Engage Aotearoa

Author Archives: Admin

Posts by 'admin' on the Engage Mental-Health News and Events Blog are shared on behalf of third parties to help make information about mental-health news and events easier to find and do not necessarily reflect the views of Engage Aotearoa or Community Mental-Health Resources Trust. News and events posted with the tag 'Engage Updates' are written by and/or about Engage Aotearoa.

No. 96: Learning a Theme Song

May 11, 2012 1:19 pm ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅
This week, to attain, maintain or regain my sense of wellbeing… Coping Kete…I will use music to help me improve the moment and connect with positive emotion by learning to hum or whistle a song I associate with happy vibes and good energy. If no song jumps to mind automatically I will get to spend some time listening to different songs until I find one I like. Then as I move through my day, I will periodically remember to practice humming or whistling the tune while I am doing my daily tasks. This could help to insert some pleasant energy into whatever I am doing. Once I am comfortable and familiar with humming or whistling my tune, I will add it to my Personal Coping Kete as a distraction and self-soothing technique for times of stress and distress. Then, when I find myself stressed or distressed, I can distract myself for a moment by trying to remember the tune and whistling/humming it. The act of humming and whistling changes the level of oxygen in the blood and can physically help to soothe negative emotions I could be feeling, so I can return to the situation later with a clearer head. Whenever I hum or whistle my tune, I will be reminded of the positive message of the song I chose and this might also help inspire me through tough moments. This is also a pretty good strategy to use if I ever feel so anxious that it gets hard to breathe. Humming or whistling a song could help to counteract that without having to focus my attention onto my breathing.
Posted in: Mindful Distraction, Self-Soothing ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

Feedback Sought on Auckland Respite Services for People with Disabilities

May 10, 2012 11:56 pm ⋅

Renaissance Group is a supplier of disability support services in the greater Auckland area.

In conversations and discussions at various network meetings with parents and families, the gaps in the respite services in the greater Auckland area has stood out.

In order to identify some of these gaps more clearly, feedback is needed from disabled people and their families currently accessing respite services, or disabled people and families who feel they need respite services but are currently not receiving this.

This feedback is completely anonymous. No one needs to put their names, or identify themselves in their feedback.

They are gathering this information to look at what respite services could look like moving forward, and how they can meet your needs at a wider level.

Open and save a copy of the Renaissance Group Questionnaire for Respite Services to your computer where you can complete it at your leisure.

They would really appreciate  receiving your feedback by Monday 28th May.

Please reply with your responses to Evan Clulee either via email or alternatively you can post your questionnaire back:

  • Email: evan.c@ren2001.co.nz
  • Address: Renaissance Group, PO Box 63-001, Manukau City, Auckland 2241.
Posted in: Accommodation / Housing, Community Participation, Disability Issues, Families/Whanau, Parents and Parenting, People with Disabilities, Research, Service-User Movement, Support ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

Kyle MacDonald Comments on New Beneficiary Strategy

May 8, 2012 11:01 am ⋅

The following is an excerpt from Kyle MacDonald’s blog, Off the Couch. Click the link at the bottom of the post to continue reading.

System failure

by Off the Couch: Kyle MacDonald on May 8, 2012

“I was always taught not to raise the topics of politics, sex or money unless you wanted to start an argument.  Todays policy announcement about free long term contraceptives for beneficiaries from National raises all three.

But why are people so concerned?  John Key seems keen to reassure us it is all optional:

“Mr Key said he did not believe Work and Income case managers would put undue pressure on beneficiaries to take up the long-term contraceptive options, saying they would simply be made aware of the options they had.” http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804304

I think the question we need to ask is what can happen when people who have been disempowered, victimized by trauma, and suffering mental health difficulties engage with these policies in the real world?..” (Click here for the rest of this blog post)

 

Posted in: Disability Issues, Human Rights and Legal Issues, Politics and Policy, Social Change ⋅ Tagged: , ,

Building Resilience on Radio 8 May Interview Online

May 8, 2012 10:56 am ⋅

Hear how building resilience is an important feature of Asian mental health initiatives in Auckland, and nationally. Take It From Us interviewed University of Auckland research associate, Anita Wong, who is also general manager of Yan Oi Sei, about trends and issues surrounding Asian mental health on Tuesday the 8th of May on PlanetFM 104.6FM  @ 12.30pm.

Listen live every Tuesday on 104.6FM at 12.30pm or online www.planetaudio.org.nz

OR if you missed the broadcast, listen for the next seven days @: www.planetaudio.org.nz/takeitfromus

Catch up on the last four shows online: www.likeminds.org.nz

And don’t forget their new Facebook page @ Facebook.com and type take it from us in the search box; our email is takeitfromus@mail.com for any feedback and comment/suggestions for shows.

Posted in: Asian Communities, Online Resources, Personal Development Tools, Refugees / Migrants, Service-User Movement ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

No. 95: Doing Something Else

May 5, 2012 11:14 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅
This week, to attain, maintain or regain my sense of wellbeing… Coping Kete…I will practice doing something else to shift my mood when I need to improve the moment. To prepare myself, I will make a list of random activities that I am familiar with. For example things like baking, reading a book, walking around the block, washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, doing a cross-word and making a card for someone are all pretty common activities that many people could do at almost any time. It is important these are activities I am familiar with as learning something new is incredibly difficult during times of stress and distress. When I notice myself getting stuck in an unhelpful mood or chain of thinking that I can’ t really do much about right now, I will practice doing the items on my list. I will focus my attention on the task at hand, noticing my movements, the space around, various sensations and my desired outcome. If worried or distressed thoughts find their way into my mind, I will notice and observe them there as I carry on with what I am doing. In this way I will practice connecting my attention with the world outside myself when my inner world is getting too intense, without pushing my internal reality away altogether. This week I remember that no matter how I feel, I can always compel my muscles to move. In this way I always have power over my circumstances. Once I have figured out which kinds of familiar activities help me to focus on something else when my emotions are not serving me well, I will add those activities to my Personal Coping Kete. When I am finding it hard to counter-act unwanted thoughts or express distressing moods, I can use these activities to distract myself until some of the heat has come out of them and I am able to look at the situation more objectively.
Posted in: Mindful Distraction ⋅ Tagged: , , , ,

EPIC NZ Website Launched

May 3, 2012 11:55 am ⋅

New! EPIC NZ website launched – promoting business connections

The Office of Ethnic Affairs has launched a new website designed to connect New Zealand based migrants with businesses in order to improve international trade opportunities.

EPIC NZ : Ethnic People in Commerce NZ

The website provides a platform to connect ethnic business people and those from the wider community who are looking for specific skills, experience and contacts in particular countries or regions overseas.

By registering, businesses can offer their skills and/or see what other expertise is available – facilitating a match up of migrant’s contacts and know-how with other businesses looking to expand their markets.

The website is designed to utilise the wealth of skills and experience that migrants to New Zealand have gained from working in their home countries.

The knowledge of local customs, language and contacts can offer significant value to New Zealand based businesses looking to trade overseas. Migrant business people can also benefit from new connections and opportunities.

Posted in: Online Resources, Refugees / Migrants ⋅ Tagged: , ,

Nationwide Ministry of Health Resources

May 3, 2012 11:27 am ⋅

for your information and reference – Nationwide resources….provided by Ministry of Health across New Zealand

Support and help for individuals

Helplines

  • Lifeline 0800 543 354
  • Lifeline’s Suicide helpline 0508 TAUTOKO
  • Youthline 0800 376 633
  • Kidsline 0800 543 754 (weekdays 4-6 pm)
  • What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (one to 11 pm 7 days, for young people aged 5 to 18)
  •  Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
  • Samaritans 0800 826 666 (lower North Island and Upper South Island) provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support through their telephone helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to people in distress and at risk of dying by suicide.
  • Healthline 0800 611 116

Websites

  • The Lowdown (for young people) www.thelowdown.co.nz or freetext 5626
  • The Depression website www.depression.org.nz  which provides information about depression and an online depression self-management programme ‘The Journal’ presented by John Kirwan, which is backed up by online and phone base personalised support services.
  • Samaritans www.samaritans.org.nz

Services

  • Primary care professional or general practitioner
  • Community mental health service through the local district health boards (contact details in the white pages or at www.moh.govt.nz/districthealthboards

Support for families and friends

General Information Sources

  • Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz/suicideprevention – information about suicide and suicide prevention, facts, and Ministry publications
  • Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand www.spinz.org.nz – the national information service to provide high quality information to promote safe and effective suicide prevention activities.
  • The Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.nz provides free information and training, and advocates for policies and services that support people with experience of mental illness, and also their families/whanau and friends.
Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Refugees / Migrants, Suicide Prevention/Support, Support, Trauma, Women, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Human Rights Commission Calls for Inquiry into NZSL

April 30, 2012 9:39 am ⋅

Media release: Human Rights Commission announces formal public inquiry into NZSL

Manahau e-newsletter: English text and full NZSL translation

Posted in: Disability Issues, News, People with Disabilities ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

What is Recovery Discussion on Radio 1 May 2012

April 30, 2012 5:51 am ⋅

On Tuesday 1 May hear how a positive and constructive consumer hui contributed to research into the issue of What Does Recovery Mean to You. Guest Leigh Fitzjames, who’s been commissioned by Counties Manukau Mental Health and Addictions Partnership to explore the recovery issue, gives hints about what she’s discovered and reveals how the thoughts of a large group of consumers at the hui helped her project. Take It From Us on PlanetFM 104.6FM  @ 12.30pm Tuesday 1 May.

Listen live on 104.6FM at 12.30pm or online www.planetaudio.org.nz

OR if you missed the broadcast, listen for the next seven days @: www.planetaudio.org.nz/takeitfromus

Catch up on the last four shows online: www.likeminds.org.nz

And don’t forget their new Facebook page @ Facebook.com and type take it from us in the search box; or email takeitfromus@mail.com for any feedback and comment/suggestions for shows

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, Refugees / Migrants, Service-User Movement, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , ,

Ask-Share-Give: New Community Website Launched

April 29, 2012 6:46 am ⋅

Five weeks ago a new not-for-profit website was launched where people can share their time, skills, transport or old and unwanted goods with each other.

The idea behind AskShareGive is that people are able to go on the website and create a listing in which they outline what they have to offer.  It could be anything from volunteering an hour a week of dog walking, weeding a garden, helpwith administration, building or anything at all. Just as you can offer your services you can also ask someone for what they are offering or create a listing asking for something you would like or need, be it help in the garden, befriending or budgeting advise to asking for an item that’s needed such as clothes, appliances or toys.

For people recovering from a mental-health problem volunteering time to someone else can be highly validating.  People are only too grateful to receive help with something and sometimes this can lead to friendships, paid employment or just assist someone to feel useful and a part of society. It’s also really nice to be able to get something you need from a giving person out there too.

The website boasts a friendly community coordinator who is the presence behind the site, available to answer questions and to assist in resolving any issues.

Contact Tanya, AskShareGive, Community Coordinator, Phone 0272831929 or email info@asksharegive.org.nz

www.asksharegive.org.nz

Posted in: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Asian Communities, Community Participation, Families/Whanau, Maori Communities, News, Older People and Aging, Online Resources, Parents and Parenting, Pasifika Communities, People with Disabilities, Refugees / Migrants, Social Change, Support, Young People and Youth Issues ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , ,