Lyttelton Has Big Ideas

Lyttelton Has Big Ideas

The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging all New Zealanders to play their part in looking after their mental health and by doing so helping create a society where all people flourish.

Each day this week the Foundation will be releasing an article highlighting flourishing communities from around the country. Today’s community is Lyttelton.

As part of Project Lyttelton, a non-profit organisation with charitable status, Lyttelton’s Time Bank is helping the port town near Banks Peninsula become more sustainable and self-sufficient.

Time banks are a way of trading skills in the community. Members get credit for the time they spend doing something for another member of the time bank. Each person’s input is measured in time rather than financial value and all activities are seen as equal.

The Time Bank also has a community treasure chest where people can donate their time credits so that credit is there if anyone should find they need a lot of help.

To find out more about Project Lyttelton and the Lyttelton Time Bank please visit http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/newsletters/view/article/21/284/2010/.

“The Lyttelton Time Bank puts a measurable value on people’s time. People earn credits by giving their time in a variety of ways such as helping someone with their grocery shopping through to providing companionship” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. “Through projects like this, people develop a real sense of belonging and connecting and that in turn contributes towards creating a flourishing community.”

A series of exciting events have been planned for the week throughout New Zealand, including charity screenings of The Insatiable Moon, various forums and workshops, art exhibitions and more. Check out our events calendar - http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/777-2010-flourishing-for-everybody+events-calendar.

Mental Health Awareness Week begins today, with World Mental Health Day taking place on Sunday 10 October. It is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and marked in over 150 countries.

- ENDS -

© Scoop Media