ADULTS

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Safety programmes


For anyone who has faced family harm, we help you make a safety plan so you are prepared for any situation. Learn other skills for relationships with partners, ex-partners, children, parents, carers, and others. Gain awareness on how to make decision that keep everyone safe.

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Our safety programme’s primary objective is promoting the protection of the unsafe person from family harm. The Programme has two main components:

  1. A one-on-one assessment with a RISE clinician that includes actions to increase the client’s immediate safety and to prepare the client to enter the group programme.

  2. A weekly group featuring education, information and support sessions to help protect people from family harm.

This programme is run during term time and there are two programmes each year. It is delivered in weekly sessions that are 2.5 hours long.

If the client and the clinician determine that one-on-one sessions are more appropriate than the group programme for that client, an individual programme can be set up to mirror the four module programme of the group.

Read stories about safety that involve our clients and clinicians.

Email RISE

Non-violence programmes


For anyone who has put or is putting their partners and/or their families at risk of harm. Explore the dynamics of family harm and how your behaviour affects others. Learn how to express and manage your feelings and how to problem solve in tough interactions. Develop communications skills for relationships with partners, ex-partners and children. Have healthier relationships and better interactions with whānau and the wider community.

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The primary aim of RISE’s non-violence programmes is to stop family violence and prevent future family violence. RISE offers non-violence programmes in both group and individual formats. Both formats are designed to meet legislative requirements in the Family Violence Act 2018 as well as international best practice for specialists in the area of family violence.

Programme aims

  • To increase the understanding of the nature and effects of family violence, including the intergenerational cycle of violence.

  • To examine and monitor current behaviour and the beliefs supporting these behaviours.

  • To develop skills to make relevant changes and developing skills to support behaviours based on equality and respect.

  • To understand how Protection Orders work and the responsibilities and consequences for a respondent.

  • To provide information regarding the different types of violence and the effects on children

  • To provide information regarding availability, content, benefits and access to programmes and other services for children.

  • To remove the veil of secrecy surrounding abuse.

  • To see abuse in its social, political and historical contexts.

Group format

The group format includes an initial assessment, a group orientation session scheduled once per month to identify expectations, and a one-on-one exit session. Additional one-on-one sessions can be scheduled if required or requested.

Members of the group format are male, female, or non-binary. This is important to enable role modelling of healthy relationships and communication between all people. It ensures gender realities are represented in group work. It also acknowledges the voice of those who have been victimised.

The group format takes place over 16 sessions. There are four modules and each module takes four weeks. The module topics are:

  1. Self-awareness and beliefs

  2. Self-management

  3. Te whare tapa whā

  4. Relationship skills

Attendees can enter a non-violence group programme at the start of a module

One-on-one format

The length of the one-on-one format is determined at the initial assessment. During the assessment the client will also be matched to a male or female programme facilitator who will undertake the sessions. Typical programmes last 10 sessions but can be up to 25 sessions for high complex needs. This format covers the same module topics as in the group format but in a setting that is personalised based on the clients needs. The facilitator’s emphasis is on developing a relationship that encourages openness and trust.

Stories

Read stories about our non-violence programme.

Get in Touch with RISE

I was angry all the time

Former RISE client Bill shared his experience in the Non-violence programme, and it’s worth a read.

“My wife said if I didn’t sort my crap, it was over. She had said this before, but I brushed it off. But my kids and my wife gave me an ultimatum this time, and so I decided that I needed to do something.”

A cropped image of a man in jeans and black shirt making a fist.
 

Dads Programme


Be a confident, connected Dad! In our Dads Programme, learn skills, tools, and insights to be a confident, connected, and compassionate parent. Dads and anyone who is in a father-role with children can sign up for this free 10-week course. 

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Resilient dads are also resilient members of whānau. Having solid parenting skills will increase harmony in the family, improve connection at home, and offer a happier, safe, loving environment that can last a lifetime.

Ask questions from experts. Hear from fellow dads. Develop a network of connections to draw on when you need help. This is the only course of its kind in Nelson for dads that takes the long view on parenting and being a loving, committed family member.

Who should take part

Any man in a parenting role is welcome, whether you’re a dad to a newborn, toddler, or youth. It takes all whānau and relationship types, including blended and separated families, and biological or non-biological dads.

Dads can be:

  • birth fathers

  • stepfathers

  • foster fathers

  • non-biological fathers

  • uncles or grandfathers

  • carers

  • men working to gain access to their children

About the sessions

Over 10 weeks, the group meets on Tuesday evenings for two hours. Sessions include a variety of presentations, discussion, videos, and Q&A.

Weekly topics can include:

  • Fatherhood - the challenges and joys

  • Parenting styles

  • Lifestyle balance with kids

  • Emotions and mental wellbeing for dads

  • Relationship with mum and whānau

  • The role of play and discipline

  • Safety and security

  • Stress

  • Brain development

  • And much more!

If you would like to view or print our Dads Programme brochure (PDF), click here for brochure.

Catch up with stories about the Dads Programme on our blog.

Read a collection of stories about Dads who have found help at RISE.

Email RISE

Kaikōura Men’s Group


RISE supports a free ongoing support group for men in Kaikōura that gives you skills to cope with life’s stresses. It is a safe space for men amongst a welcoming, caring group to whom you can talk about what is happening in your life.

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Kaikōura has coped with more than its fair share of difficult times over the last decade. In the midst of major community events, a group of men started to meet for support.

The group has become a community resource for men who want to check in with others, seek advice for themselves, share healthy tips and reduce their stress. Meetings also feature educational films, guest speakers, and other useful activities directed by the members.

Anyone who felt and continues to feel affected by these major disruptions to life, work, and life in our rural town can join us.

The group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. If you are interested in more information, view our programme brochure, read this story about how the group started, and get in touch with RISE’s Rob Roche who facilitates the group.

Contact RISE

Group programmes for men and women who have experienced sexual harm

  • Group programmes developed and delivered by RISE specifically for clients who have experienced sexual harm and are working with a lead provider as part of their ACC sensitive claim. These programmes are designed to complement individual therapy by providing an evidence‑based, structured environment that supports relational skill‑building, emotional regulation, and exploration of intergenerational patterns. All groups are facilitated by experienced, ACC‑accredited clinicians.

  • Grounded in trauma‑informed practice, the programmes integrate established therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, mindfulness‑based strategies, and Te Whare Tapa Whā. Each 10‑week series (ten 2‑hour sessions) offers a safe, consistent space where participants can learn and practise skills alongside others with shared experiences. Group participation helps reduce isolation, fosters motivation, and provides opportunity for developing interpersonal and emotional‑regulation skills.

    Participants benefit not only from the guidance of the facilitator but also from the shared insight and lived experience within the group. When combined with individual therapy, group work reinforces therapeutic learning, supports skill generalisation, and contributes to sustained long‑term change.

    The leader provider’s involvement remains central. We maintain close collaboration through pre-programme planning meetings, and post-programme integration sessions, ensuring group learnings reinforce and enhance ongoing therapeutic work. The referral process is straightforward, with dedicated support to address any questions about client suitability.

    Delivered locally in Nelson to enhance therapy for people in Te Tauihu, these programmes fill a critical service gap in the region.

  • For female sensitive claim clients who have experienced sexual abuse and face challenges maintaining safety in relationships, managing intense emotions, and parenting effectively.

    This programme addresses the complex aftermath of trauma, particularly for women who have experienced multiple abusive relationships due to boundary difficulties stemming from their abuse history. Through modules including Self Care, Parenting After Trauma, and Healthy Relationships, participants develop resilience and healthier relational patterns.

    Key focus areas include recognizing safe versus unsafe relationship dynamics, rebuilding self-worth, setting and maintaining boundaries, and developing effective self-care strategies. The programme provides practical tools for breaking free from cycles of harm while supporting participants' healing journey.

  • For male sensitive claim clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and struggle with emotion regulation and violence in relationships.

    This programme acknowledges participants in their dual reality—as survivors of trauma and as individuals who may have, or are contemplating, using violence. Through structured sessions including Impact on Children, Relationship Skills, and Emotions Exploration, men develop the skills to break cycles of harm within their families.

    Key focus areas include understanding the link between unresolved trauma and current behaviours, developing emotional regulation strategies, and building healthier relationship patterns. Participants gain tools to manage emotions constructively while taking responsibility for their actions and their role in protecting future generations.

  • 1. Purchase Order Request

    To arrange approval for a client to attend the group, please contact the client's recovery partner as soon as possible. You will need to provide a rationale and request the following codes be approved:

    • SCSGTT x1 - Triage

    • SCSGT x 21 (10 weeks x 2 hours + 1 hour Pre-Meeting) RISE Ngā Parirau classes

    • Time frames: 01/05/2026 - 30/11/2026

    • Vendor ID: VAH127 (The Nelson Clinic)

    This is a simple example of a rationale that could be provided:

    "We would like to request approval please for this client to attend a group course run through the Nelson Clinic (VAH127), which will commence on DATE.

    The aim of this would be for the client to acquire some additional skills in managing PTSD and depressive symptomatology and promote an opportunity for safe social connection to address current isolation. Could you please let me know if this can be approved for the client? They are motivated to attend this treatment, which aligns well with their current goals as outlined in the wellbeing plan".

    The deadline for Term 1 Purchase Orders is the Friday before the class begins.

    Please copy Nelson Clinic into your ACC PO request so they know to expect it via their groups email

    groups@nelsonclinic.nz

    2. Registration

    When The Nelson Clinic receives the Purchase Order from ACC Nelson Clinic will be in contact to get your client registered and to advise you of the next steps.

    3. Triage

    Once Nelson Clinic has received your registration form, one of RISE’s Group Work facilitators will contact your client to triage for any needs prior to commencing the group. You will be kept informed of any decisions relating to your client.

Ready to refer a client? Contact us at groups@nelsonclinic.nz or call 03-548-3850 to discuss whether the group programme is right for your client.

Relationship Safety Service


Develop safety in a relationship/whānau with new tools, structures and awareness. Focus on agreed ways of behaving and communicating going forward. To take part in this service, both parties must have each recently been engaged with RISE.

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The main purpose of RISE’s relationship safety programme is to establish safety within a relationship, either between partners or as heads of a family. It is a structured programme that provides tools and awareness to create and enhance safety. Participants learn together and emerge with agreed ways of behaving and communicating with each other.

The Relationship Safety Service is for people who have each recently completed a programme at RISE. If the programme interests you, talk to your current clinician.

This programme is for current or former couples in a relationship, with or without children. Couples that are still together or want to get back together can learn to be safe in the relationship. For those couples with children, learn how to live safely as a family whether you remain together or are separated and maintaining a parenting relationship with one another.

It is important to note that the Relationship Safety Service is not couples counselling, relationship mediation, or to settle child custody issues. The emphasis is on relationship safety.

Process

Once admitted to the Relationship Safety Service, each participant will do at least one (but possibly more) separate individual sessions to prepare for joint sessions that follow. The joint sessions will be with a new clinician.

Joint sessions are 1.5 hours long and are separated into three modules. After each module, the participants take a break of between one week and one month as agreed with the clinician. The three areas of focus are:

  1. Conflict management skills

  2. Physical and emotional awareness

  3. Communication and connection skills

Other topics that are typically covered include

  • Cycles of violence

  • Lifestyle balance

  • Time-outs

  • Distress tolerance

  • Early warning signs

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One Dreadful Night

If you are communicating with your partner in an abusive way, that is family violence and it could lead to physical violence. In fact, most people who seek help at RISE are looking to improve poor communications in their
relationship before things get out of hand.
Read about one couple under a lot of pressure that built up until one dreadful night.

Trauma service


If you have trauma from family harm experienced at any stage in your life, we offer long-term therapeutic support for your journey through relationships and life. 

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RISE clients who have disclosed trauma symptoms as a result of family violence and/or abuse have an opportunity through this service to explore aspects of their lives, both past and present that continue to affect their wellbeing. RISE’s trauma service is potentially long-term therapeutic support.

Individuals who are significantly traumatised and who may not be able to participate in a group forum can talk to their clinician about this specialised treatment.

Programme aims

  • To provide the opportunity for clients to explore either current or historical violence/abuse issues they have experienced.

  • To assist people to feel safe and settled.

  • To increase capacity for emotional regulation.

  • To develop a more integrated sense of self

Format

Weekly individual one-on-one sessions allow participants to focus on historical and/or current issues and themes that affect their sense of wellbeing, their safety, or their ability to form healthy relationships. RISE offers 10 sessions and, depending on progress, a further 10 sessions can be offered. If after 20 sessions the clinician determines more sessions are desired then there may be an opportunity for another five sessions.

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