Curiosity catching during Mental Health Awareness Week

Curiosity catching during Mental Health Awareness Week

Kiwis can get excited about Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) now, because it’s just over a month away! Over 6-12 October, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is calling for people to KEEP LEARNING – be curious, embrace new experiences and see opportunities in the world around them.

KEEP LEARNING, one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, is the official theme for MHAW 2014.

“Learning isn’t just for children – we all need to embrace opportunities to keep learning throughout our lives.” MHF Chief Executive Judi Clements says.

“When we say keep learning, we’re not saying all New Zealanders need to run off and sign themselves up at their nearest university or polytech. We simply want to encourage everyone to be curious and engaged with the world around them – it makes a surprisingly large difference to wellbeing.”

Evidence shows that being a life-long learner boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, helps to build a sense of purpose, and connects us with others. Learning is linked to greater life satisfaction and optimism, and plays an important role in children’s social and cognitive development.
For the first time, Mental Health Awareness Week is going to feature MHF workshops to help you Keep Learning.
These workshops will be held at our Auckland office in conjunction with The Healthy Kitchen, Nature’s Nutrition, Studio One, Toi Ora Live Art Trust, Lot33, Hauora Garden Project, and Nga Taonga Sound and Vision.
See the MHAW MHF workshop web pages or the events calendar for costs, dates and times.
Free Keep Learning resources can now be ordered or downloaded through the MHAW website. Posters and postcards are guaranteed to be delivered in time for Mental Health Awareness Week if ordered before Saturday 30 August.

Kids can participate in MHAW by entering our colouring competition, with the opportunity to win $50 prezzy cards.

For more information about MHAW, including what events are being held in your area, how to get involved, and research about the value of learning, see the website: www.mentalhealth.org.nz/mhaw

ENDS

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