Mental Health is so important and so often overlooked, it’s something Rose McIver spoke about in “Sunday Star-Times” Interview from 2021 (see related post).
Today, I share with you a New Zealand organization that we support, and that you can also support through our project “Rose McIver Source: A Fundraiser to Give Hope“.
What better way to describe an organization than someone directly involved? Thank you so much Sophie Moore for reaching out and for sharing everything we need to know about Mental Health Foundation (website | facebook | twitter | instagram).
The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that has multiple branches of work that collectively aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all people in Aotearoa and raise awareness about mental health.
One of the key areas that fundraising supports is our Resource and Information Services Team:
- We distribute nearly 1 million mental health resources across Aotearoa. They make their way to schools, health care centers, workplaces, and mental health advocates.
- For a specific breakdown:
- $40 distributes 132 physical mental health resources to schools, workplaces, communities, and health care centers, ready for those who need them.
- $80 enables Mental Health Foundation staff to respond to 6 enquiries from people experiencing mental health issues.
- $150 supplies 48 sets of digital support and guidance resources, enabling 32 individuals or organisations to support a friend or colleague through mental distress.
A second key area that fundraising supports is our Policy and Advocacy Team who:
- Push to transform our mental health system to one which prevents problems developing, responds earlier and more effectively and empowers communities and individuals to learn the behaviours that will protect and enhance their mental resilience and wellbeing.
- Advocate for systemic change to address social, economic, and cultural determinants of mental health and wellbeing. This includes advocating for secure and safe housing and opposing discriminatory systems.
- Ensure our work is informed by tāngata whaiora (people with lived experience of mental distress) through active engagement with these communities.
- Action our commitment as a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner by engaging with and being led by Māori, uplifting and amplifying Māori voices, incorporating mātauranga Māori into our work and seeking improved outcomes for Māori.
- If you wish to view recent policy statements and government submissions please check out the following link: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/
our-work/policy-and-advocacy/ policy-positions
