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We love sharing your stories, we really do. If you're after some inspiration from some pretty incredible New Zealanders... we reckon you'll enjoy this week's update.
In this issue, we meet the amazing Jessie Cross, who after losing her job in March has launched an online platform in the hope of supporting and connecting the thousands of Kiwis made redundant during the pandemic.
We also hear from Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate School Tumuaki / Principal Kiri Turketo on how she's supporting her school community to navigate the challenges of Covid-19. In a world full of uncertainty, we're inspired by Kiri's passion for helping others reach their potential, and supporting those around us to feel loved, safe and like they belong.
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
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The Not So Redundant Club
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When Jessie Cross was made redundant, she started to question her worth.
She has since started an online community platform where all those who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19 can connect and support each other.
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“There are some great resources available online for people looking for work, but there wasn't any interactive and supportive community platform for people facing job loss/redundancy to come together to seek support, inspiration, ideas and motivation to keep positive and keep moving forward,” says Jessie.
Some 125 people from around New Zealand have now joined her Not So Redundant Club which gives them opportunities to upskill, learn how to transfer skills, join regular Zoom check-ins and help each other out.
While riding the waves of 2020, Jessie has found positivity among the change.
“It’s made me reimagine life as a whole thing, so rather than thinking of work and then personal life, I’m thinking about how all the elements in my life can work together to complement each other, so I can have a healthy lifestyle.”
Click here to read more about Jessie and the Not So Redundant Club.
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Navigating Covid with kindness
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Tumuaki / principal Kiri Turketo thinks she has a future Prime Minister at her school.
She is lucky enough to bear witness to her kids’ “little nuggets of brilliance on a daily basis."
The Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate School tumuaki / principal refers to her students as “our kids” because she knows they’re the future leaders and caretakers of our country and community.
“Sometimes my own kids say, ‘you love them more than you love us’,” she says, and laughs.
In what has been an incredibly difficult year for the community – Kiri is proud of her “resilient” kids.
The Ōtara school (with a roll of 80% Pasifika and 19% Māori) now faces a new challenge, with lockdown 2.0 having a greater emotional and spiritual impact on students and their families.
In light of Tāmaki Makaurau’s second lockdown, the school is among those in South Auckland reporting much lower than normal attendance rates.
“Lockdown 2.0 has really exacerbated the apprehension and the anxiety.”
Read more about how the school is supporting its community and why Kiri doesn't want us to stop using the 'K' word (that's kindness by the way).
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Te Wiki o te Reo Māori kicks off on Monday!
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Learning is a proven way to wellbeing, so this Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, we're encouraging everyone - young and old - to learn some new words to express themselves in our indigenous tongue.
Set yourself a challenge this week with a load of free resources available at https://www.mahurumaori.com/
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Join this year's Mental Health Awareness Week
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This year we've really had to tune into the simple things that matter and strengthen our wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Week is just around the corner, and the Wellbeing Photo Challenge is back for 2020! We’d love for you to take part and show us what wellbeing looks and feels like for you.
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From 21-25 September, simply snap and share a photo on your (public) Twitter, Facebook or Instagram page based on the daily theme and using the hashtag #MHAWNZ. There are amazing prizes up for grabs, including a Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless camera (RRP $1,899)! For more info on how to take part, head here.
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Colouring competition for tamariki
The Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) Colouring Competition is back for 2020! It’s a chance for tamariki to get creative and think about their wellbeing by drawing the things that make them feel good. The competition is open to tamariki aged 4–12 and closes 5pm, Monday 5 October. Head here for further details and to print your copies now!
Mindful colouring for adults
Colouring isn’t just for tamariki - it can help to lower stress and anxiety, increase focus, and promote mindfulness. Use the new MHAW mindful colouring template to relax after a busy day of mahi, or to get the creative juices flowing! Simply download and print your copy here to feel the benefits.
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Not all right?
For many of us, these new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress. We want you to know that however you’re feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s all right to reach out if you need to - we all need a bit of support from time-to-time.
Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime - it’s free and completely confidential. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357. Check out this page on the Mental Health Foundation’s website if you'd like some further advice on how to stay mentally well during this time.
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Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.
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