Here at Better Blokes, we are dedicated to supporting male survivors of abuse and trauma. One of the key principles that sets Better Blokes apart is our utilization of a Well-being framework that is derived from the World Health Organization’s quality of life framework, Seligman’s well-being construct, and the Myers Sweeney model of wellness. This comprehensive approach considers all aspects of a survivor’s well-being, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and social health. 

 In addition to these well-known models of well-being, we also align our work with the Māori model of health, Te Whare Tapa Wha, and Te Wheke; as these models recognize the interconnectedness of all aspects of health, including: 

 Spiritual/ Wairua: Discovering our purpose in life and why we exist. 

 Social/ Whānau: We are social beings by nature – connectedness and community are necessary if not vital to our wellbeing.  

Mental/ Emotional/ Hinengaro: If we believe in our potential to be well, to be happy with who we are or who we can be, and we can focus on our strengths rather than dwell on our deficiencies, we will discover our real capacity to be well.  

Occupational / Mahi: having a positive sense of self-worth is an essential pillar of our wellbeing that is partly reflective of how we participate in our community. 

Situational/ Tinana: It’s a work in progress, something we need to work on as part of our life journey, and being accepting of any limiting physical, health and/or socio-economic conditions that we may not be able to change 

 By incorporating these traditional beliefs into our program, we at Better Blokes can provide a holistic approach to healing for male survivors. 

One of the ways we at Better Blokes incorporate these frameworks into our work is through our support groups. These groups provide male survivors with a safe space to share their experiences, connect with others who have been through similar struggles, and learn coping strategies for dealing with trauma. By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of survivors’ well-being, we are able to help survivors heal in a comprehensive way. 

We also incorporate these frameworks through our individual services. By tailoring the client’s sessions to each survivor’s unique needs and incorporating elements of the well-being frameworks, we are able to provide targeted support that addresses all aspects of the survivor’s well-being. This personalized approach allows survivors to work through their trauma at their own pace and in a way that feels comfortable for them. 

The use of the Well-being framework derived from the WHO quality of life framework, Seligman’s well-being construct, and the Myers Sweeney model of wellness, as well as alignment with the Māori models of health, Te Whare Tapa Wha, and Te Wheke, sets Better Blokes apart as a leader in supporting male survivors of abuse and trauma. By addressing all aspects of a survivor’s well-being and incorporating a holistic approach to healing, we at Better Blokes are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.