation to career coaching. This connection and community-building is a key part of their kaupapa as a Collective: walking alongside the women they serve, drawing on their strengths, sharing knowledge and tools to help them thrive. 

Earlier this year, Wellington Women’s Health Collective sought funding to support their operations. “We serve women who are experiencing vulnerability, stress and trauma. Our clients are not just statistics on a page – they are mothers, daughters, friends, sisters, partners and employees. They are real people who face barriers to accessing the help they need, and our dedicated team of support workers and counsellors are proud to provide this vital service,” says the Collective. 

Nīkau Foundation was delighted to support, providing a grant from the Margaret Neave Endowment Fund. “[Nīkau Foundation] funding has allowed us to create real and lasting change in the lives of women facing histories of trauma, unsafe relationships, unemployment, mental distress, isolation, and insecurity around housing and income in the current cost of living crisis,” says funding coordinator, Joannne Kinnaird. “Because of [Nīkau’s] support, our doors remain open to those in need of compassionate care and community.”

“We provide counselling and support on a koha, contribution, or free basis, ensuring that women on low or no incomes can access help when they need it most,” says Joanne. “But our work extends far beyond counselling alone. We offer self-defense workshops, free pregnancy and health products and information on other support they may be able to access. At the heart of all we do is the commitment to meet women exactly where they are on their mental health journey - walking alongside them with compassion, practical support, and hope. Nīkau Foundation's funding makes this possible, and we thank you deeply for helping us stand with these women.”

WWHC clients consistently rate their experience at the Collective as excellent, reporting significant improvements in their knowledge, coping strategies, confidence, and overall wellbeing. 

“I came to WWHC to get support and advice to help me navigate a complex personal crisis. My counsellor made me feel better about myself at a time when I needed to be strong and was very validating. I'm so appreciative of this service. Being a woman on low or no income can create or compound emotional pressures, and it is so valuable to be able to access this support.”

- WWHC Client.

When asked about their funding and reporting experience with Nīkau Foundation, Wellington Women’s Health Collective said “what we value most about Nīkau Foundation is that you are a local funder, deeply connected to the needs of our community. You understand the challenges women here face and the importance of responding with compassion and care. We also appreciate your commitment to supporting smaller organisations like ours. Your trust and investment enable us to make a real difference in the lives of women who come to us in need of counselling, support, and hope.”