More GoodYarn mental health workshops for Queenstown

Recognising issues like staff shortages, increased living costs and separation from family support networks are continuing to impact people’s mental health, the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and Head Light Trust are stepping up efforts to help the Queenstown community.

Te Hau Toka has provided the Head Light Trust with funding to run 15 additional GoodYarn workshops across Queenstown between October 2022 and June 2023.  Some will be made free of charge, while others will be subsidised.

Since April 2021, ‘GoodYarn Community’, an innovative peer-delivered mental health programme, has brought together nearly 300 locals from all walks of life to talk about mental health and arm themselves with more knowledge, strategies and skills to help care for themselves and others.

Adell Cox, Chair of the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, says prevention and early intervention are key to empowering communities to stay well so “the more people who can access the programme, the better”.

A particular focus will be on ‘caring for the carers’, with the three-hour workshops offered to local social agencies, not-for-profit organisations and volunteers working with people who are under increased stress.

Small businesses will also be a priority, particularly those in regular contact with people under pressure, such as professional services, hairdressers, accountants, physios and allied health with under 50 staff.

The Head Light Trust will also run a free open workshop in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council Libraries on 8 October for community members wanting to learn how to talk to a family, whānau member or friend about mental health.

The workshops will help people understand:

• what mental health is and how to look after your mental health
• how to talk to someone if you are concerned about your/their mental health
• the signs and symptoms of mental stress and distress
• information about where to go for support.

The workshops are delivered by peer facilitators who are well-known and respected local people who are passionate about mental health and supporting community wellbeing and know first-hand the challenges people are dealing with. Content has also been adapted to suit individuals, community leaders, cultural groups, new and expectant parents, and small businesses. 

Head Light Trust Chief Executive Anna Dorsey says that the beefed-up training schedule will make it easier to spread knowledge and tools to improve mental health and wellbeing across the community.

“With more people attending workshops, it’s giving them the skills and confidence to raise awareness about mental health and be able to help themselves and those around them who are struggling. It’s a great opportunity to help keep our community well and build resilience for the future.”

To view the schedule of GoodYarn Workshops and how to book, or to find out more about the GoodYarn programme or the Head Light Trust, visit www.headlight.org.nz.