Getting Through Together Digest: 26th August 2020
Kia ora. You all right Aotearoa? These are truly extraordinary times.
For everyone in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland, we appreciate all you're doing to keep Aotearoa safe - we know level 3 isn't easy.
For everyone else, if you've got friends and whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau, now is the perfect time to reach out and share the love.
Being separated from our loved ones is tough but as we see in this issue - there are simple and special things we can do to help stay in touch with each other. If you are looking for inspiration, then Stan is your man. Read on to see what Canterbury's resident, 84 year old romantic has been up to.
At the front line, we are lucky enough to have a dedicated group of staff working in managed isolation facilities. We hear from a hotel manager, who opens up about what it's like on the 'inside'.
You might recall that last week we announced that the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (21-27 September) is Reimagine Wellbeing Together: He Tirohanga Anamata. You'll be able to get your hands on some digital resources (e-signatures, screensavers, and more) to help spread the word from Friday!
Register for MHAW to keep up to date with the latest news and updates.
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Assalamu alaikum
What an incredibly tough week this has been for our Muslim community. With so many emotions rising to the surface, it's impossible to comprehend what those most affected are going through.
This week has reinforced that we're all in this together. The light and love that arose after March 15 was so bright, the whole world stood up to take notice. We stood next to our Muslim brothers and sisters then, we stand with them again now.
Let's keep alive the beautiful intentions we had last year to be as one.
Caring for those in managed isolation
Hotel manager Rene Bennett is on the front line of the COVID response.
The Distinction Hotel in Christchurch has been operating as a managed isolation facility for the last six weeks.
Rene works at the hotel with his wife, and is among the staff working to help returning New Zealanders have an enjoyable stay - under trying circumstances.
Rene tells us how staff are bridging the gap between quarantine facility and their love of hospitality to lift the spirits of their guests.
Some leave notes on the bags of those who are going through tough times, while cakes and cards are delivered on birthdays.
Stan is back with a new sign!
We first met 84 year-old Stan Batchelor when heparked up outside his wife's retirement home window during the level 4 noho rāhui/ lockdown.
Stan gave us a call last week and let us know he had something pretty special planned for Shirley's 85th birthday - he's turned his hand to sign-making. Check out the full video on this heartwarming story.
Stan's daughter, Chris Comley has some lovely advice for those in Tāmaki Makaurau and who can't see their loved ones right now - on how to stay connected and help partners stay connected while one is in an aged care facility:
- Check in on your elderly loved ones or neighbours.
- Think about the things your loved ones would be doing if they were together, like gardening, and encourage your loved one to enjoy that activity.
- Allow your loved ones to reminisce on the good times together. It might mean getting out the photo albums over Zoom.
Find more on what Stan has been up to!
Keeping our village strong
We just love this from Auckland poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor.
“Wellness is community. As children of the moana, our wellness is collective, it is caring for ourselves and caring for each other. Now more than ever, we as a people need to come together in heart and mind, keeping our village strong.”
Watch the video of this poem on wellness is community (Facebook).
Our friends at Vaka Tautua can offer you support if you or someone you know is feeling stressed or anxious through their helpline - 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535).
Unmasking our MASK-ARADE winner...
A huge thank you to all of you wonderful people who entered our MASK-ARADE competition. We were blown away by your colourful and inventive creations. Congratulations to Jodi and her whānau for taking the the prize.
Keep on masking on everybody!
Not all right?
We all need a bit of support from time to time. There are free help and support services available if you or someone you know is struggling right now.
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.
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