Taranaki DHB staff encouraged to reflect on inner wellbeing

8 October 2018

Taranaki DHB staff encouraged to reflect on inner wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week

The people who work at Taranaki DHB are usually busy taking care of others. However their own health and wellbeing is just as important and the DHB is encouraging staff to embrace this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) theme and ‘let nature in to help strengthen their wellbeing - Mā te taiao kia whakapakari tōu oranga’.

Rosemary Clements, Taranaki DHB CE, says “Our staff work hard to care for patients around the clock and are often under considerable pressure, so this Mental Health Awareness week at Taranaki DHB we are encouraging our employees to reflect on their own health and wellbeing, which is a part of the DHB’s commitment to build a positive organisational culture.”

The DHB’s Workplace Wellness team have organised a variety of activities for staff to take part in throughout the week. There will be yoga, eBike trials, a nature photo competition and essential oils sessions. A mindfulness nature nook is also being created for staff to go and take time out.

Martin Price Taranaki DHB’s General Manager People & Capability explains, “These activities are all opportunities for staff to reflect on and learn about the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give. These are five proven things we can all do in our everyday lives to build resilience and boost mental health and wellbeing.”

“We hope over time to empower our staff to manage their health and wellbeing in everyday life at work and at home, to help lower the risk of people developing mental health problems” he adds.

In addition to these activities the DHB will also be reminding staff to think about their colleague’s mental health and wellbeing and to use the tools, services and resources available to support each other.

Mr Price adds, “Taranaki DHB is also committed to supporting staff with any problems at work or at home and provides a free and confidential counselling service called the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)”.

Mental Health Awareness Week is being run by the Mental Health Foundation from 8-14 October. It has been an annual event since 1995.

Should a member of the public be experiencing mental health concerns they should seek assistance by speaking to their GP as a first step. Visit www.tdhb.org.nz for more information about DHB Mental Health services.

More information about Mental Health Awareness Week can be found at http://www.mhaw.nz/

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