Mental Health Awareness Week(27 Sep-3 Oct)

 

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) runs from 27 September to 3 October and this year’s theme is Take time to kōrero/mā te kōrero, ka ora. This MHAW is all about connecting with the people in our lives and creating space for conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s checking in with a mate, having a kōrero over some kai or saying hello to a stranger, a little chat can go a long way. 

This is because the little, everyday conversations we have are surprisingly important – and they make a big difference to our mental health – so we want you to take notice of the kōrero that makes you feel good and do it more often. Over time, these small chats create meaningful connections, help us understand each other better and ensure we have people we can count on when times are tough. 

The week is an opportunity for me to explore the experiences, actions, relationships and surroundings that make you and your workmates feel good and uplift your wellbeing.

Monday: Look back through your photos and share a happy memory to reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with.

Tuesday: Connect with the whenua – grab some mates and get into the great outdoors. Go on a bushwalk, walk up to your local manga, breathe in the salty fresh air of the Moana. Take time to kōrero and get to know each other while you’re there.

Wednesday: Share a pic of you are looking after your Te where Tapa/you are well being.

Thursday: Share a photo and leave a comment of how you are doing something nice for someone and connecting through kindness today.

Friday: Share kōrero and kai with your team at work. Everyone brings a plate and chats about the things they do to look after their well-being. If you’re working from home, have lunch and chat together over Zoom.

Teacher Well-being during Lock down

   

         Teacher Wellbeing During COVID-19 Lockdown

Schooling during lockdown constitutes some unique challenges for teacher wellbeing. Teachers are now working in a way in which they have never had to before—at the same time, facing anxiety about the current situation and uncertainty about the future.

Teaching is inherently social and communication is fundamental to everyone working in schools. Stay in close touch and share your fears and concerns openly and honestly with friends, partners, colleagues and managers to get some perspective.

At the same time, think about others you might be able to help in some way – in your school community, at home or in your other networks. A phone call, text, Zoom get-together – whatever the medium, it can make a difference to how you and others feel.

If working and delivering lessons remotely, make sure you keep in close touch with your teams who can be a great source of support in themselves. If you have worries, problems or anxieties in or out of work that will not go away, then talking to someone outside your situation can make a huge difference and can help you to find a way through.

“SMART teachers (Self, Motivation, Activity, Relationships, and use of Time) appreciate the tight connections between physical and mental wellbeing and the benefits of being active in this regard. 

"Engage in professional learning and adaptively apply this learning in practice."