Feeling a little low? Local free events are on next week (September 26 - October 2) as a part of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW); this year’s focus is reconnection with the people and places that lift you up - hei pikinga waiora.

WellSouth health promotion specialist Jo O’Connor said events were easy to take part in and designed to remind people of the simple things we can do to stay well.

“Every week is mental health awareness week really. This is the time when we choose simple events and activities that enhance even the organisers' wellbeing.”

Cromwell events are:

• PostitiviTEA Cromwell Community House at Cromwell New World on Wednesday September 28, 10am - 4pm.
• Try Tai Chi at Cromwell Library on Thursday September 29, 11am -12noon. 
• Health and Wellness Expo at Cromwell Bowling Club on Saturday October 1, 9am - 12noon.

Alexandra events are:

• Reconnect with your Library at Alexandra Library on Wednesday September 28, 11am and a mindfulness session at 5 - 6pm with Angela Connell. 
• Reconnect with our community and have a chat at New World on Thursday September 29, 11am - 3pm. 
• Reconnect with nature and your backyard for a walk on Friday September 30, meet at the station car park at 12noon.

Jo said last year chat packs and connections made at the events outside the supermarkets were well received.

“I’d encourage everyone to pop down and have a chat if they can.”

In Alexandra representatives from Uruuruwhenua, Good Life Group, Puna Rangatahi, ABLE Minds, Senior Citizens, Alzheimers, Dunstan Friendship Group, Breen, and WellSouth have contributed to the packs, and some will attend on the day.

A key wellbeing message is ‘you are not alone’ as one in five New Zealanders experience a mental illness and/or addiction each year.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said MHAW was a chance to reconnect, whether it’s reaching out to someone you’ve lost contact with, visiting a place that’s special to you or getting outside in nature. 

“Reconnect with the people who lift you up and places that are special to you and notice how this makes you feel.

“Wellbeing isn’t just for people who have not experienced mental illness – it’s for everyone. Think about how you and your community can engage with this year’s theme and help to improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”

As with previous years there are daily ‘reconnect’ activity ideas inspired by Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which are simple strategies proven to boost wellbeing

The Mental Health Foundation has put together a free interactive PDF guide to download this year, find it here