Drop down to New World Alexandra now and grab a ‘Chat Pack’ to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. 

A joint initiative from Goodlife Group, Able Minds, Friendship Group, and WellSouth, the pack contains a host of goodies. 

“Everyone gets a chat bag, with tea bags and information, designed to encourage people to take time out, speak to someone and have a cuppa tea,” WellSouth Health Promoter Jo O’Connor says. 

“It takes a community to keep people well. It is important to realise we all experience things differently.” 

Jo says it is important to look after our mates, but we can’t continue to put the onus on people to seek help on their own. 

“We rather you notice people who need help, as people are reluctant to ask or seek help,” Jo explains. 

“People are reluctant to ask ‘how are you’ because we think we need to solve problems, but we don't need to - we just need to walk alongside them and help them find the correct support to help them.” 

Jo says people in need of support can free call or text 1737 to talk or message a trained counsellor. 

“Not only do that, we also encourage you to see your local GP.” 

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

You can also head to https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines for access to a directory of helplines and services.