Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Dunedin focussing on the five ways to wellbeing

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 25 September

Mental Health is everyone’s business! Dunedin focussing on the five ways to wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 8-14th October and Dunedin is using the ‘Five ways to wellbeing’ (Give, Be Active, Keep Learning, Connect, Take Notice) alongside the local ‘Unlock your Wellbeing’ Theme. “We want our local Dunedin communities to celebrate that Te Taha Hinengaro, Mental Health, is everyone’s business. The organising committee has worked extremely hard this year to make sure everyone can be part of these fun and free events,” says Sarah Chisnall, co-facilitator and Health Promotion Specialist at WellSouth.

The week kicks off with a Launch Night at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery from 6:30pm, providing a chance to ‘Connect’. This free event features inspirational speakers Alesha Pyers and Peter Frost, and Suitcase Theatre, who will perform excerpts of their play ‘Mental Notes 2.0’, a collection of stories on the hearts, minds and faces of mental illness. There will also be opportunities for the public to purchase tickets ($15) for the full length performances of Mental Notes 2.0 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, 7:30pm, at Playhouse Theatre.

There are also some art-focused activities throughout the week to encourage people to ‘Keep Learning’. Koputai Lodge in Port Chalmers is holding an open day at their cottage on Tuesday 9th October between 11am and 4pm. Members of the public are welcome to come along and have a go at art and craft activities, including jewellery making. During each week day, the public are invited to take part in an Interactive Mural located in Wall Street Mall. Local Professional Cartoonist and Muralist Brent Harpur will be facilitating the mural, encouraging people to ‘Take Notice’ and contribute to the mural. Whether it is by adding to the design or simply colouring in a section, everyone and anyone can take part. Brent Harpur wants “to collectively create something that the whole community can feel engaged in, and hope that people of all ages and abilities will pop down and help us create a giant work of art. Using words and images, we hope the public will use this opportunity to share their very own stories and dialogues associated with mental health and well-being.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Mental Health Awareness Week concludes with a family-friendly Wellness Walk and Fun-Run at John Wilson Drive, Saturday 13th October starting at 10am. This event encourages all people, irrespective of age and ability, to ‘Be Active’ as a way to nourish their Te Taha Hinengaro and Te Taha Wairua (spiritual health). Lisa Silva, coordinator of Wellness Walkers Trust, says "our sole purpose as a charity is to promote health and wellbeing through nature walking, and we can't wait to see the community come together for this fantastic event. Unlock your wellbeing -- Let nature in!"

Mental health is everyone’s business and this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week promises to provide opportunities for all the public to get involved and nourish their mental health. To register for any of the events check out our Facebook page: Mental Health Awareness Week – Dunedin. The Dunedin events for Mental Health Awareness week are presented under the umbrella of the Dunedin Mental Health and Addictions Network.

ENDS

WEEK EVENTS

Monday 8th October: Dunedin Launch Night, 6:30pm, Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Register at: buytickets.at/mhaw/191472

Tuesday 9th October: Arts and Crafts Day, 11am-4pm, Koputai Cottage 41 Ajax Rd

Thursday 11th, Friday 12th, Saturday 13th: Mental Notes 2.0 performance, 7:30pm, Playhouse Theatre 31 Albany St. Tickets available from: www.trybooking.com

Saturday 13th October: Wellness Walk and Fun Run, 10am-12pm, Hancock Park and John Wilson Drive. Register at: buytickets.at/mhaw/191493

Monday 8th – Friday 12th: Interactive Mural with Brent Harpur, 10am-4pm, Wall Street Mall

Five ways to wellbeing: Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, Connect, Be Mindful


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.