About WellStop
WellStop is a community-based organisation that aims to eliminate harmful sexual behaviour in our communities across the lower North Island. We want to help create strong safe communities by working with others: individuals, families, communities, professionals to achieve this goal.
WellStop works in a responsive way in different communities. Services may differ depending on the needs of the community, on the other services available, and at times on the funding available.
We believe that geography should not be a barrier to people getting help, so try to grow services ourselves or work in collaboration with community partners to develop the services over time.
To see what is available in your community, click here.
Find out more about our team and our mahi in our 2022/23 annual report.
Our Commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi
WellStop acknowledges the Treaty of Waitangi as an agreement which establishes a partnership relationship between Māori and Tau Iwi in New Zealand. The policies and practices of the WellStop programme seek to reflect this.
Our End Statement
WellStop aims to eliminate harmful sexual behaviour.
WellStop's Vision
An Aotearoa of Partnership, Participation and Protection.
Our Identity
WellStop is an innovative, forward-looking, culturally responsive organisation. We aim to eliminate harmful sexual behaviour through positive choices, stronger whanau, and safer communities.
WellStop's Values
Relationships
Whanaungatanga
Whanaungatanga
That everything we do is based on the quality of relationships with others – with clients, family, whānau, community, partners and funders.
Ka tau te whanaungatanga ki waenganui i ngā kaimahi.
Ka tau te whanaungatanga ki waenganui i ngā kaimahi.
Trustworthy
Pono
Pono
Acting with integrity, respect and honesty. That we will be worthy of the trust that is placed in us by those who seek our support.
He tangata pono.
He tangata pono.
Compassionate
Ngākaunui
Ngākaunui
That we will take time to think about others, and what they are experiencing, and respond with warmth. Caring for each other's wellbeing and potential.
Kia ngākaunui ki te tangata.
Kia ngākaunui ki te tangata.
Courageous
Manawanui
Manawanui
Making a difference by taking difficult steps together. Having courageous conversations and together changing abusive practice.
Ka manawanui mai te tangata ki tona kaupapa.
Ka manawanui mai te tangata ki tona kaupapa.
Excellence
Hiringa
Hiringa
That we act from our knowledge of best practice and with the best outcome for all in mind. We are accountable for our actions and practice.
Kia hiringa i te mahi.
Kia hiringa i te mahi.
Our Name
WellStop was originally known as Wellington STOP, which was based on the Christchurch based STOP programme, which set up just prior to WellStop.
The name was changed to WellStop in 2006, for two reasons
The name was changed to WellStop in 2006, for two reasons
- To create a separate identity to STOP, as we were partners but not the same organisation
- To create our own identity within our expanding region.
For example, the Hawkes Bay branch of Wellington STOP became, more simply, WellStop Hawkes Bay. The name WellStop was chosen to reflect the connection to Wellington, but also to emphasise our focus on well-being, along with the prevention of harm.
Our History
Prior to WellStop, a sub-group of Wellington Men for Non-Violence started a “Group for Sexually Abusive Fathers”, which focused primarily on adults who had sexually abused their children or step-children.
In June 1992 a decision was made to set up a properly funded, more comprehensive organisation. Following an extensive process of community consultation, Wellington STOP was formally registered as an Incorporated Society in May 1993. WellStop became a charitable trust in 2015.
In June 1992 a decision was made to set up a properly funded, more comprehensive organisation. Following an extensive process of community consultation, Wellington STOP was formally registered as an Incorporated Society in May 1993. WellStop became a charitable trust in 2015.
Adult Services
Adult services in Wellington were the first to be established in 1993. These were offered only in Wellington and later Palmerston North until 2017 when increased funding meant we could establish them throughout our whole region.
Youth Services
Youth Services started in 1996 after a decision by the then Child Youth and Family (CYF) to fund teams to treat high-risk adolescents after delays to build a residential treatment unit.
They were developed in the regions soon afterwards, starting first in 1997 with a sub-contracting relationship with the Taranaki Safer Centre in New Plymouth.
Youth services in Palmerston North were established a year later followed by the Hawkes Bay programme (2000) and the Gisborne site in 2005.
They were developed in the regions soon afterwards, starting first in 1997 with a sub-contracting relationship with the Taranaki Safer Centre in New Plymouth.
Youth services in Palmerston North were established a year later followed by the Hawkes Bay programme (2000) and the Gisborne site in 2005.
Children's Services
Almost from the start, WellStop experienced increasing pressure to accept referrals of younger children.
WellStop engaged in two pieces of research in 2007 to establish the need and in 2010 to pilot a service which consisted of teacher education, school consultation, and therapeutic intervention.
CYF ( Oranga Tamariki ) then came on board with sustainable funding for the therapeutic component of this work, which is offered in each region. The educative and consultation services are currently funded through grants or by fee for service.
WellStop engaged in two pieces of research in 2007 to establish the need and in 2010 to pilot a service which consisted of teacher education, school consultation, and therapeutic intervention.
CYF ( Oranga Tamariki ) then came on board with sustainable funding for the therapeutic component of this work, which is offered in each region. The educative and consultation services are currently funded through grants or by fee for service.
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Art therapy rooms at WellStop Wellington
Victim/Survivor Services
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Doll's house in the children's room
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WellStop Taranaki
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In 2014 Taranaki SAFER Centre experienced financial and governance difficulties and decided to merge with WellStop.
This brought a new perspective to the agency as they also provided services for victims/survivors in the Taranaki area. |
As well, in 2014 WellStop became an ACC supplier, WellStop has a team of ACC registered counsellors offering services for victims/survivors under ACC sensitive claims.
The three most recent rural offices (Taumarunui, Wairoa and Hawera) were set up in response to gaining contracts for Sexual Harm Crisis Support Services, funded by MSD.
The three most recent rural offices (Taumarunui, Wairoa and Hawera) were set up in response to gaining contracts for Sexual Harm Crisis Support Services, funded by MSD.
