$52k boost for Southern Lakes mental wellbeing initiatives this summer

An extra $52,000 is being invested in initiatives to improve mental wellbeing across Southern Lakes communities this summer. 

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group has supported 54 groups via its latest Connecting Communities funding round, with each receiving up to $1,000 to help facilitate community-led activities. 

Recipients include the Fiordland Community Kai volunteering initiative, Age Concern’s brain health seminar for over 65s, Cromwell Community House Christmas BBQ for vulnerable older residents, LUMA wellbeing workshops for schools, Happiness House gardening group materials, MINT Trust’s music therapy workshop for Central Otago people with intellectual disabilities, and Head Light Trust’s ‘Let's Chalk about Mental Health Queenstown’ project, as well as various cultural get-togethers and community Christmas events. A full list is available online. 

Chair of the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group Adell Cox says it felt good to see a surge of fresh ideas in this round, particularly from cultural groups across the region.

“It’s wonderful to see different cultures focusing on how they can bring their communities together and support each other in a way that works uniquely for them. But there are still common themes around celebrating diversity, welcoming newcomers to the region, forming stronger networks, and creating forums to openly discuss issues that affect their mental health and wellbeing.

“We’re also thrilled to support more Māori hauora initiatives in this round including three free hui for men's hinengaro/mental wellbeing in Queenstown and a Te Ao Māori workshop which builds on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, Te Whare Tapa Wha and Dr Rose Pere’s principles."

Anna Sutherland, the manager of Wānaka-based Kahu Youth Trust, says they’ll be putting their funding towards a welcome event at the new youth space at Lake Hāwea Community Hall on Friday, December 9.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together, build connections and create a sense of belonging for rangatahi.  They can also meet our Youth Development Workers and start building trust, knowing that these are safe adults who they can go to for support through life challenges. We’ll also be sharing information about the new drop-in service at Hāwea and our mentoring and youth development programmes.”

Te Hau Toka introduced the Connecting Communities fund a year ago as part of its efforts to combat the ongoing negative effects of Covid-19. Since then, there have been four funding rounds, 185 recipients and nearly $180,000 injected across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Fiordland to help people improve mental wellbeing, social connection and resilience in their own communities.

The next Connecting Communities funding round is February 20 to March 2. Eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for up to $1,000 including GST to support community-focused mental wellbeing initiatives. 

For more details about the fund or other Te Hau Toka initiatives, visit www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka.

Main image (Supplied): Kahu Youth Trust rangatahi