Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 26 September – 2 October 2022, with a focus on asking New Zealanders to ‘Reconnect – with the people and places that lift you up’.
The past couple of years have been tough on New Zealanders’ wellbeing – particularly those working in the hospitality industry – and it’s been difficult to connect with friends and whānau and the places that are important to us.
This year’s MHAW theme is about encouraging you to engage with the people and places that bring you joy – hei pikinga waiora.
“We hope you’ll take some time this MHAW to reconnect, whether it’s reaching out to someone you’ve lost contact with, visiting a place that’s special to you or getting outside in nature,” says Shaun Robinson, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive.
“Reconnect with the people who lift you up and places that are special to you and notice how this makes you feel.”
To help you take part in MHAW, free resource packs are now available to order (orders close 16 September).
Each pack contains posters, stickers, flyers and a kōrero card set to help you make the most out of the week at work, school or home.
“Our mental health is a special taonga,” says Robinson. “One in five New Zealanders experience a mental illness and/or addiction each year and it’s important to remember that with the right tautoko many people can and do recover.”
He says wellbeing isn’t just for people who have not experienced mental illness – it’s for everyone.
“Think about how you and your community can engage with this year’s theme and help to improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”
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