BIG LINEUP OF LOCAL MUSICIANS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Winning Ways to Wellbeing
Mental Health Awareness Week
October 5 - 11, 2009

BIG LINEUP OF LOCAL MUSICIANS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

"Winning Ways to Wellbeing" is the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, being held October 5-11, and local musicians are getting right behind it.

The line-up over two upcoming Auckland gigs, being held as part of the week, includes J. Williams, November Zulu, Fagan & the People, Karen Hunter, Zoh Zoh, Reb Fountain and more.
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme seeks to make good mental health an issue for everyone, and asks us to think what we can do to support this goal. One in five New Zealanders this year will experience some form of mental illness, so making wellbeing a priority in our lives is important. Wellbeing is a concept that has two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Research has shown five winning ways that people can support their own wellbeing and that of the people around them: connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.

Aucklanders can be entertained and support this theme at the two music events.

Oct Gig 09

An evening gig at Kings Arms, Newton, Auckland on Thursday 8 October from 8pm.

Many of the performers have been involved with mental health promotion activities and bring their own personal experiences to their performance. One such musician, Trimz, firmly believes in giving back to the community. Trimz is an accomplished singer/songwriter, and is a regular volunteer at Te Whetu Tawhera (Mental Health Unit) at Auckland Hospital. Music and creativity crosses all communication barriers, promoting and supporting positive mental health recovery.

The gig features George Henderson and Graham Humphries, Karen Hunter, Johnny Matteson, 4 1/2 Boys, Reb Fountain, Sandra Bell, The Literatti Performance Poets, Trimz, Johnny Angel, and special guests you won't want to miss.

Fiesta in the Park - World Mental Health Day
A free family outing to celebrate World Mental Health Day held at Ponsonby Road's Western Park on Saturday 10th October 10 to 1pm. (Sunday if raining)
The line-up includes J. Williams, November Zulu, Fagan& the People, Zoh Zoh, Reb Fountain, Anna Mac, The Ukulele Family Band, Teachukes and more.

Fiesta in the Park will launch World Mental Health Day for Auckland. The day is a worldwide celebration for the whole family, promoting the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall wellbeing.

There will be something for everyone: yoga, exercise and Tai Chi demonstrations, good food (or bring a picnic) and fiesta entertainment for the kids, as well as a wide range of health information.

Mike Chunn, ex. Split Enz member and founder of Play It Strange, has kindly lent his support to the fiesta. The Mental Health Awareness Week organising committee - which comprises the Regional Consumers Network, Community Alcohol and Drugs Service, Mental Health Foundation, Pathways to Progress, Hapai Te Hauora Tapui - Maori Public Health, Toi Ora, Framework Trust, Supporting Families and Vakatautua - envisage this becoming an annual event for Auckland.