Moving Communities Fund supports whānau wellness with Diamonds in the Rough

(Image supplied: Founder Shilpa Wilson (centre) / Māngere's 275 Times files)

Moving Communities Fund recipient Diamonds in the Rough exists to instill self-belief, nurture self-love and empower young whānau (families) by providing mental health and wellness support using a trauma-informed, neuroscience-based approach. 

Founded eight years ago in South Auckland, by Shilpa Wilson, the charity began as a quest to support youth who were vulnerable and came from backgrounds of abuse, poverty, addiction, gang affiliation and intergenerational trauma.

With 12 years of experience as a registered psychologist, specialising in trauma and youth work, Ms Wilson is all too aware that teen mums can be judged harshly. She also knows that when given the opportunity and tools to work through trauma and hardship, they can shine.

“We fill the gap with a safe, non-judgmental space for mothers under the age of 30 that supports the healing of generational cycles.”

Ms Wilson founded Diamonds in 2017 after a near fatal car accident left her questioning her purpose in life.

Through a community workshop she was introduced to a 14-year-old mum whose story inspired her to run a free workshop intending to empower young mums to realise that no matter their age, they are valued, supported and fully capable of pursuing their dreams.

What started as a single workshop hosting six young mothers quickly grew into a nationwide charity that offers support to more than 400 young mums annually through weekly connect groups, education workshops and a Facebook community.

Diamonds operates an “as long as you need” model, a sharp contrast to many other support programs for young mothers that on average last between 6-12 weeks.

“We understand that healing and rewiring the brain takes time. Our young mums will always have access to our programmes until they are ready to spread their wings and fly.”

The organisation provides a holistic program based on the principles of Te Whare Tapa Wha, where the entire individual is supported to thrive. 

“We focus on the heart, body, spirit, soul, finances and purpose and engage in learning about how trauma impacts our brain. 

“We look at topics from maternal mental health, to dancing, hiking, grounding, cooking meals, budgeting, supporting the attachment of māmā and pēpi (baby), relationships, self-worth, self-love and all topics pertaining to young parenting.”

A large focus of Diamond’s work is supporting young mothers with their mental health and wellbeing.

“Teenage mothers are three times more likely to experience postnatal depression than older mothers. 

“Without appropriate support during this time, the consequences can be detrimental, as poor maternal mental health is strongly associated with poor child outcomes including delays in cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development.

“Supporting our young mothers means supporting the next generation to thrive.”

Funding from the Moving Communities Fund will be used towards the operational costs of providing holistic health programs in Auckland, Christchurch, Timaru and Kaitaia as well as helping Diamonds in the Rough to fund a Christmas celebration.

“Funding is by far the biggest challenge as a charitable organisation. We are so grateful to the team at Kinetic for helping us to continue supporting and empowering young families to grow and heal.”

To learn more about Diamonds in the Rough and their work visit diamondsintherough.org.nz. 

For more information about Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund visit wearekinetic.com/community.