Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) was on 21-27 September 2020. It was a chance to build on the simple things we’ve been doing to look after ourselves this year, and to reimagine what wellbeing looks like – together.

MHAW is a reminder that we all have mental health. It's a taonga/treasure and something to look after! When you look after your wellbeing, your whānau, friends, colleagues and communities are uplifted too.

Of course, sometimes our sense of wellbeing might feel strong, and sometimes it might not – and that’s okay. That’s a completely normal part of being human. Doing the things that make you feel good is a useful tool to help you manage the ups and downs of life.

Each day of MHAW was inspired by one of the five aspects of Te Whare Tapa Whā – a model of health that describes health as a wharenui/meeting house and that helps us to identify where we need extra support. Learn more about Te Whare Tapa Whā. 

Activity ideas 

MHAW might be over, but we hope you’re still finding ways to prioritise your wellbeing! It’s important we continue to do the little things that we know uplift us and help us to feel good - at work or school and at home with whānau. Here are some ways you, your whānau or your community can look after your wellbeing using Te Whare Tapa Whā:

Support

If you’re worried you or someone you know needs some tautoko/support, there is help available.