Getting Through Together Digest: 1st July 2020
Kia ora. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world and it's hard to see when and how it will be solved - that can create some background worry for many of us.
Focusing on the things in our lives that we can control, such as doing the things we know boost our wellbeing, can really help.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are proven simple actions that can have a huge positive impact on our mental health, when incorporated into our daily lives. Doing them frequently can lift our mood.
In this issue, we hear from Arib Pelayo, a migrant worker now facing massive uncertainty. Arib is among a large number of migrant workers in New Zealand who are in limbo right now - some unable to return to their home countries - but who also can't find work in Aotearoa. He shares the things he's doing to find joy in the every day.
Keep up your great work Aotearoa - we've come a long way together this year!
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Finding hope while far from home
When Arib Pelayo first came to New Zealand on a working holiday in 2018, he loved it so much he decided to stay on.
Originally from the Philippines, Arib moved where the work was in New Zealand, shifting from Wellington to Auckland, before settling in Queenstown for long enough to get a work visa in January this year.
A talented software designer back home, he was mainly working in Queenstown as a room attendant. Then COVID-19 hit.
Arib is now one of many seasonal workers who have lost their jobs. It gets trickier; because Arib is on a work visa, technically he has less than 20 days to find work or he can no longer stay in the country legally.
While things can be hard, he says he mostly feels grateful to be in New Zealand and that his family are well back in the Philippines. “Sometimes I get a bit down, however I just find something different to do. Keeping myself busy really helps."
Read more of Arib Pelayo's story.
Kiwis far from home
While COVID-19 has thrown lots of challenges our way, the impact for many living overseas continues to be significant.
Kiwi expat Ben Spink has been hunkering down in LA for a few months now. We caught up with him and his wife, Samantha for some insight into his life overseas and how he's getting through.
Light up these school holidays
With the school holidays approaching, this is a great boredom-buster for the whole whānau.
The team at Sparklers have created this awesome activity for Matariki to help tamariki make whetū/ stars that form the Matariki constellation, learn their names, and each star's significance.
Check out this and other Sparklers at Home activities for Matariki.
Share your hopes and dreams and be in to win!
Our friends at Barnardos - Aotearoa’s national children’s charity - are inviting all children and young people up to 18 years-old to participate in Dreams for the Decade.
To enter, tamariki and rangatahi need to express their hopes and dreams for the next 10 years through art, poetry or a combination of the two.
The focus is on expression - not artistic talent - reminding our youngest generation that their dreams and aspirations for the future matter, and giving them a platform to have their ideas heard.
Internationally acclaimed artist and writer Ruby Jones, will help select some of the top entries and everyone who enters will receive acknowledgement of their participation. All entries will be shared with Aotearoa in an online collection.
Find out more about Dreams for the Decade. Entries close on Monday 20th July 2020.
Not all right?
For many of us, these new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress. We want you to know that however you’re feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s okay to reach out if you need to - we all need a bit of support from time-to-time.
Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime - it’s free and completely confidential. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357.
Check out the Mental Health Foundation’s website for further advice on how to stay mentally well during this time.
Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.
Sign up now for the Getting Through Together Digests.