Progress to Health

Progress to Health Progress to Health is a community based organisation providing activities that enhance mental health

We provide services in the Waikato, Taupo and Taranaki regions. Our services range from helping people with daily living skills and assisting with vocational goals, to providing training to help people achieve their personal goals. We help people reconnect with their communities and live their best lives, while working to counter stigma and discrimination that people experience because of their me

ntal health and disabilities. With individual plans for each person who comes through our doors, we work hard to be the provider of choice for community mental health and disability services.

Navigating the Invisible Marathon 🥄🩹​Stigma often tells us that if a struggle can’t be seen, it isn't real. Last week on...
12/04/2026

Navigating the Invisible Marathon 🥄🩹
​Stigma often tells us that if a struggle can’t be seen, it isn't real. Last week on Fighting Stigma, we dismantled that myth for the millions living with chronic conditions—from Long COVID and ME/CFS to Fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, and mental health challenges.
​We’re moving beyond "just feeling tired" to explore the biological and social reality of living with limited energy.

​In this episode:
✅ The Spoon Theory: A deep dive into Christine Miserandino’s narrative on how we budget our finite daily energy.
✅ The Science of the Crash: Understanding why "pushing through" is physically counterproductive for chronic illness recovery.
✅ The Pacing Masterclass: Practical tools like the 70% Rule and how to find your Energy Envelope.
✅ Supportive Tech: A breakdown of how tools like the Bearable app can help you track symptoms and fight medical gaslighting with data.
✅ Your Rights in Aotearoa: How to advocate for workplace accommodations under NZ law.

​It’s time to trade the "harden up" culture for a framework of sustainability and equity. Whether you are a "Spoonie" yourself or supporting someone who is, this is for you.

​📻 Tune in to Free FM 89.0 | Tuia Ngā Reo O Te Hapori https://www.freefm.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=2e215833-e6f0-43cc-bfa0-6f8ea50e8000
🤝 Proudly supported by Progress to Health – Communities without Barriers.
​

Sky and Sarah recently attended a wellbeing expo at WITT, connecting with students and a wide range of services all focu...
02/04/2026

Sky and Sarah recently attended a wellbeing expo at WITT, connecting with students and a wide range of services all focused on health and wellbeing.

From learning about support options to having real kōrero with providers, students had the chance to explore what’s available and find what might work for them. 💬💚

Events like this are a great reminder that support comes in many forms — and sometimes it starts with a simple conversation.

STOP TRYING TO CHANGE THE BEAR. CHANGE THE HABITAT. 🏔️️❄️️​A polar bear isn’t "broken" because it can’t thrive in a dese...
31/03/2026

STOP TRYING TO CHANGE THE BEAR. CHANGE THE HABITAT. 🏔️️❄️️
​A polar bear isn’t "broken" because it can’t thrive in a desert—it’s just in the wrong environment.
​This week on Fighting Stigma, we’re diving into the 2026 evidence that’s finally shifting the dial for the 1 in 5 Kiwis who think differently. 🧠✨

We are celebrating Neurodiversity Awareness Week (even though it is one week later!)

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://accessmedia.nz/player?EID=29ace85d-f3fb-40a1-9952-7c805a7e3207&audioOnlyMode=true

​

20/02/2026

Just a Thought has 2 new course available to support your wellbeing - Coping with Stress and Mindfulness.

Check them out.

🌱✨ This week on Fighting Stigma, Raissa welcomes Lisa and Jen from Progress to Health to share all the exciting new prog...
18/02/2026

🌱✨ This week on Fighting Stigma, Raissa welcomes Lisa and Jen from Progress to Health to share all the exciting new programmes happening at Caro Community Gardens in Kirikiriroa.

From green thumbs to meaningful connection, there’s something for everyone. 💚

Here’s what’s growing at Caro:
🌿 Caro Garden Club
🧠 Therapeutic Tuesdays
🎧 Headspace Occupied
🎶 Waiata Wednesdays
🧶 Crochet Club
🌻 Hidden Disabilities Group
👥 Men’s Group

These spaces are all about connection, wellbeing, and community — no pressure, just people coming together in ways that feel safe and supportive.

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing.

🎧 Hear the full kōrero in our latest episode: https://www.freefm.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=2e215833-e6f0-43cc-bfa0-6f8ea50e8000

🧠✨ Tired of masking? Come hang out with us.If you’re looking for a space where “too much” is just enough — and silence i...
02/02/2026

🧠✨ Tired of masking? Come hang out with us.

If you’re looking for a space where “too much” is just enough — and silence isn’t awkward — Wired Our Way might be for you.

Wired Our Way is a peer-led group for neurodivergent adults in Hamilton, offering a space to connect without the pressure of typical social “rules”.

What to expect:
✅ Sensory-friendly vibes
✅ Direct, clear communication
✅ People who genuinely get it

📍 Where: 935 Victoria Street, Hamilton
⏰ When: Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

You’re welcome to drop in, or reach out for a chat before coming along:
📞 Adam: 027 293 9602
📞 Raissa: 027 957 2307

We’d love to see you there.

Constructive criticism shouldn’t feel like a mortal threat — but for neurodivergent brains, it often does.In our latest ...
28/01/2026

Constructive criticism shouldn’t feel like a mortal threat — but for neurodivergent brains, it often does.

In our latest Fighting Stigma episode, we’re unpacking Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).
No more “toughen up” culture — just science, lived experience, and support for Kiwis who feel it all.

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing.
Let’s stop the stigma and start understanding how our brains actually work.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.freefm.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=2e215833-e6f0-43cc-bfa0-6f8ea50e8000

🌟 New Episode of Fighting Stigma Out Now 🌟“I know what I need to do… so why can’t I just do it?” 🧠If you’ve ever felt st...
22/01/2026

🌟 New Episode of Fighting Stigma Out Now 🌟

“I know what I need to do… so why can’t I just do it?” 🧠

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frozen by what seems like a simple task, this episode is for you. You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken — you may be experiencing executive dysfunction.

In our latest episode, Executive Function 101, Raissa breaks down the wall of shame and explores:
✨ What executive dysfunction actually is
✨ The interest-based nervous system
✨ Why novelty, urgency, or pressure sometimes make things suddenly “click”

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing. This episode invites understanding, compassion, and a reframe of how our brains really work.

🎙 Tune in to Fighting Stigma
📻 Thursdays at midday
🔁 Replays: Fridays 5:30am & Sundays 3:30pm (NZ time)
📻 89.0 FM Waikato-wide
📱 Ask your smart speaker to “play Free FM eighty-nine point zero”

🎧 Listen now:
https://accessmedia.nz/player?EID=d0f2f5dc-a092-4730-86d3-3bd898ef4490&audioOnlyMode=true

🎧 More episodes:
Free FM | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Painting Workshop – Hamilton ParticipantsWe’re hosting a relaxed painting workshop for Hamilton participants who use Pro...
20/01/2026

Painting Workshop – Hamilton Participants

We’re hosting a relaxed painting workshop for Hamilton participants who use Progress to Health or Aspire Whairoa services.

🗓 Friday 30 January
⏰ 1:00–3:30pm
📍 Rifle Range Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton

Come along and paint anything you like on a small canvas — no experience needed and all materials provided. Your artwork will be part of The Canvas Project Exhibition, supporting mental health in our community.

✨ Free to attend (for Progress to Health & Aspire Whairoa participants)

👉 To register, email:
[email protected]
or [email protected]

Please include your name, which service you access, and any support or accessibility needs.

💥 Motivational Monday – Rise With Resilience! 💥Happy Motivational Monday!This week, we’re tapping into one of the strong...
18/01/2026

💥 Motivational Monday – Rise With Resilience! 💥
Happy Motivational Monday!
This week, we’re tapping into one of the strongest forces we have — resilience. The ability to bend, not break. To fall, then rise again. To keep going even when the road twists in ways we didn’t expect. 🌱✨
💬 This Week’s Message:
You’ve survived 100% of your hardest days so far.
🌟 Why This Matters:
Resilience isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up anyway.
Every challenge you face is shaping you, strengthening you, and teaching you what you’re capable of.
This week’s focus invites you to:

See how far you’ve already come
Honour your strength
Give yourself credit for the courage you carry every day

You are more powerful than you realize — and Progress to Health is here to support your journey forward. 💛
🔥 Your Resilience Challenge:
Try this today to build your inner strength:

Pause, breathe, and remind yourself: I can do hard things.

You’ve risen before. You’ll rise again.
Let’s make this week one of strength, courage, and unstoppable resilience. 💪🌟
Follow for more inspiration and wellbeing support:
👉 Progress to Health
👉 https://www.facebook.com/empowering.journeys

🌟 New Episode of Fighting Stigma Out Now! 🌟Discrimination is one of the biggest barriers to recovering from—and living w...
15/01/2026

🌟 New Episode of Fighting Stigma Out Now! 🌟

Discrimination is one of the biggest barriers to recovering from—and living well with—mental illness and disability. That’s why every week on Fighting Stigma, Vanessa and Raissa sit down to unpack the real, everyday challenges of navigating life with mental illness, and explore ways to face those challenges with grace, humour, and knowledge.

Whether you're looking for:
✨ Clear, relatable information about mental health
✨ Updates on new research
✨ Or simply the comfort of hearing from someone who's been there
…this show is for you. 💛

🎙 This week, Vanessa dives into dealing with hurdles in life and staying connected to your goals—even when the path gets messy. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure of your next steps, this episode offers gentle guidance and some powerful reminders that you’re not alone.

Take a moment for your mental health and wellbeing. Tune in and join the conversation.

Catch Fighting Stigma’s regular episodes Thursdays at midday and repeated on Fridays 5.30am and Sundays 3.30pm New Zealand time.
📻 89.0 FM Waikato-wide
📱 ask your smart speaker to 'play Free FM eighty-nine point zero'
Or grab the latest, and lots of back episodes from
🎧 Free FM https://rebrand.ly/FightingStigmaOnFreeFM
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://rebrand.ly/FightingStigmaOnApple
🎧 Spotify https://rebrand.ly/FightingStigmaOnSpotify
Free FM is by the people for the people – they champion a platform for direct involvement in the media. Supported by NZ On Air and part of CAMA - Community Access Media Alliance - committed to giving voice to those not well-represented in mainstream media.
👉 More episodes and resources at: https://www.facebook.com/empowering.journeys

Address

935 Victoria Street
Hamilton
3204

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6478380302

Website

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