The Difference
The Difference
Podcast Description
The Difference is a podcast by and for support workers in mental health and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series dives into the real experiences of support workers, sharing their stories with honesty, heart and humour.
Topics include using your lived experience in your mahi, worker wellbeing, and vicarious trauma, leadership, career pathways and workforce retention and the importance of reflective practice.
If you work in mental health and addiction services, or are interested in the work support works do, tune in!
This podcast series has been created by Te Pou, a national mental health and addiction workforce development agency in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additional resources are available at www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/strengthening-the-mental-health-and-addiction-support-workforce
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores significant themes relevant to support workers, including using lived experiences in their roles, worker wellbeing, vicarious trauma, leadership development, career pathways, workforce retention, and the importance of reflective practice. Specific episodes delve into individual stories like those of Izzy Young and James Huata discussing their challenges and healing within the community.

The Difference is a podcast by and for support workers in mental health and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, this four-episode series dives into the real experiences of support workers, sharing their stories with honesty, heart and humour.
Topics include using your lived experience in your mahi, worker wellbeing, and vicarious trauma, leadership, career pathways and workforce retention and the importance of reflective practice.
If you work in mental health and addiction services, or are interested in the work support works do, tune in!
This podcast series has been created by Te Pou, a national mental health and addiction workforce development agency in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additional resources are available at www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/strengthening-the-mental-health-and-addiction-support-workforce
They still want to be seen; they still want to be heard.
Supporting older people
Older people have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share and contribute meaningfully to society. Yet, many older people feel ignored. Mental health challenges and addiction are common among older people but are often under-recognised.
This episode focuses on supporting older people in the mental health and addiction sector. Join guests Janeta Vasega (Vaka Tautua) and Lanie Palm (Equip) for a heart-felt kōrero with podcast host Alexia Black on how we can value, care for and work alongside older people and their whānau. An essential listen for anyone who works with older people, our taonga.
- Further resources for episode two – Please visit this link to learn more about supporting older people.
- Te Pou web page for support workers – Please visit the Te Pou website for information, links, and tips for support workers in mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa NZ.

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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