Grow, support and nurture your wellbeing
Let nature in, strengthen your wellbeing – Mā
te taiao kia whakapakari tōu oranga was the
theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness
week earlier this month.
Tauranga Hospital’s Acute Mental Health Inpatient unit Te Whare
Maiangiangi enjoyed a BBQ lunch, held a photo competition, tree
planting ceremony, were entertained by our Kapa Haka group and
squared off against the Northern Knights Cricket team for a game
of backyard cricket.
It was a great day for patients and visitors too. Connecting with
nature can uplift your Wairua (spirit), grow, support and nurture
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your wellbeing. Having the Northern Knights join in helps to
remove the stigma associated with mental illness.
In Whakatāne, a series of activities occurred across the week
beginning with a karakia in the Acute Mental Health Inpatient
unit, Te Toki Maurere. Free miniature train rides, a great green
giveaway of plants and a sausage sizzle were on offer as Eastern
Bay mental health support services gathered at Riverside park.
And a disco was held at Paroa rugby clubrooms as a celebration
of hope and wellness.
There was much laughter, fun connection and outdoor sunshine in
the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
Student nurses and Mental Health & Addiction Services Consumer Advisor
Caroline Richards serving the BBQ lunch to Acting Director of Area Mental
Health Services- (DAMHS), Psychiatrist Dr David Chaplow. Te Whare Maiangiangi Administrator Debbie Lawrence (seated) and Acting
Regional Clinical Co-ordinator, Adult Inpatient Mental Health Helene Stols
(standing) with the Northern Knights cricket team.
Our photo competition judges - Te Whare Maiangiangi Occupational Therapist
Jane Miller (centre) and Tauranga Hospital Chaplain Shelley Gilmore with the
Northern Knights cricket team. Staff square off against the Northern Knights for a ‘friendly’ match.
The community gathers with mental health support services in a celebration of
hope and wellness in Whakatāne. Riverside Park day organisers left to right: Emma Kutia from Te Ao Hou Trust,
volunteer Joanne Karipa and Community Mental Health Consumer Advocate
Trish Bennett.