Waka Hourua supports Mental Health Awareness Week

Waka Hourua supports Mental Health Awareness Week

Keep learning is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week from 6 to 12 October. This special week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation.

This year the focus is on encouraging us all to keep learning, be curious and see fresh opportunities around us.

“Being curious and engaged can make such a huge difference to our wellbeing,” says Marama Parore, Interim Chief Executive of Te Rau Matatini. “We know that being open to discovery boosts self-confidence and builds a sense of purpose. This in turn is what helps connect us with others.”

Marama says this is what community organisations being supported by Māori and Pasifika suicide prevention programme Waka Hourua are discovering.

“We now have 63 Māori and Pasifika community organisations and groups throughout Aotearoa who are creating meaningful learning environments for their rangatahi, young people, whānau and families. Developing new skills, growing talent, sharing stories and valuable new experiences are just some of the activities in place to encourage communities to keep learning and stay connected. This in turn will contribute to our goal to prevent suicide in Māori and Pasifika communities.

Marama Parore is speaking on behalf of Waka Hourua, the Māori and Pasifika suicide prevention programme being delivered by Māori health workforce organisation, Te Rau Matatini and national Pasifika non-government organisation, Le Va.

ENDS

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