Events help mental health
There are more than 15 events taking place across Northland between October 4 and 16 to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Arataki Ministries manager Robert Coats says the purpose of the week is to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Globally around 45 per cent of people will have some issue with mental health in their lifetime.
This equates to 30,000 Northlanders needing assistance, and 4500 being significantly affected.
In Kaitaia, Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services held a Meet and Greet breakfast on October 4 and will host a Hikoi and Top Town Sports Day at Kaitaia Intermediate on October 6.
Supporting Families Northland are running two ‘training to the public - mental health first aid’ workshops on October 12 and 13 at the Te Ahu Conference Centre while NDHB Far North Mental Health and Addiction services are holding an expo at Kaitaia Hospital’s Rec Hall.
On October 6, Ngati Hine Health Trust will hold activities at Simpson Park, Moerewa and a session at fight fitness club on October 10.
A nature walk and scavenger hunt is planned at the Rawene Polytechnic on October 10 and two days later a walk through Waipoua Forest and Kai Iwi Lakes is planned. Te Mana Oranga held a hikoi and sports day in Kaikohe on October 4.