Fund supports mental wellbeing

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Southland Express

Run by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, the Connecting Communities fund supports community-led activities and events across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Te Anau/Fiordland which encourage people to connect, look after themselves and each other, and have some fun

The next funding round opens on June 5 and closes on June 15. Eligible not-for-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1000 to assist with funding their activity or event.

Broadly, the criteria includes positively engaging with the local community; supporting mental wellbeing; aligning with one or more of the Five Ways to Wellbeing and Te Whare Tapa Wha; and being locally delivered in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell or Te Anau/Fiordland.

More details, including how to apply, can be found at www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka.

Te Hau Toka Group Chair Adell Cox says her team is keen to hear from communities around the Southern Lakes region about what activities they think would provide a winter wellbeing boost for them.

“Ultimately, the goal of our Connecting Communities funding is to enable people to improve mental wellbeing, connection and resilience in their own communities,” she said.

“Some communities are gearing up for a busy ski season and navigating one set of stresses while, in other parts of the region, people are just looking to get through the quiet months. Each community is...