In Touch

Hakihea 2019

December 2019

How can you help a loved one through mental distress? Just Listen.

We're in love with Just Listen, our 2018 Mental Health Media Grant winner Juliette Sivertsen's new podcast series published via the New Zealand Herald last month.

Her series focuses on how to support those of us living with serious and ongoing mental distress by sharing the journeys of six New Zealanders, how their support people helped and what tips they would give others in a similar situation.

Juliette's podcast was funded by Like Minds, Like Mine, who also fund the Rākau Roroa lived experience leadership training she undertook as part of the process.

Curiosity piqued? Listen to the full series now.

Are you passionate about upholding the mana and human rights of Kiwis who live with mental distress?

Follow @likemindslikemine on their new Instagram account to join the movement!

ART trial must be stopped

In November the Mental Health Foundation took a stand against the Police trial of special armed response teams (ART) patrolling three districts around New Zealand.

International evidence provides reason for extreme concern that people who are mentally unwell are far more likely to be killed by armed law enforcement officers than others.

Over-stretched services continue to rely on Police to respond to people in the community in crisis with police officers attending c.43,000 mental health callouts last year, but police receive inadequate training and support to do so safely and compassionately.

The potential introduction of guns to these interactions can only decrease the safety and likelihood of a good outcome for both those who are mentally unwell and for police themselves.

There is no justification for having Armed Response Teams patrolling our communities and no evidence they will make us or police safer.

Read our full statement online.

We live in a technology-driven world and find ourselves spending more and more time on our phones.  This can affect our physical health with sore necks and achy thumbs, but it also impacts our mental wellbeing.

If you, your whānau, friends or colleagues need a short break from your beloved phone companion why not make a Digital Detox Box and have a quiet moment. Recharge your brain, boost your relationships and gain some free time to enjoy the moment!

Download your free Detox Box template, stickers and phone wallpapers from the All Right? website.

Over a quarter of Kiwis report feeling additional financial and social stress throughout the Christmas period so we have put together some cost-effective ways to celebrate the Kirihimete season with whānau and friends.

Simple things like giving our time, our words and our presence makes others feel great, but it also lifts our own mood and makes us feel our lives have more meaning.  

Another great way to reduce stress is to connect with taiao/the environment so don't forget to get out and spend time in nature.

Check out more ideas on our website.