Mana: a source of both personal and collective strength, pride and identity
About us
At Mana, we’re building a new conversation about disability and wellbeing - one where everyone belongs. We know that disabled people and their caregivers are often left out of the wellbeing conversation. We’re here to change that.
Traditional ideas of "independence" don't reflect the reality of our interconnected lives. We believe that true wellbeing comes from autonomy, support and community - not from doing everything alone.
That’s why we don’t just offer services. We co-create wellbeing programmes with disabled people and caregivers to provide what's often missing: practical wellbeing tools, genuine community and support that works for real life.
We're not just offering activities or programmes; we're building a movement where everyone's wellbeing is valued.
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Wellbeing is multidimensional and looks different to everyone. We focus on the fundamentals of a good life, whatever that looks like for you:
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Health: Accessible movement and nutrition that makes you feel good.
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Mood: Understanding emotions and building resilience.
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Connection: Fighting isolation by building authentic friendships and community.
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Security: Building confidence with money, safety and speaking up.
Our key principles
Holistic approach
We embrace an interconnected, holistic approach to wellbeing, addressing emotional, physical, social and financial dimensions.
Collaboration
We prioritise working in partnership with disabled individuals, fostering inclusion and amplifying their voices to ensure they are central to shaping decisions and systems that impact their lives.
Autonomy
We believe autonomy is essential to wellbeing. Our work is dedicated to creating environments where disabled individuals have the tools, opportunities and confidence to lead self-directed lives.
What does mana mean? Mana is a word rooted in Polynesian and Māori traditions with layers of meaning. It symbolises authority, respect, strength and dignity. For us, Mana embodies both personal and collective strength - both essential for creating lasting change.