VISITORS to Wharaurangi/The Gap this week shared what they were grateful for, coming together in song and as a community in the name of mental health.

Events were organised for each day by Waiariki Whānau Mentoring under the official Mental Health Awareness Week theme ‘Community is what we create together.’

On Monday, a registered mental health nurse ran a self-care session, people were led in breathwork by a practitioner and a kaimirimiri helped people through rongoa Māori.

Tuesday saw whānau and pets enjoy some time in the sun, while Wednesday was about music and gratitude.

An improvised choir of strangers came together to share in song and sat in the sunshine while music played through the speakers.

People wrote on a board what they were grateful for, then talked through their contribution with mental health team member Theresa Te Kuru.

They mentioned such things as friendship, good health, life and sunshine.

There was one that stood out to Ms Te Kuru. “A man came up and he just wrote two letters; ME.

“He said everything starts with me, and I need to look after myself.”

Ms Te Kuru said the gratitude wall acted as a conduit to allow strangers to engage in conversation about their mental wellbeing, giving them permission to lighten their mental load.

“It’s about being kind to your mind, because often our mind gets filled with a lot of negativities.

“By practising gratitude, it clears that mess and brings to the forefront of your mind something that you’re grateful for.”

Stations were also set up on Wednesday for mirimiri, health checks and learning about the value of nature for mental health.

Yesterday, two speakers shared their stories at Whare Aio on The Strand about overcoming challenges.

Waiariki Whānau Mentoring offers a helpline which is available 24/7 to those in need of support. The team can be reached on 0800 MY WHANAU (0800 699 426).