Mental Health Awareness Week

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Winning Ways To Wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week
October 5 – 11, 2009

Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off on October 5, with a whole lot of activities to encourage people to use “Winning Ways to Wellbeing”.

“We all need to prioritise good mental health and we all have a part to play in our own wellbeing,” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, which organises the annual event. “With one in five New Zealanders experiencing some form of mental illness in any one year, using effective tools to promote wellbeing is essential.”

A series of exciting events are happening nationwide throughout the week, including a fashion show and t-shirt launch, a gig, a fiesta, a CD launch, art exhibitions, a book launch, and more. An events calendar, as well as supporting information on the theme, can be found at www.mentalhealth.org.nz.

There are two main elements to this year’s theme: feeling good and functioning well. Based on research by UK-based the Foresight Project, the Foundation is promoting five proven ways everyone can support their own wellbeing and that of the world around them, including family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.

CONNECT Develop your relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours as these connections support you and enrich your life.

BE ACTIVE Physical activity helps you to feel good so find something that you enjoy and suits your ability.

TAKE NOTICE Be aware of the world around you and see the beauty in everyday and unusual things - reflecting on them helps you appreciate what matters to you.

LEARN Try something new or rediscover an old interest, or take on a new responsibility or challenge - learning makes you more confident and can be fun.

GIVE Do something for a friend or stranger and see yourself and your happiness as linked to the wider community.

Mental Health Awareness Week is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and marked in over 150 countries. World Mental Health Day takes place on Friday October 10.

ENDS

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