Our vision & approach
Our vision
We want to inspire hope in the lives of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis, Functional Neurological Disorder and similar conditions by helping them get outdoors.
“E tūtakitaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi, kei runga te Māngrōa e kopae pū ana.
Though clouds may block the sky, the Milky Way is still behind it. Even the longest road has a turning, even the longest night has a morning. ”
This whakataukī speaks to us of hope. Sometimes, the clouds of chronic illness build like mountains, casting a deep and long shadow. Although the presence of the Milky Way does not cause the clouds to clear, the promise of the night sky, a turning in the road, or the first hints of dawn provide us with perspective. Clouds pass while the wonder of the Milky Way remains; the darkness of the night always gives way to the beauty of dawn. Our purpose is to help people see beyond the clouds or the darkness and gain inspiration for their journey as they master whatever mountain they face.
At Mastering Mountains, we believe outdoor adventure uniquely and powerfully fosters the formation of hope. A life of adventure in the outdoors can feel far from reach for many people living with neurological conditions. That’s why we offer both group and individual mentoring and rehabilitation support to people diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and similar neurological conditions, to empower them to overcome obstacles and accomplish a self-directed outdoor goal.
Through a personalised mentoring journey, connection to a like-minded community, and support with physical rehabilitation, participants can embark on an outdoor adventure that inspires hope in them and in others, particularly those affected by neurological conditions.
2022 Programme participant, David Kyle (second from right) at the Karapoti Classic mountain bike race. Photo by Andrew Turner
Our approach
Our unique approach to cultivating hope is based on evidence and focuses on three key components: engaging in outdoor physical activity, fostering social connection and goal setting. These components interact with each other, powerfully increasing hope and other aspects of wellbeing.
Outdoor Activity
Neurological conditions can create many barriers to getting outdoors, and our programme helps people overcome them. Programme participants select an outdoor adventure they want to achieve, and we provide the rehabilitation support, gear, safety equipment, and guidance needed to safely achieve that goal and maintain long-term access to the outdoors.
Strengthening Connection
People with neurological diagnoses often feel socially isolated and struggle to find or participate in community. Our programme participants gain access to a community of people who love to get outdoors, despite their neurological conditions. We host monthly support groups that enable programme participants to share knowledge and experience, and to walk alongside each other through the highs and lows of their rehabilitation journeys. We also strongly encourage programme participants to include others in their adventures, building stronger social connections with friends, family, and their local community.
Goal Setting
Our programme participants select meaningful outdoor adventure goals that challenge and inspire them. For individuals with neurological conditions who enjoy the outdoors, an anticipated exciting adventure can serve as a goal, offering a meaningful and inspiring objective that helps them maintain motivation throughout their lengthy rehabilitation journey.
We also use goal setting and the rehabilitation journey as a means of developing the components of hope. The mentoring component of our programme often involves the mentor engaging with participants in solution-finding to circumvent or overcome the challenges they face on the way to achieving their goal. We engage in the process methodically as a means of helping people achieve future goals and develop a greater sense of hope.
Fostering Hope
The development of hope is an important focus area in our programme. Although engagement with hope as a construct rarely takes place explicitly, it permeates our approach as a foundational goal. We have chosen hope as a key indicator of wellbeing, not only because this connection is supported by scientific literature, but also because, in our experience, hope can have a profound impact on the lives of participants, their communities, and outside observers.
These goals also contribute to reducing the significant social and economic cost of neurological conditions to New Zealand’s communities, while promoting a wider kōrero around what’s possible after a neurological diagnosis.
“Hope may be fostered through identifying valued and personally meaningful goals, defining them in clear measurable terms, and identifying multiple potential avenues through which goals can be attained.”
“Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
Support Us
Mastering Mountains is a charitable trust. We rely on donations to support and mentor people in New Zealand with Multiple Sclerosis and Functional Neurological Disorder. Your support will help us reach more people, changing their lives for good.