These words are now a staple for Amend as we redefine the narrative for "strength" as a man. The courage it takes to be vulnerable and express your true thoughts, feelings and emotions. To teach men the importance of leading with their hearts with our hopes to create safer homes for women and children by supporting men to be courageous enough to seek support. Our frame work has helped over 8000 men since 2019 and what we do is unique guided by men with lived experience and counselling qualifications. the signature Amend road map is tested and proof led with the men that are now thriving in our community's. Amend has been working in all major states across Australia and New Zealand.
THE FOUNDER OF AMEND MOVEMENT
Watene Waenga, the founder of Amend Movement, is a beacon of hope and resilience for men navigating the path to healing and personal transformation. growing up in an environment filled with chaos and violence, Watene experienced firsthand the struggles that come with such a turbulent childhood. despite his determination not to mirror the destructive behaviours he was exposed to, he found himself embodying them as a young man. by the age of 20, Watene realised the urgent need for change. though the transformation was gradual, he eventually found the courage to heal and redefine his life around the principles of kindness and service to others.
Now a qualified counsellor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health space, Watene has touched the lives of over 20,000 people, guiding them through their journeys of self-discovery and healing. his profound personal experiences and professional background have equipped him with unique insights and empathy, which he brings to his work at amend movement.
Under Watene’s leadership, Amend Movement has flourished into a thriving community that offers workshops, mentorships, and resources, all designed to empower men to develop emotional intelligence and build healthy, meaningful relationships. Watene's commitment to creating a supportive space for men to express vulnerability and seek help has reshaped how masculinity is perceived and practiced.
Watene’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that true strength lies in the courage to ask for help and the determination to relentlessly pursue growth. Through Amend Movement, he continues to inspire men to embrace, change and live lives defined by understanding and compassion.
CO-DIRECTOR OF AMEND MOVEMENT
Alan is a former Outlaw Motorcycle Club Member who faced off with prison, a life of violence and emotional suffering for most of his life. Raised in a household where alcohol abuse was normalised and witnessing family and domestic violence had impacted him as a young man. Alan left home at 13 to live with his father and was out on his own at 17years old.
His journey was a long road of Healing and Self Discovery until he found Amend in 2022. Diagnosed with Bipolar 2 in 2017 and later finding a correct diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder in 2022, Alan spent years in therapy, programs and support frameworks before he found the much needed results he obtained through hard work and dedication to his personal growth. Alan worked in mining and oil and gas for over 15 years as a Fly in Fly out worker.
Being apart of an outlaw motorcycle club and working in mining, construction and oil and gas, he has seen first hand the impact and emotional silencing of men, the culture of toxic masculinity, shame, men taking their own lives and hurting women and children.
Alan has since become an integral part of Amend inside the last few years. He is a qualified Counsellor and is the Head Facilitator of Perth, Western Australia he has deep experience in Trauma, Relationships and Drug and Alcohol Problems.
He specialises in Mental Health and takes modern approach to masculinity. His aim is to support men to learn and communicate how they feel, helping men process their unspoken thoughts and feelings to give them the deeper understanding of themselves and their unhealthy or unhelpful behaviours.
