Deacon Training Academy (DTA) is an education organisation that trains mental health support workers/kaiāwhina to provide skilled care for persons with mental health needs. Our work helps to close gaps in mental health care while it supports individuals and organisations to recognise, attend to, and prevent mental illness within their own communities. Graduates of our training programme will be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) (Mental Health and Addiction Support). When our graduates achieve this nationally recognised qualification, they will be able to work professionally in communities, churches, mental health support organisations, for care providers, or in government services.
They will be equipped to :
 Support their clients during the journey towards wellness,
 Support access to health care and help to navigate the system,
 Assist to minimise barriers between the community and the health system,
 Help to reduce the stigma related to mental health that often exists in communities,
 Understand and support cultural compatibility within communities,
 Support the person with mental health needs to live well within their own community,
 Provide spiritual support where requested. DTA’s foundation is based on Christian principles of care for all and in harmony with Te Whare Tapa Whā, a widely-accepted model for Māori wellbeing that incorporates physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
Our training programme differs from similar others due to:
 An emphasis on person-to-person/face-to face contact.
 Personal mentoring for each student.
 Teaching and encouraging self-reflection skills that positively contribute to relationships with others.
 Practising listening and empathy.
 Reinforcing the importance of community.
 Growing and nurturing personal development, encouraging workers to pursue ongoing learning, knowledge, skills, and involvement with mental health and wellness.

Course details:

Location: Christchurch
Duration: One year, 30-35 hours commitment per week
Dates: February 2025, breaks aligned to school terms where possible
Cost: $6,210.00, GST incl. (2025)
Enrolments: Course sizes are limited with student numbers capped at 25. Enrol at https://www.deacon.org.nz/ or direct enquiries to office@deacon.org.nz. Enrolment is limited to those over 20 years of age.