Mental Health Wellbeing Seminar - Reflections

I was yet again amazed that a small and dedicated team of volunteers can achieve so much. On 27th April, the Centre for Conscious Awareness New Zealand hosted a seminar that had three guest speakers contribute to the forum. Tina Jones founder of Youth in Transition Charitable Trust offered her insights on a holistic program that the charity she co-founded in the Hibiscus Coast and the way in which the charity has help curb the suicide rates of young New Zealanders. They offer a program that focusses on physical , mental and spiritual wellbeing and have an unique model of the community business organisations supporting their work. We also heard Gareth Edwards - psychologist, musician and founder of Positive Thinking speak about his work, through music, story telling anf living life with laughter. Insights were also offered by Prof Anil Thapliyal who is a globally recognised executive director , e-mental Health International Collaborative and current eMental Health Lead , Centre for eHealth, AUT. Insights on how digital technology solutions have helped people in crisis and ongoing work in this space was shared by the esteemed researcher. It was also heartening to have the event opened by prayers from Richie Waiwai, Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Hinekura. Hon. Michael Wood MP opened the seminar with his support to CCANZ to continue the good work in communities. With around 650 plus individuals taking their own lives each year , our small but sustained work in bringing events that educate community members will continue. What is the most important thing in the world, the answer is found in the Maori proverb ; He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata. For more work and connecting with the Centre for Conscious Awareness New Zealand , visit the web site www.newzealandcca.nz.