Te Hau Toka Wellbeing Update September 2021
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is just around the corner so we hope you'll join us in taking time to kōrero with your family, whānau, friends, and colleagues next week especially with things feeling a bit ‘meh’ at the moment. Whether it’s checking in with a mate, having a kōrero over a cuppa or helping a stranger out, a little chat can go a long way to brightening someone’s day.
MHAW is also a chance to acknowledge those working in the mental health sector so to those of you doing the hard mahi to keep us safe and well during this challenging time, thank you.
Unfortunately COVID restrictions have postponed most in-person MHAW activities but here’s a list of what’s on as well as some handy wellbeing resources to add to your kete. And with Daylight Saving starting this weekend, it won’t be long before we’re getting outdoors and enjoying long sunny days again!
Traffic Light guides now available around the district
Posters and printed copies of our new ‘traffic light’ guide are now available around the district. Designed to help you look after your mental wellbeing, the guide covers tips for what to do in an immediate mental health crisis (red), extra support (orange), and keeping well (green). It’s also downloadable from the QLDC wellbeing page and the Southern Health website.
Drop-in vaccination clinic tomorrow
A drop-in vaccination clinic designed for local ethnic communities (but all welcome!) will be held at Queenstown Events Centre tomorrow, Saturday 29 September, from 2-7pm. No ID required.
How to tell your lived experience story safely
Mental Health Awareness Week can be an inspiring time to kōrero about mental health challenges and sharing your own lived experience can inspire others in a similar situation to find a way through. But it’s also an important personal decision and one that should be well thought through. If you, or someone you know, is thinking of sharing their story check out this new resource from the Mental Health Foundation for advice, best practices and safety aspects to consider.
Partner programmes
Mental Health 101: Under Delta 2, Te Hau Toka’s free Mental Health 101 workshops have moved to a 3-session webinar course on Monday 4 Oct 10am-12.30pm; Wed 6 Oct 10am-12pm; and Fri 8 Oct 10am-12pm. Register here.
Free parenting series: Learn invaluable strategies, skills and tips on parenting styles, communication, ages/stages, positive parenting, teaching new skills, managing behaviour, and self-care in this workshop series run by Central Lakes Family Services. Starts 21 October, 9:30-11:30am for 4 weeks. For more information, please email parentingprogramme@clfs.co.nz.
Free multi-language counselling: Diversity Counselling NZ (DCNZ) is offering free culturally responsive counselling and psychological services nationwide in a range of languages. This is a service by ethnic, registered professional counsellors and clinical psychologists for migrants and former refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, and Continental European backgrounds. More information here.
It’s good to talk: Feeling stressed about the latest COVID impacts on your business and need to talk to someone confidentially? Free counselling sessions are available for local SME business owners under the Take Stock programme. Contact Benestar on 0800 360 364 / counsellingsupportnz@benestar.com.
Connect and Care workshops: Free, simple and practical wellbeing workshops for Southern Lakes independent owner-operators are being held on 19 October, 17 November and 10 December at iFLY (includes a free flight!). For more details contact Mel Haarer at Connect and Care.
GoodYarn community workshops: Free mental health education workshops for those in our Filipino and Brazilian communities as well as for new and expectant parents. For dates and details, visit the Southern Wellbeing Trust website.
Michael Hempseed workshops: Learn about anxiety, sleep and sensory issues in children from author and expert Michael Hempseed. On 26 October, Southern REAP is hosting two sessions at Lake Hayes Pavilion - one for parents and caregivers and the other for educators (teachers, counsellors, youth and social workers, GPs, nurses and support workers). Educators: 4-6pm, $10 per person; Parents: 7-9pm FREE. Central Otago REAP and WellSouth are also co-hosting a number of Michael Hempseed workshops in Wānaka and Cromwell, 27-30 October. For details, email info@ess.org.nz or register here.
Take care of yourselves and each other. He waka eke noa – we're all in this together.
Kā mihi nui,
Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group
Find out more about the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and follow us on Facebook for regional health/wellbeing news and tips.