Raising up
REGION: The confidence and courage of a performance group, known as Mana Beatz, has shone on stage at Palmerston North’s Barber Hall.
Palmerston North people have come together to celebrate health and wellbeing.
The confidence and courage of a performance group, known as Mana Beatz, shone on stage at Palmerston North’s Barber Hall yesterday.
The group sang and rapped songs they had written about health, as part of World Mental Health Day.
Leilani Maraku, Mana o te Tangata Trust’s manager, said the group’s members had sought support from mental health and addiction services and it was incredible to see how far they had come. ‘‘There’s are people that couldn’t stand up at all and now they are out there singing.’’
The event at the Barber Hall was about reducing the stigma against mental health and encouraging the community to come together, Maraku said.
It was also a way to expose people to the many communitybased free services available to them. Mental Health Awareness Week runs from October 9-15 and carries the theme of connecting to nature. ‘‘It’s just about celebrating this week and for people to come together as a whole big community.’’
Music producer Tepari Waaka said it was great to see people who suffered with anxiety out spreading the word about mental health.
Supporting Families in Mental Illness manager Christine Zandercampbell said mental illness could be a long, tough journey for some. The organisation was one of about 12 at the community event that ran games and spot prizes throughout the day.
Similar to many other mental health services, there had been an increase in people needing support, especially among middleaged people, she said.
Many people don’t understand mental health problems. Some people were able to live with mild depression for a long time before they understood and recognised the illness.
Zander-campbell encouraged people to take time out, support one another and talk to someone if things were not going well. Although medication could help some people, others may find other helpful techniques.