Mohammed Anwaar: A passion for positive change

A passion for positive change motivated Mohammed Anwaar to cross the Tasman Sea last year and step into the leadership role at Hope Springs Therapeutic Community.

Mohammed Anwaar made the move from New Zealand in October 2023, taking up the role of Therapeutic Community Manager and bringing with him more than 15 years’ experience in the fields of mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) rehabilitation and recovery.

New environment, new challenge

Making the big move wasn’t an easy decision for Mohammed. He had relocated to New Zealand from Hyderabad in South India only a decade and half prior, and moving on from his adopted home was a big step.

Before arriving at Hope Springs Therapeutic Community, Mohammed was CEO at St Mark’s Society, an addiction residential treatment centre located in Blenheim, on the South Island.

In August 2023, his siblings travelled from India to visit him in New Zealand, prompting many conversations about life, his career and where he wanted to be.

Soon after he discovered HOPE and after investigating the organisation and its work, he applied for, and was chosen for, the role of Therapeutic Community Manager.

However, life in the Midwest didn’t get off to the smoothest start for Mohammed.

“During my first week, I came down with fever trying to acclimatise to the weather, which was warm compared to the typical 3 degrees temperatures of Blenheim,” he recalls. “Thankfully, the management at HOPE were kind enough to offer me accommodation and transport until I found my feet, which really helped me to settle.”

Taking pride in making a difference.

Working to support people through difficult circumstances is something Mohammed has grown up with – he credits his parents and the example they set for him as a child as the starting point for his career in the mental health and AOD space.

His first role AOD and mental health began in 2010. He interviewed for a role within the drug treatment unit at Paremoremo Prison in Auckland, however after impressing the interviewer, he was offered another role instead.

He became a manager of the Dual Dianosis Unit, run by AOD service provider Odyssey. The 19-bed facility supported prisoners exiting custody and Mohammed’s role was to support their transition.

A calming personality, he says, was key to his success in working with these clients.

He has since held a variety of roles within the sector – from practitioner to clinical lead to operations manager.

Mohammed says he is continually motivated by watching the progress and successes of people trying to change to their lives for the better.

“There is a satisfaction with every life we touch – when I see the people I helped get back into the workforce, the feeling is immeasurable” he says.

Embracing life in the Midwest.

Right now, Mohammed is enjoying his new role and his new home in the Midwest.

A recent day down at Dongara and Port Denison has been a particular a highlight. Hope Springs team members and residents spent the day playing badminton and cricket, taking walks and swimming at the tranquil beaches.

“Getting to know my clients and staff in a relaxed setting was a fantastic experience – we shared a barbecue by the beautiful sea and cherished the amazing colours within it,” he recalls.

He has maintained and strengthened his rapport with residents through events such as the Christmas Luncheon, an event attended by team members, managers, the intake team, residents and local service providers.

“It was great to be a part of. There was some fantastic teamwork from both residents and team members, setting up for the day, welcoming guests, providing food and hospitality and Christmas presents.”

The recent Open Day was another highlight. More than 50 health professionals and service providers from around the State visited Hope Springs, learning more about the therapeutic community model of care and how it supports residents.

The day was a huge success, which Mohammed attributes squarely to the work of the residents themselves. They were involved in every part of the day, from catering the outstanding lunch to leading tours of the facility to sharing their own insights and experiences on recovery.

“The residents deserve the credit for the day’s success,” he said. “They worked extremely hard to ensure our guests were looked after.”

Mohammed Anwaar you are an outstanding Human of Hope. Thank you for your dedication to the Hope Spring Therapeutic Community and to residents seeking to make lasting change to their lives.

Hope Springs Therapeutic Community is a residential rehabilitation facility located just outside of Geraldton, in the Midwest.