In Touch

September 2019

Mahuru 2019

Adam Dudding's recently released Out of My Mind podcast is a first-person account from the front line of those who live with mental distress or illness. 

It is a seven-part series telling the candid and moving stories of New Zealanders who have a variety of diagnoses including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, clinical anxiety, postnatal depression and bulimia. 

This podcast heroes the voices of people who live with mental distress or illness by telling their stories, in their words. Out of My Mind aims to open discussion about mental illness in the hope to normalise peoples experience, debunk myths and reduce prejudice.

Out of My Mind was proudly funded by the 2018 Mental Health Media Grants Pūtea Pāpāho.

Applications for the 2019 round of funding now open.

Keeping the government accountable

Three months after the Government's response to He Ara Oranga (the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction), the Mental Health Foundation continues to work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that mental health is front and centre of decision making.

In this year's budget, we saw a commitment into implementing some of the recommendations in response to He Ara Oranga, this has a renewed urgency with the release of the recent provisional suicide statistics.

In the coming months, we will be working closely with Government as they establish the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and develop a new suicide prevention strategy. MHF will continue to ensure mental health is a priority and hold Government accountable to the commitments they have made. 

Visit our website for more information on the advocacy work MHF undertakes.

The Te Araroa Trail is a 3,000km route which stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff and every year people go on the adventure of a lifetime by walking (sometimes even running!) the length of Aotearoa.

Many of these adventurers take on the challenge in the name of raising awareness for mental health and fundraise to support the Mental Health Foundation.  

This year we have 8 amazing individuals taking on the challenge and last week Brooke van Reenen began his journey.  Brooke left the Cape on August 24th and expects the trip to take about 3 months. 

You can follow Brooke's journey on Facebook.

If you're looking for a way to support MHF whilst taking in our beautiful country the Te Araroa Trail might be for you! 

Breathe with Aroha 

Mindfulness has proved itself as more than just a buzz word.  It is now being used across the world in schools, workplaces and communities to enhance mental health, increase productivity and build resilience.

In Craig Phillip's new children's book Aroha's Way readers are guided through a day with a young girl named Aroha.

Aroha faces challenging emotions like fear and anxiety but manages this by using some powerful, yet simple mindfulness tools to improve her mental wellbeing.

Aroha's Way is a great way to introduce easy mindfulness techniques to your tamariki/young people, which can have an amazing impact on their lives and education. 

Of course, these techniques are not just for our tamariki - you can use them too!  Purchase your copy of Aroha's Way online now.  

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is 23 - 29 September and we want you to explore your way to wellbeing by taking notice of the things that make you feel good!

Last month we announced our free MHAW explore packs are ready to order – and now our downloadable resources are ready! Head to our website to download an explore pack, posters and a wellbeing plan template.

On the MHAW website, you'll also find our new mindful colouring activity. Mindful colouring can help to lower stress and anxiety and increase focus.