Action for Happiness Optimistic October Calendar.

This week: World Mental Health Day.

Saturday: Wrapping Up Mental Health Awareness Week!

As we conclude the Fighting Stigma Mental Health Awareness Week special series, Vanessa speaks with Lisa from Progress to Health about the Caro Garden nursery programme that Lisa co-leads. This year’s MHAW theme is “Community is what we create together,” and Lisa shares inspiring stories of the community being built at Caro Gardens.

Progress to Health is a community-based organization with 25 years of expertise in supporting people with long-term mental health conditions or disabilities throughout the Waikato, Taranaki, and Taupo regions. They focus on helping individuals make positive changes in their lives by achieving personal goals and reconnecting with their community.

With an emphasis on supporting and developing strengths through individual or group activities, Progress to Health enhances both mental and physical well-being.

Learn more about their incredible work and how they are making a difference in the community here:Enhancing Mental and Physical Wellbeing | Progress to Health

Whakawhetai Friday: Spreading Gratitude and Good Vibes!

Join us as Vanessa from Fighting Stigma interviews Neroli and Adam from Evolve Peer Support Trust, a peer-led charitable trust dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing mental health concerns, with a focus on depression and anxiety.

Evolve Peer Support Trust is all about embracing the humanity of our journeys and helping us rediscover the strengths that enable us to live full and confident lives. Their mindfulness-based approach creates a compassionate environment where people with anxiety and/or depression can connect and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

What makes Evolve truly special is that it’s run by people who are on their own journey with depression and/or anxiety. With compassion and respect, they walk alongside you, helping to reduce the footprints of depression or anxiety in your life while reclaiming your quality of life. All facilitators have their own experiences with mental wellbeing and guide the group with sensitivity and compassion.

Tune in to hear more about their incredible work and how they are making a difference in the community.

To find out more about the great programmes and groups they run visit their website Mental Health Support | Evolve Peer Support Trust | Hamilton (evolvepeertrust.com)

This week: The power of peer support.

Tuhono Thursday: Connecting with Your Community!

Today Vanessa from Fighting Stigma interviews Slay and Logan from Rainbow Hub Waikato, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating spaces and working alongside communities to embrace, celebrate, and support diversity and identity. Rainbow Hub Waikato is all about ensuring that everyone thrives and feels empowered to be themselves.

Join Vanessa, Slay, and Logan as they share their thoughts, experiences, and laughter about the importance of connection within the Rainbow Community. Discover more about the incredible support Rainbow Hub offers and how they are making a difference in the community.

Find out more about Rainbow Hub Waikato here: Home - Rainbow Hub Waikato

Whanau Wednesday: Celebrating Whanau!

This week, Vanessa from Fighting Stigma interviews Ali and Mel from Yellow Brick Road, a national organization dedicated to providing support for whānau who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. Yellow Brick Road believes that connection, a sense of belonging, and working together are crucial for the wellbeing of all individuals, whānau, and communities.

Join Vanessa, Ali, and Mel as they discuss the importance of whānau support and share insights on how Yellow Brick Road is making a difference. Learn more about their incredible work and how you can get in touch with them here: Mental health support for families - Yellow Brick Road

Tautoko Tuesday: Supporting Others!

Today, Vanessa from Fighting Stigma interviews Renee, a kaitautoko from He Kete Aronui, a whānau-based kaupapa designed and delivered by the Māori Women’s Welfare League. He Kete Aronui supports whānau in developing parenting skills through a Te Ao Māori lens, building solutions for whānau to be positive role models for their tamariki, and guiding and supporting whānau when engaging with government agencies.

Join Vanessa and Renee as they discuss the importance of whānau support and the incredible work He Kete Aronui is doing to empower families. Learn more about their initiatives and how to get involved here: He Kete Aronui (mwwl.org.nz)

Manaaki Monday: Spreading Kindness!

Today Vanessa interviews Emma from Know Your Stuff NZ, a peer-led community organization committed to harm reduction. Manaaki Monday is all about kindness and the ripple effect that can come from a small act of kindness.

Know Your Stuff NZ is Aotearoa’s original provider of drug-checking services. Along with the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the Needle Exchange programme, they offer free and confidential drug checking and harm reduction services at clinics and events across the motu.

Maori Language week and Self-care September Calendar.