News 2010
December
Like Minds National Provider Noho Wananga
The Like Minds National Provider noho wananga - with the theme: Tangaroa - Provider of Sustenance during Times of Tribulation - will be held at Mahimaru Marae, Awanui, Kaitaia, from 16 - 18 February 2011.
Hosted by Te Tai Tokerau rohe, an action packed, musically diverse, wairua enhanced programme is set to enlighten noho attendees about indigenous process to reduce negative understandings of mental illness.
Highlights of the event include guest speaker Dr Rose Marie Pere CM, CBE (author of the much esteemed Te Wheke – a celebration of Infinite Wisdom), and a range of documentary screenings including All Blacks Don't Cry - A Story of Hope about legendary All Black winger John Kirwan.
A bus hikoi has been organised, which is open to all Maori Like Minds providers free of charge. Limited spaces are also available at a subsidised cost for those who do not belong to a Maori provider.
Further details on Tangaroa - Provider of Sustenance During Times of Tribulation
What do psychiatrists really think?
The Like Minds team at Mind and Body Consultants is contracted to partner with its local Auckland and wider metro DHBs to find out what psychiatrists think about their work.
A psychiatrists’ perspectives survey aims to evaluate psychiatrists’ attitudes, how they experience their work and how those experiences could be improved. The survey is anonymous and Mind and Body is inviting as many psychiatrists as possible to take part.
Contact: Taimi Allan, Team Leader, Like Minds, Like Mine, Mind and Body Consultants Ltd, Ph: (+649) 630 5909 ext 871
November
Maori Ora Mauri Ora Respect Awards 2010
“Let us acknowledge those who are making a difference.” - Mauri ora Nelson Wahanui
Nominations are open for the annual Maori Ora Mauri Ora Respect Awards 2010. You may nominate for an award any person, whanau, kaimahi or organisation that has demonstrated a Maori Ora Mauri Ora value within the Maori Mental Health community.
There are eight award categories (see below), based on the values within the Maori Ora, Mauri Ora Health Promotion Model.
Nominees should be selected for showing a particular value towards an individual or whanau that manages mental health issues.
Hosted by Like Minds, Like Mine Auckland Maori Provider Hapai Te Hauora Tapui, Maori Public Health, this event is held to acknowledge those whanau living in the greater Auckland region that contribute to wellness. It is also held to show respect to whanau who manage mental health issues and kaimahi and organisations that deliver ‘above and beyond’ what is required.
All nominations are welcome, and you may nominate in more than one category.
How to nominate
You may nominate for an award, any person, whanau, kaimahi or organisation that has demonstrated a Maori Ora Mauri Ora value within the Maori Mental Health community.
The finalists are more likely to come from a nomination that tells an accurate and full story that aligns with each core value.
Each category nomination must be completed on separate nomination forms. Nominations must be faxed or scanned to Hapai by 4.00pm, Friday 12 November 2010. Attention: Selah Hart, selah.hart "at" hapai.co.nz Phone: +64 9 520 4796 ext 204 or 027 8222 155 Fax: +64 9 520 4797
Finalists will be advised by phone on 16 November 2010
Categories for the Maori Ora Mauri Ora Respect Awards 2010:
MATAURANGA – 2009 Winner “Larry Kinred” Can be shown by:
- improving ones knowledge and skills
- whoever encourages and assists whanau with educational opportunities
- an organisation that provides workforce development opportunities for kaimahi and whanau.
AROHA – 2009 Winner “Ani Paniora” Can be shown by:
- you being involved in whanau, friends and community activities
- whoever initiates activities and encourages inclusion for whanau
- an organisation demonstrating tikanga Maori when they interact with whanau.
TIKA – 2009 Winner “Leila Kesha” Can be shown by:
- you doing the right thing
- whoever practices tikanga that supports whanau ora
- an organisation that has in place policies & procedures that reflect whanau ora.
TAUTOKO – 2009 Winner “Katherine Kereopa” Can be shown by:
- you accepting whanau support and offering support in return
- whoever supports whanau to achieve hauora
- an organisation that demonstrates advocacy, making submissions, supporting whanau empowerment.
TANGIHANGA – 2009 Winner “Te Puea Winiata” Can be shown by:
- you setting and achieving goals that aspire to whanau ora
- whoever is there with you in times of crisis, stress, and loss
- an organisation that supports whanau when in mourning.
PONO – 2009 Winner – “Roberta Kaio” Can be shown by:
- you being true to yourself, your own values beliefs and principles
- whoever is open and honest
- an organisation that delivers their service with honesty and integrity to whanau.
WHENUA – 2009 Winner “Larry Kinred” Can be shown by:
- demonstrating the importance of your identity and connection to the whenua
- whoever shares whakapapa and healthy relationships with our whenua
- an organisation which includes Mana Whenua where their service is delivered.
MANAAKI – 2009 Winner “Hare Herewini Hona” Can be shown by:
- protecting yourself from harm and preventing illness
- removing harm and treating whanau with the utmost care
- an organisation that delivers the best service and protection to whanau at all times.
October
Article explores relationship between labels and stigma
An article published in the August 2010 issue of Journal of Mental Health explores the relationship between diagnostic labels for mental illnesses and associated stigma. You might also be interested in reading the Like Minds Newsletter articles Labels Part One (page 10 Issue 35) and Labels Part Two (page 1 Issue 37).
September
Art auction to support studio space for artists with experience of mental illness
WHAT: Pablos Art Auction
WHERE: Shed 11, Wellington Waterfront
WHEN: Thursday 14 October 2010
HOW: Pre-sale tickets $20 from ROAR! gallery, 189 Vivian St (cnr Vivian and Victoria St). Door-sales on the night.
The world famous in Wellington Pablos Art Auction is in its 15th year!
Thursday 14 October sees a vibrant cross section of one hundred artworks from New Zealand's leading art makers to the emerging talent from Pablos artists and further afield amassed under one giant roof just waiting to be discovered!
You’ll find work from Dick Frizzell, Nigel Brown, Jim Cooper, Seraphine Pick, Brian Carmody, Margaret Elliot, James Robinson, Ewan McDougall, Gordon Crook, Gail Gauldie, Simon Morse and many, many more, including, of course, the wonderful artists from Pablos Art Studio.
Come along and join in the excitement of a live auction. Bid on works you fancy and maybe you will be taking home a unique art work as well as supporting Pablos Art Studios. It doesn't get better than that!
The Pablos annual fundraising art auction will be held at Shed 11 on 14 October – a little earlier than usual, so get in quick and secure your tickets!
Phone Pablos Art Studios on 04 382 8885 or come to ROAR! gallery, cnr of Vivian and Victoria St to purchase your $20 tickets. Door-sales are available on the night.
Doors open at 5.30pm to pre-view the work, bid on the silent auction, eat, drink and enjoy live music from Newtown Rocksteady. The live auction gets underway at 6.30pm.
And not to forget the reason why this awesome event happens. Pablos Art Studio is a creative space in Wellington which provides an art studio and gallery for people who have experienced mental illness. It builds bridges between its artists and the wider community by using creativity as a vehicle of expression, engagement and identity. The auction is your chance to experience this art and to support the activities of Pablos and the recovery of individuals who have been affected by mental illness.
For further information contact Gaelen Macdonald, Pablos Director on 04 382 8885 or gaelen "at" pablosart.org.nz
MAD downunder snags top international experts and creatives
One of America’s eminent experts in psychodrama is flying in from New York especially for the Like Minds, Like Mine RETHiNK Theatre Challenge to be held as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Dr Daniel Tomasulo will join British television and film writer Bob Baker, of Dr Who and Wallace and Gromit fame, for the event.
Mind & Body Consultants recently invited writers to submit a short MAD script (under 10 minutes) from which the best were to be selected to be performed at the RETHiNK Theatre Challenge in Auckland, 9-10 October.
Actors and directors have to put their plays together with only 24 hours notice – that’s the challenge!!!
The “Mental Health Awareness Week treat” has attracted scripts, directors, actors and producers from New Zealand, Scotland, England, Australia and America. Some of New Zealand’s favourite comedians will be “surprise” hosts and The Improv Bandits will make a special appearance.
“Like Minds, Like Mine RETHiNK Theatre Challenge has proven that issues of stigma and discrimination are global issues that can be challenged through live theatre,” Taimi Allan, team leader at Mind & Body, says.
Titirangi Theatre in West Auckland won this year’s Mind and Body RETHiNK Grant to produce M.a.D – it’s a matter of degree, a theme that fits in well with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, Flourishing.
“Many of our experienced amateur and professional writers, actors, comedians and directors have personal experience of mental illness and recovery which will keep the audience guessing who the ‘normal’ ones are… and re-thinking just what is ‘normal’ anyway?” Taimi says.
Still time to take part
Anyone wanting to act, direct or crew should contact the RETHiNK Theatre Challenge coordinator Adam Fresco directly: adam "at" dramatrain.co.nz / (09) 8176176 by September 20th.
Sponsors required
Orgasnisers are looking for people to donate products or services as koha for all the volunteers involved in this event. Contact: Taimi Allan, Ph: (+649) 630 5909 ext 871 Mob: (+6427) 655 2770 Fax: (+649) 630 5944
Tickets
There are only four shows from 9-10 October, 5pm and 8pm at Titirangi Theatre on Saturday, and The Classic on Sunday; tickets are selling fast! Tickets $10 - $20, no free list.
August
Data collection for discrimination survey
In early September, 5,500 people who have used DHB mental health services in the previous 12 months will be mailed a questionnaire to identify how much discrimination they have experienced as a result of having a mental health problems.
The survey is being undertaken as part of the research programme for the Like Minds programme. It is being conducted by Phoenix Research and is funded by the Ministry of Health. The survey will be repeated every five years to see how much levels of discrimination are changing as a result of Like Minds and other activities.
If you receive a questionnaire, please take 10 to 15 minutes to fill it out, as this is a very important survey – no names are recorded. If you know others who have received the questionnaire, please encourage them to fill it out. Only those who are sent a questionnaire can take part, as the sample has been randomly selected.
What can you do to support someone with experience of mental illness?
Eight great new ads are now on your TV screen to encourage you to stay involved with those you love who experience mental illness.
Whether you’re a friend or a family member, what you do can make the difference – be there for them, stay involved, is the key message.
Many people want to help, but don’t know what to do, or are fearful, according to the Like Minds, Like Mine programme, which is responsible for the new ad campaign.
“In fact, it’s just the small things that make a huge difference, and simply staying involved and being there is the most important thing we can do for our loved ones,” Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements says.
One of the ads features Johnny, who talks about a friend who always came to visit him.
“I was trying to hide and he came in and put a smile on his face… I was real happy that he was there,” Johnny says.
The ads remind us that being there as a friend, and believing in your friend’s recovery is important.
The campaign is supported by the Foundation’s latest research Walk a Mile in Our Shoes. At its launch, Associate Minister of Health Dr Jonathan Coleman said “Like Minds, Like Mine is having a profound impact on public attitudes towards people with experience of mental illness.”
Watch the ads online.
July
Are we nuts, or what?
Colmar & Brunton today began conducting an independent online research project into The Nutters Club. The club is a Radio Live programme hosted on Sundays from 8pm-12am by comedian Mike King and supported by the Mental Health Foundation.
The online research is made up of a survey and a blog, and both are completely anonymous; personal details are not collected at any stage. This is your opportunity to have your say and let us know how you feel about this radio show.
In order to get the broadest possible sample or respondents, it would be much appreciated if you could circulate this invitation to friends, family and networks.
Thank you all for your help!
Writers, actors and directors – put your thinking caps on!
Here’s an opportunity for creative types to get involved in a cool and creative Like Minds, Like Mine programme regardless of where you live!
Writers are invited to submit a short MAD script (under 10 minutes) from which the best will be selected to be performed at the RETHiNK Theatre Challenge, to run during Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-10 October.
Actors and directors are also needed to perform, but there’s a catch: they have to put their plays together with only 24 hours notice – that’s the challenge!!!
The final show will be made up of a series of short, sharp, exciting and innovative performances that will span a variety of styles - from comedy to tragedy, song and dance to puppetry - the only limit is your imagination.
While those performing will need to be available to do so in Auckland, there is no geographic restriction on writers. Scripts can be submitted up until Wednesday 1 September.
Actors and directors may submit an expression of interest anytime, but must be available in Auckland between 6pm 8 October and 10pm 9 October, including a matinee and evening performance on 10 October.
This competition is for a great cause but, instead of raising money, we are raising awareness of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
The Improv Bandits will open the event, and scripts are being submitted from writers of Dr Who, Wallace and Grommit and Shortland St. A line up of well-known comedians and actors will by MCing and performing over the two nights.
For more information on the Theatre Challenge, visit RETHiNK M.a.D Theatre
You must have your script in by 1 Sept.
May
Karaoke contest 2010 - "Get mad on the Mic!"
Nau mai, haere mai to all you Stan Walkers, Kelly Clarksons and Susan Boyles - this is your time to shine and raise money at the same time.
Karaoke contest 2010 - "Get mad on the Mic!" is presented by Hapai Te Hauora Tapui - Maori Public Health and supported by the Mental Health Foundation. It's an opportunity to dedicate your performance to promote mental wellbeing and supportive environments especially for those whanau affected by mental illness.
Auditions are open to anyone and will be held on 23 and 24 June at Te Unga Waka Marae, in Epsom. There will be a finals dinner on 9 July, with great prizes!
Register online now!
April
Calling all healthcare professionals
The Like Minds Like Mine team at Mind & Body Consultants is collecting clinician opinions in an online survey about working with people who experience mental ‘illness'. The clinician feedback is to be used to develop a series of workshops that will help healthcare professionals understand and discuss mental un/wellness with their clients.
Kai Xin Xing Dong seeking Indian community input
Kai Xin Xing Dong (Chinese Like Minds) is exploring the effectiveness of the Like Minds, Like Mine programme in the Indian community.
In order to do this, Ivan Yeo, mental health promoter for Kai Xin Xing Dong (KXXD), has produced an online survey, and is looking for people from the Indian community to fill it in. He hopes the answers will help KXXD to better understand Indian community needs in relation to stigma and discrimination issues related to Indian people who experience mental illnesses.
If you are part of the Kiwi Indian population, it would be very much appreciated if you could answer the survey questionnaire. Or, if you know of someone who may want to take part, please send them the link to this news item.
March
How Like Minds makes the difference
Over one hundred people dedicated to reducing stigma and discrimination faced by those experiencing mental illness meet this week at Auckland's Waipuna Lodge for a two-day seminar. Despite vastly improved attitudes toward mental illness in New Zealand, there are still a number of challenges ahead in completely eliminating stigma and discrimination, say mental health advocates.
The annual event brings together service providers from all over New Zealand who work under the Like Minds, Like Mine programme. The Ministry of Health-funded programme was established thirteen years ago and challenges discriminatory attitudes and behaviours by individuals, organisations, and communities.
This year the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman will be in attendance on Thursday. The seminar was opened today by Darryl Bishop, the Ministry of Health's Like Minds programme leader and Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation and will feature various keynote speakers including Dr Coleman, Lynne Pere, Vito Nonumalo and Robyn Hunt.
The seminar also includes a number of parallel sessions discussing topics as varied as cultural attitudes and barriers to seeking help, working with rural communities, young peoples' views on mental illness, and using radio and other media to spread the Like Minds message.
"The Like Minds providers are out in their communities making a real difference" says Judi Clements, "this seminar gives them a chance to learn, share and grow together and then to take that knowledge back home with them to continue raising awareness around the discrimination facing those with experience of mental health problems."
The seminar is an exciting opportunity for ideas to be shared and is an integral part in creating a nation that values and includes all people with experience of mental illness.
New bipolar publication looking for people willing to share personal stories
Bay of Plenty primary school teacher Georgie Tutt is producing a publication that will share New Zealanders' personal experiences of bipolar affective disorder. Aubrey Quinn (from the Like Minds, Like Mine TV ads) is writing the introduction.
Georgie, who lives with the disorder, says she wants the book to challenge misconceptions about the disorder, reduce discrimination and promote wellness and recovery.
"I feel there's a need for those with bipolar to be inspired by a diverse range of people, in various fields, who are managing, and living fulfulled lifes despite their diagnosis," Georgie says.
A number of people have already responded to the call for contributions, but Georgie is looking for others, from all walks of life, happy to share their stories.
For more information, or to be part of the publication, email Georgie at tuttenbelt "at" xtra.co.nz or ph: (07) 548 0948.
February
Are you passionate about fighting stigma & discrimination?
The Mental Health Foundation and the Regional Consumer Network are hosting a free public forum on countering stigma & discrimination associated with mental illness on Thursday 18 March, 10 am-2.30 pm (lunch included) at Western Springs Garden Hall,956 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.
Aubrey Quinn discusses his experience of being the face of the national Like Minds campaign to counter stigma and discrimination. Find out what you can do to get involved.
January
Have your say in The National Conversation
The National Conversation is a new initiative by the Human Rights Commission to promote and protect equal employment opportunities in New Zealand. The National Conversation is about fairness at work. They want to hear from workers and employers about equal employment opportunities (EEO).
They say they need a new strategy for EEO to overcome barriers at work, to reach rural and provincial New Zealanders, to talk with small and medium businesses and to progress equality for everyone and want to listen to your ideas. You can: post on their blog, complete the online survey, email a submission, read the online diary.
Kristian Lomath's exhibition opens
NZ Mental Health Media Grant recipient, Kristian Lomath, is opening his Seclusion circle series 2 exhibition in Hamilton's ArtsPost gallery today.
Kristian's art installation is a fresh look at his media grants project which toured Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland late last year.
Kristian - along with guest artists - has created a three-dimensional experience for visitors by combining painting, scuplture, video and audio. They hope that people will walk away with the knowledge that it is possible to live with mental illness, pursue your dreams and be successful - and that the interaction between the project and the public will help break down some of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
ArtsPost: 120 Victoria St, Hamilton, 10am - 4.30pm daily
Exhibition opens: Friday 8 January
Exhibition closes: Monday 1 February
Celebration: Thursday 21 January 5.30pm
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