Kia ora <<First Name>>
We can learn a lot from history and those who have lived it.
For this issue we had the pleasure of speaking with 79 year-old Maggie Wyse, who has now lived through two pandemics. Maggie hasn't spoken about her experience in the polio pandemic until now - all these years later Maggie chats about what she went through and how it has impacted her and her generation.
We think Maggie's advice on how we can look after ourselves and each other during a pandemic is spot on. As Maggie says, community is everything. So let's keep on looking out for each other.
Do you know someone who could do with a call and a natter? It's a simple thing you can do that can make a big difference to someone's day.
Lastly, remember it’s Mental Health Awareness week next week! We’ve got a handy checklist to make sure you’re ready, and make sure you get your free resource orders in today to receive them in time for the week!
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
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Not her first rodeo - Maggie's pandemic advice
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When Covid-19 reached New Zealand shores, Maggie Wyse panicked.
For the 79 year-old, who lives in a retirement home in Christchurch, it took her right back to when she was a youngster.
Maggie was a four year-old in Scotland when the polio pandemic broke out. When she was suspected of having polio, Maggie was put in an iron lung.
At the age of 12, she fell ill with polio, which rendered her unable to walk. She was put into an iron lung again, where she remained for six months.
It’s a time she remembers “so plainly” and one that took an emotional toll on her – and continues to do so.
Having lived through two pandemics and a world war, Maggie has some sound advice on how to look after ourselves in tough times.
“Sit there, close your eyes and count to ten. Think ‘I could be doing something different, so what can I do'.”
It was this thought pattern during the first lockdown that encouraged Maggie to start sewing for the other residents and creating diamond artwork.
When times are tough, and no matter where you are, Maggie can’t stress enough the importance of chatting to a friend or trusted confidante.
“There are quite a few in here that come to me when upset... I tell them here, ‘if you need anything, just yell Maggie and I’ll come running’.”
Read the full story on Maggie here.
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Kura putting whānau first
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For five years, Tahu Paki has been working at Te Kura Whakapūmau, where he is currently deputy principal and head of the Wharekura.
As one of only two full immersion Kura Kaupapa Māori schools in Christchurch – and one of only five in the South Island – the community have always been tight knit.
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As a Kura Kaupapa Māori, a focus on wellbeing has always been a priority.
"We’re moving through very uncertain times and we need to be able to still support families, as well as keep looking and moving forward.”
Read the full story on how the community has grown even closer during the ongoing hardships of Covid-19.
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Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is here!
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It's Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and to celebrate every day on the All Right? Facebook page we're sharing a Whakataukī.
Today's one translates to 'Nurture the Seed, and it will Blossom'. Perfect for Spring aye!
What are you doing to bring your te Reo to life this week?
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MHAW is next week! Are you ready?
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We know it’s a busy time right now, so we’ve put together a checklist to help you make sure you’ve got everything you need to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) next week!
Have you:
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Signed up for MHAW updates, to receive the latest news, tips throughout the week and more?
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Ordered or downloaded our free poster and postcard sets, in Te Reo Māori or English?
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Thought about how you can reimagine your wellbeing throughout the week? Use our postcard set to guide your week, or see this page for activities that align with the daily themes!
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Printed the MHAW Colouring Competition for your tamariki, or our Mindful Colouring template for yourself? Get those creative juices flowing!
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Downloaded our other handy digital resources for the week, such as our Facebook cover, screensaver or email signatures to help you spread the word online?
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Visited our Good Reads, Research or Helpful Resources pages for further conversation starters, tips and info on mental health and wellbeing?
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Checked out our What’s On calendar, to see what MHAW events are taking place near you or to submit your own MHAW event?
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Downloaded our workplace resource, to help your workplace prioritise mental health and wellbeing?
- Considered taking part in the Wellbeing Photo Challenge on social media? A Nikon Z 50 Mirrorless camera (RRP $1899) is up for grabs!
All of this and more can be found over on the MHAW website. We can’t wait to reimagine wellbeing with you next week!
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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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Not subscribed to our newsletter?
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Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.
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