This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) theme is ‘Five Ways, Five Days’ and Central residents can participate in Me Ako Tonu (Keep Learning) to boost their mental health today (Friday September 22).

WellSouth health promotion specialist Jo O’Connor has organised activities to run in Alexandra at Central Stories Museum and Gallery.

Central Stories operations manager Paula Stephenson said those who had participated in MHAW experiences benefited from them.

Two behind the scenes tours are on today at Central Stories with 20 places per tour, at 12 noon and 1pm.

Visitors will check out items from the collection that are rarely on public display including old style telephones, camera equipment, household and war artefacts.

MHAW Five Ways bookmark. 

More to boost mental health has been on offer throughout this week; kindness packs were handed out, mindful colouring was available, a Five Ways quiz and a gratitude tree exercise. 

At Central Stories on Monday for Me Aro Tonu (Take Notice) people enjoyed live music from pianist Liz Conway and members of the Central Otago Regional Orchestra. 

Local artist Marion Vialade-Worch was also on hand to offer tips to help the audience sketch their emotions.

On Tuesday a lunchtime cuppa and chat was held to mark Tukua (Give) at the same venue.

For Me Kori Tonu (Be Active) on Wednesday historic walk booklets were distributed and people encourage to get outside and move.

Various options for connecting (Me Whakawhanaunga) ran on Thursday including a group walk with Central Otago REAP Choices programme, a Yarn2gether session and Reading to Dogs both at the Alexandra Library. 

The sun was shining during the 'connecting' wak in Alexandra yesterday: From left, Emma McLean, Bernie Lepper, Annaliese Keen, Jorden Alexander, Sue O'Brien, Teahi Howden.

MHAW is run annually by the Mental Health Foundation and has been since 1993. 

MHAW is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and is marked in over 150 countries at different times of the year.  

“Life has been a rollercoaster for us all lately,” Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said.

“Over the last few years, we’ve faced uncertainty, unfamiliarity, and hardships that have left us with mixed emotions. That's why we're focusing on the Five Ways to Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week, to give us a set of simple, proven actions that can boost our mental health when we need it.

“We know that one in five of us will experience mental illness this year. Wellbeing isn’t just for people who have not experienced mental illness – it’s for everyone. I live with bipolar disorder, and find the Five Ways to Wellbeing help me when I’m not feeling my best,” Shaun said. 

More local learning opportunities are available from Central Otago REAP.

Free downloads for MHAW include colouring in, posters, a bookmark, a quiz and a workplace kōrero set.

PHOTOS: Supplied/The Central App