Cromwell based not-for-proft groups can apply for more funding to support community-led mental wellbeing initiatives from next week.

Round Two of Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group’s Connecting Communities fund opens on February 28 and closes on March 11.

The fund is designed to support community-led activities and events across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Te Anau/Fiordland which encourage people to find ways to look after themselves and each other, and have some fun.

Eligible not-for-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1000 (GST inclusive) per round to assist with funding their activity.

There are three funding rounds per year.

Te Hau Toka group chairwoman Adell Cox said the Connecting Communities fund was about helping people to improve mental wellbeing, connection and resilience in their own communities.

“We’re now into the third year of the pandemic and we’re seeing fatigue and burnout setting in from the ongoing stress and uncertainty. 

"This funding has given us an opportunity to hear directly from our communities about what they need and how they can best support each other,” Adell said. 

“There are some really inspiring and innovative ideas coming through and we want to do whatever we can to help make them happen.

“We’re also asking people to think creatively about what might work under Covid restrictions.” 

Te Hau Toka is looking for activities and events to support that:

·        Engage positively with the local community

·        Support mental wellbeing

·        Align with one or more of the Five Ways to Wellbeing and Te Whare Tapa Wha

·        Are delivered in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, or Te Anau/Fiordland

·        Can be adapted to comply with any Covid-19 restrictions.

Twenty-seven groups were supported in the first funding round in November 2021, injecting $25,000 across the Southern Lakes region for mental wellbeing activities, or events over the summer months.

Recipients included the Silent Disco walking/dancing tour, Cromwell Youth Trust, Cromwell Chalets Happy Days social event, Cromwell Community House events for seasonal workers and Neighbourhood Support Cromwell welfare checks.

A full list is available on the Te Hau Toka webpage.

More details about the Connecting Communities fund, including how to apply, can be found online at www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka.

Te Hau Toka also has useful mental health resources online - see Traffic Light Guide: Looking after your mental wellbeing.

The Connecting Communities fund is part of a $3 million government fund and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan. 

It is enabling Te Hau Toka to help support, promote and protect the social and mental wellbeing of people living in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Te Anau/Fiordland, and assist with addressing the ongoing negative effects of Covid-19.