Matt Hohua was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia more than 13 years ago, but thanks to a mental health provider in the Eastern Bay, he now runs three microbusinesses.

Before joining Pou Whakaaro's Microbusiness Programme, Matt says he had difficulty dealing with everyday life. But that changed 18 months ago, and he now runs Delivery Dudes, Te Tahi Tukka and Just Lawns.

Matt Hohua pictured receiving a recent international award. (from left) Professor Fiona Stanley, Matt Hohua, Pou Whakaaro General Manager Claire Pye and Pou Whakaaro Community Services Manager Shellie Goldsmith.

'I've got a lot of confidence from it,” he says. 'For example dealing with customers, going to them, discussing exactly what they want; I wouldn't have been able to do that before.

'I get a great deal of satisfaction from the work, it gives your week a structure and when the weekends come you feel like you've earned them.”

The Whakatane and Kawerau-based organisation has helped people with a range of disabilities seize control of their lives by launching microbusinesses.

They include lawnmowing, catering, delivery, gardening and maintenance services as well as a worm tea project and a wooden products maker.

Clients meet for two hours every Monday to receive advice, discuss issues and listen to speakers on small business.

They are taught subjects including running a business, cashbooks, tax and IRD records, business expenses, self-presentation and marketing, customer satisfaction, and providing a good service.

As well as acquiring commercial skills, it's the project's impact on lives which is proving one of its major achievements.

'It is improving self-esteem and self-confidence because creating your own life and lifestyle is very empowering,” says Pou Whakaaro's general manager Claire Pye.

The programme, which has helped 18 clients in 11 start-ups in the last 18 months, carried off Gold in the Best Practice Support Programme category at the recent Annual Mental Health Service Conference in Perth.

It trumped over 55 services and programmes from across Australia and New Zealand to win the award.

'We were gobsmacked to win,” says Claire.

'As well as being exciting, it was really humbling. The success though is down to the people brave enough to get involved.”