Mental health and wellbeing are more than the absence of illness, they are fundamental to our collective and individual ability to think, to feel and to interact with each other.
Good mental health is a protective factor against both physical and mental illness. It enhances the quality of life and ensures greater resilience when individuals and communities are faced with stressors.
On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health is vital for individuals, groups, communities and societies.
The Mental Health Promotion work carried out by Health Action Trust is funded by a Ministry of Health contract.
The Outcomes that we work to include:
Assisting organsiations make submissions on policy relevant to mental health.
Older People:
‘The mental health and wellbeing of the older population and their environment is enhanced through responsive and sustainable initiatives.’
We support older people and their agencies and organisations by raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues, providing support and information, resources, and assisting with professional development of the older people’s workforce.
During 2013/14 we produced two research documents that are available here,
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- Promoting Mental Health for Older People: Global Ageing and the Challenges and Opportunities for Nelson-Tasman and Aotearoa New Zealand. A discussion document looking at how our ageing population, along with the growth of ‘lifestyle’ diseases like diabetes, is challenging the traditional focus in NZ on treating illness rather than building resilience - especially mental wellbeing.
- Health of Older People in Nelson Tasman 2013-14 Survey Report, Health Action Trust (Nelson) Mental Health Promotion. A report collating the responses from 89 questionnaires completed by 75 agencies and organisations in the Nelson Tasman region with feedback on the issues, trends and gaps in supporting the wellbeing of older people in this region, from a mental health promotion perspective.
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Workplace Wellbeing
‘An increased number of organisations and employers support the creation of mentally healthy workplaces and environments.’
We have a comprehensive approach to supporting workplace wellbeing, including policy and procedure reviews, resource development and educational and awareness programmes that can be adapted to individual businesses and professional groups.
We distribute our Well-News for Workplaces electronic newsletter every quarter. If you would like to be on the mailing list for this, please contact us.
Health Action Trust also supports The Business Forum on Mental Health (Nelson Tasman), a collaboration of agencies and companies with expertise and a shared focus on improving workplace mental health.
Collaboration to achieve shared outcomes:
‘Increased awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues are achieved through collaborative actions within the community.’
Wherever possible we work alongside other organisations by:
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- Supporting communities in building the capacity of groups to lead and develop sustainable interventions to increase mental health and wellbeing.
- Supporting or implementing health campaigns or projects to increase awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues via resource development, workshops, education, media etc.
- Advocating for, and supporting, the implementation of mental wellbeing policies and practices locally and nationally.
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Please contact us using the form below if you would like any further information on Mental Health Promotion.