Whakatau Mai Funding Extended!
April 2021
Changing Minds are delighted to share funding for their latest wellbeing programme has been extended by the Ministry of Health until the end of November this year.
Whakatau Mai I The Wellbeing Sessions (Whakatau Mai) have been delivered by Changing Minds since April 2020, as part of the Government’s Recovery Package supporting those in Aotearoa during and beyond COVID-19. Each week, Whakatau Mai offers up to 15 free online community sessions aimed at supporting health and wellbeing, as the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt.
“We’re thrilled to be providing ongoing support for wellbeing in a safe, supportive space with as few barriers to access as possible - there’s no cost, no referral needed and no commute or parking issues to deal with,” explains Taimi Allan, CEO of Changing Minds. “This funding extension allows us to keep offering what we feel is an innovative, peer-led wellbeing initiative which has been a huge source of support our guests have come to depend on over the last year.”
Guest feedback has continued to be positive since the initiative started, with average results from survey respondents saying:
· 99% rate the program as ‘Good, Very Good or Excellent’
· 99% found the session they attended useful
· 99% would recommend Whakatau Mai sessions to others
· 99% felt safe during the sessions they attended
· 98% felt better after the sessions
· 97% felt more connected/less isolated
Part of Whakatau Mai’s unique point of difference is that the sessions aren’t pre-recorded – they are held in real-time with real people. Each session is led by a Facilitator with lived experience with mental distress and/or addiction, and supported by a Tech Support and Peer Support worker. At any time during a session, guests can connect with the Peer Support worker for a one-on-one confidential chat, ensuring guests safety and wellbeing is well-supported.
The availability of a Peer Support worker has been particularly appreciated by guests from Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facilities. Increased disconnection and isolation felt by MIQ guests impacts their wellbeing, and the Ministry of Health and their MIQ accommodation partners have supported the promotion of Whakatau Mai to support guests during and beyond their mandatory stays. Many Changing Minds friends and partners have promoted the sessions to their networks and clients, commenting that the self-referral and online, zero cost model offers an accessible wellbeing service open to anyone aged over 18 in Aotearoa.
Guests have consistently shared how much they enjoy the sessions being led by Facilitators and crew who are open about having lived experience. “Being lived experience-led has helped us to create a truly safe space where it’s ok to bring your whole self to a session – so many of our guests have told us how meaningful that is for them,” says Taimi. “I’m incredibly proud of each member of our Whakatau Mai team for creating a really special place for our online community to truly be able to connect with others, as well as learn new ways to support their wellbeing journey.”
As many Tangata Mātau ā-wheako know, wellbeing is more than a feeling – it’s about supporting your mind, body, spirit and social connections. Whakatau Mai’s kaupapa is based on the te ao Māori wellbeing framework of Te Whare Tapa Whā:
· Taha tinana (physical wellbeing)
· Taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing)
· Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)
· Taha whānau (family wellbeing)
· and our connection with the whenua (land)
On that basis, the programme offers a broad range of wellbeing sessions, including yoga and physical fitness, art and mindfulness, journaling and meditation through to information and tips for managing anxiety and emotional resilience, as well as support groups, including LGBTQIA+.
To date, over 700 sessions have been delivered with more guests registering each week, with the calendar quickly filling up until November 2021.
“On behalf of Changing Minds and our guests, we want to thank the Ministry of Health for extending our funding, in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” says Taimi. “Together, we have created something really special, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve our growing online community over the next few months.”
To view the sessions calendar or find out more, visit www.wellbeingsessions.nz.
Would you like to help us promote Whakatau Mai?
We have a range of free promotional materials to help spread the word and reach more people who could benefit from joining our sessions. To request posters, postcards or digital assets, please email Jodie: engagement@changingminds.org.nz.