‘Give Well – Live Well’ launches Wellbeing Week

Monday marks the beginning of Wellington Wellbeing Week (5 –11 October). Run in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign aiming to increase the wellbeing of individuals and communities and help them to flourish, this year’s theme is ‘Give – your time, your words, your presence’.

Research shows a strong link between giving to others and improved levels of happiness so the Council is using Wellbeing Week to launch a month-long giving campaign. ‘Give Well - Live Well’, is a pay-it-forward initiative at Council recreation facilities around Wellington and a perfect opportunity to share the love with some deserving locals.

Wellingtonians can stop in and donate a $3 swim, skate pass, or gym class at their local pool or rec centre. Staff members at each facility have selected charities that work in their communities to donate the activity vouchers to. 16 different charities will benefit from the initiative, which also recognises the important role staying physically active plays in wellbeing. The ‘Give Well - Live Well’ programme will run until the end of October allowing the community a whole month to ‘give’.

Those with a hankering to share some wisdom or insight during Wellbeing Week can book a free 15-minute slot at the wellynextdoor caravan recording studio in Civic Square. Wellingtonians are invited to come along with friends or family and interview each other about a special event, milestone or just everyday life. Captured stories will be uploaded to the wellynextdoor website. The project offers people of every background a chance to reflect on their experiences and record and preserve their unique perspectives on life.

The Wellbeing Week programme also includes mindfulness workshops, covering a guided meditation, discussion about mindfulness, giving, and resilient wellbeing, and a chance to learn a new skill with the Tutorial library expo at the Central Library.

Lifelong learning is also a key component in wellbeing, and the Wellington City Library tutorial collection, known as Lynda.com, is the perfect way to rediscover an old interest such as photography, or film production; or learn something new like web design or 3D animation. Anyone with a library card has free access to this treasure trove almost 4,000 engaging, high-quality tutorials.

Recording studio bookings wellynextdoor@wcc.govt.nz, 04 499 9999

All activities, events and information can be found at wellington.govt.nz/wellington-wellbeing-week.

ENDS

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