Timaru Mental Health Support Trust

In 1991, Victoria Corner was opened as an initiative to provide on-going support and life skills to people residing in South Canterbury who have a mental illness. Initially run by volunteers and part time health professionals, the service grew quickly. In 1997 the Timaru Mental Health Support Service began operating alongside Victoria corner. The two organisations merged and Timaru Mental Health Support Trust was incorporated as a charitable trust in 2001. As the service grew, the need for a larger premises was identified and the property at 83 King Street was purchased and renovated. This is where the service operates from today. The trust receives limited funding from both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development solely for operational costs. This leaves us with a funding gap, consequently we seek additional funding from grants and donations. The trust provides services to people who experience Mental Illness. We employ support workers and tutors who work alongside our clients to improve their social, life and employment skills. We offer a variety of activities, support for people to obtain and maintain employment and assist them to integrate into the wider community through the development of social skills.