There’s a new traffic light system in town – one designed to keep us well.

COVID restrictions may have put paid to many Mental Health Awareness Week activities this year, but a new traffic light system designed locally has gained traction.

The Traffic Light guide was designed as a way for everyone to measure and look after our well-being by local group Te Hau Toka. It is in the form of a brochure, and if you haven’t already seen it around Central, you can download it any time from the Southern Health website.

The guide was designed locally, and the information it contains is all local.

You get a green light if you’re all about being well, and keeping well.

There are some suggestions of things you can do to maintain your wellbeing. We know to exercise for physical fitness – but how do we maintain our mental wellness? The guide contains tips and tricks, and suggestions of apps and online resources.

Feeling in need of a little extra support? You get the yellow light.

The yellow light is all about those times when you’re not feeling so great and just need a helping hand. Yellow light information lists some of the support you can access through a GP, and some services that you can contact directly.

A red light symbolises an immediate mental health crisis. This is when you might be concerned for your safety or the safety of someone else. The red light information details numbers to call in a crisis, a list of medical clinics to contact and resources to access.

The traffic light system is a simple way to figure out where you’re at, what you need, and how to access it.

Te Hau Toka was set up in response to community-wide mental health impacts resulting from COVID 19. Its members include the Southern District Health Board, WellSouth Primary Health Network, Central Lakes Family Services, Tāhuna-Whakatipu Māori Community, and the Southern Mental Health and Addiction Network Leadership Group. 

By combining broad knowledge and resources from right across the district, the group says they hope to build awareness of the services we have available here, find ways to connect people with the support they need, and ultimately for us all to stay well.

To download the traffic light guide click here.