2009 Media releases
December
18/12/09 How best to support a return to work
The Like Minds, Like Mine programme is offering some practical advice to employers on best practice when staff members are returning to work after a period of sickness.
17/12/09 Suicide trending down but greater focus on male and Maori suicide rates still needed
Figures released today show the youth suicide rate has declined by 46.6% since the peak in 1995.
17/12/09 Focus on wellbeing over the holidays
With the high expectations and costs that the holiday season brings, the Mental Health Foundation is urging New Zealanders to take steps to look after their wellbeing.
11/12/09 Mental health Twitter feeds launched
Two new Twitter feeds devoted to information on mental health in New Zealand are now live...
10/12/09 Still many human rights challenges to face, says Mental Health Foundation
The human rights of someone within the mental health system are still a major cause for concern, says the Mental Health Foundation on International Human Rights Day.
10/12/09 How best to keep in touch during sickness absence
Many people in the workforce, at all levels and in all sectors, will have experience of a mental health problem. The Like Minds, Like Mine programme is offering some practical advice to employers on best practice when keeping in touch with employees during sickness absence.
03/12/09 Simple steps to supporting staff
Many people in the workplace, at all levels and in all sectors, will have experience of a mental illness. The Like Minds, Like Mine programme is offering some practical advice on how employers can support their staff, so they can reach their full potential.
November
26/11/09 Getting the recruitment porcess right
As employers start to plan for next year, the Like Minds, Like Mine programme is offering some practical advice on best practice during the recruitment process.
05/11/09 Foundation appalled by six-year detention of mentally ill patient
The Mental Health Foundation is shocked and appalled at reports today of a mentally ill patient kept in restrained seclusion for nearly six years.
October
Award-winning New Zealand author, Jessica Le Bas's poetry collection, Walking to Africa, was announced as the number one best selling New Zealand book of fiction a week after its launch on 9 October.
23/10/09 Like Minds, Like Mine challenges employers this Labour Day
This Labour Day, the Like Minds, Like Mine campaign is asking New Zealand employers to think carefully about how they can create a stigma-free workplace for people with experience of mental illness.
09/10/09 MHAW Day Five: Be active
Today's challenge is to Be Active. Physical activity helps you to feel good so the Foundation recommends finding something that you enjoy and suits your ability.
Today's challenge is Learn. It is about trying something new or taking on a new responsibility or challenge.
07/10/09 MHAW Day Three: Take notice
Today's challenge is to Take Notice. This is about being aware of the world around you and seeing the beauty in everyday and unusual things as reflecting on them helps you appreciate what matters to you.
Friday 9 October marks the launch of a new and unique collection of poetry for award-winning New Zealand author, Jessica Le Bas.
Today's challenge is to Give. This means doing something for a friend or stranger and seeing yourself and your happiness as linked to the wider community.
The Mental Health Foundation is issuing a challenge to all New Zealanders to focus on a Winning Way to Wellbeing every day for the working week. The Foundation says everyone has a part to play in looking after their mental health.
05/10/09 Winning Ways to Wellbeing, Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off on October 5, with a whole lot of activities to encourage people to use "Winning Ways to Wellbeing".
05/10/09 Innovative album launches during Mental Health Awareness Week
Accomplished Wellington-based singer/songwriter Jenn Shelton is launching her new album, The SOUL Project,on Wednesday 7 October - during Mental Health Awareness Week.
September
10/09/09 Challenging play about self-injury breaks down mental health barriers
A thought-provoking piece of theatre exploring a community's response to self-injury is about to embark on a national tour as it seeks to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness.
04/09/09 NZ Mental Health Media Grant art installation opening in Auckland
2008 NZ Mental Health Media Grant recipient Kristian Lomath's project - an art installation called seclusion circle series - opens in Auckland on Saturday 12 September at The Depot Artspace in Devonport on Clarence St.
01/09/09 Suicide Prevention Twitter feed launched
SPINZ (Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand) intends to use Twitter to make an important contribution towards improving distribution of research and information on suicide prevention activities.
August
13/08/09 Maori suicide prevention symposium seeks answers
A two-day symposium being held in Wellington next month will address the continuing over-representation of Maori in New Zealand suicide statistics.
12/08/09 Concern over antidepressant use in children
The Mental Health Foundation is concerned about the use of antidepressants to treat preschoolers, following recent media reports that say very young children can experience depression.
03/08/09 NZ Mental Health Media Grant project launches in Rotorua
Kristian Lomath launches his 2008 Media Grants project - an art installation - in Rotorua on Saturday 8 August at the Art Expo Gallery.
June
16/06/09 Mental Health Foundation sheds light on discrimination in NZ
In every town there's a story similar to Reverend Imoa Setefano's. Imoa has been diagnosed with a mental illness, which he first experienced when he was in high school.
15/06/09 Art auction raises cash for Mental Health Foundation
Artists from the New Zealand Art Guild have joined forces to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation through a charity auction.
05/06/09 Groundbreaking Asian Mental Health website launches
An innovative website that aims to reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness in New Zealand's Chinese community is launching this week.
May
07/05/09 Foundation supports funding for eating disorder treatment
The Mental Health Foundation is welcoming increased government funding for treatment of people with eating disorders. An extra $6.5 million per year will be spent on eating disorder services, with establishment and/or expansion of residential services in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
05/05/09 Registrations open for suicide prevention symposium
Registrations are now open for "Culture and Suicide Prevention in Aotearoa", a 2-day symposium being held September 10 and 11 in Wellington by Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ).
April
28/04/09 Aviation attitudes guarantee bankruptcy
The Mental Health Foundation is outraged at claims made in an aviation security review that suggest people with experience of mental illness are a greater threat to passenger safety than terrorists.
17/04/09 Veitch should contribute to anti-violence work
The Mental Health Foundation is challenging former broadcaster Tony Veitch to take responsibility for his horrific assault on a former girlfriend, and look to make a meaningful contribution to future work against family violence.
March
25/03/09 Contributors sought for suicide prevention symposium
12/03/09 Major challenges ahead, say mental health advocates
02/03/09 Applications for 2009 New Zealand Mental Health Media Grants open Monday 2 March
February
13/02/09 "Can there be value in mental illness?” asks new website
11/02/09 Mental Health Foundation joins call for improved youth services
January
16/01/09 Disparities in DHB mental health treatment emerge from report
06/01/09 Contributions to mental health recognised in New Year's Honours list
