Equip Mental Health Services

05/06/2026

Rest is not a reward. It's a requirement!

Sleep affects nearly every part of our wellbeing.

It supports emotional regulation, memory, concentration, physical health, and resilience.

If sleep has been difficult lately, consider one small change:

• Reduce screens before bed
• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Avoid caffeine later in the day
• Create a calming bedtime routine

Small changes can make a big difference over time.

04/06/2026

Malo!
O ā mai oe?

Language and cultural identity are fundamental to the mental health and holistic wellbeing of Pasifika peoples.

E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le ‘nu’u
From the high ⛰ mountains are the blessings of the village.

This is a Samoan proverb representing the interconnected relationships between a community and its foundations.

Just as a mountain stands firm and channels resources, protection, and fresh water down to the village below, wise leaders provide guidance, prosperity, and blessings to their people.

Language is more than words. It carries identity, belonging, connection, and ways of understanding the world.

This week celebrate the beautiful language of Samoa - the third most spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the holistic approaches to wellbeing and connection that it offers us.

27/05/2026

NZ CST Symposium

Are you attending the NZ Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Symposium?

Equip currently has CST sessions running, for kaimahi who live with dementia wareware. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is grounded in science and full of practical ways to stimulate the mind.

On Friday 12 June Equip kaimahi, Gael and Linda will be presenting at the NZ Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Symposium, and we’d love to know if you're planning to head along.

17/05/2026

Submissions for the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 close, Monday 18 May at 5pm.

This Strategy will affect anyone who uses mental health and addiction services, the people who support them, and communities across the country so this is a chance to share thoughts on what’s working, missing, and what they should prioritise.

You do not have to be an expert or work in mental health to share your thoughts.

To share your feedback: https://consult.health.govt.nz/mental-health/consultation-mental-health-wellbeing-strategy

For more info and to read the draft: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/consultation-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-strategy

The Ministry of Health has drafted a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036. This Strategy will affect anyone who uses mental health and addiction services, the people who support them, and communities across the country.

It's a positive step forward - but it’s important to give feedback on the draft too. Giving feedback is a chance to share what’s working, what’s missing, and what they should prioritise.

Anyone in New Zealand can have their say, and you do not have to be an expert or work in mental health to share your thoughts.

So let us know if you’ll be making a submission.

Submissions close: Monday, 18 May 2026 5:00 pm

For more info and to read the draft: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/consultation-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-strategy

To share your feedback: https://consult.health.govt.nz/mental-health/consultation-mental-health-wellbeing-strategy

14/05/2026

👚 Pink Shirt Day can sometimes feel a bit surface-level if we’re not careful. Because the truth is, a lot of workplace bullying doesn’t happen out in the open.

It happens in subtle ways:

People being excluded.
Constant criticism.
Public embarrassment.
Information being withheld.
People being made to feel small over time.

And often, everyone around it knows it’s happening.

Pink Shirt Day is a good reminder that creating safe workplaces isn’t just HR or leadership's job.

Culture belongs to all of us.
Small interactions matter.
Backing someone up matters.
Listening matters.
Not laughing along matters.

There are new Workplace Bullying resources up in the Kete Hauora, Wellness Hub including the subtle signs of bullying and what to do if you are being bullied.

🩷 Share and save for anyone that might need them.

Real change begins with each of us – every conversation, every decision to speak up, every moment we choose respect over silence. Ending workplace bullying isn’t about one day a year - it’s about building a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard - everyday.

Have a kind Friday 💕

Top up your hauora - your well-being. A kete to dip into whenever you need to slow down, breathe, or find a moment of calm.

13/05/2026

Throughout the year, theres a raft of days that can bring up memories of loved ones and feelings of grief. Those days can be rough.

If someone is on your mind, consuming your days, consider finding professional support.

There are other small things you can do to honour their memory, too. You could try writing them a letter, visit a place that brings you calm or that you loved to visit together, light a candle, share your favourite memories of them with someone or find a favourite photo of them to print out for your wall.

What are some of the ways you like to acknowledge a loved one who has passed?

09/05/2026

For anyone finding today particularly hard, we see you, we walk with you.

This Mother's Day, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week: 4-10 May, aligning with Maternal Mental Health Day earlier this week on Wednesday 6th May.

Becoming a mother can be a beautiful time, but it's no walk in the park.

As many as 1 in 5 new mothers experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, with tragic and long-term consequences to both mother, child and whānau. And no one is immune to it - even fathers can experience Postnatal Depression. There’s an emotional toll on whānau too, especially if they're caring for someone in mental distress.

This year's Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week is Walking With You.
Real support.
Real listening.
Real change.

Something that resonates for us at Equip.

So if you know someone who's recently become a parent, please check in on them. Let them know you're there, offer practical support and a safe space to open up if they need to. Feeling safe is often the key to someone reaching out for help.

08/05/2026

The Ministry of Health has drafted a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036. This Strategy will affect anyone who uses mental health and addiction services, the people who support them, and communities across the country.

It's a positive step forward - but it’s important to give feedback on the draft too. Giving feedback is a chance to share what’s working, what’s missing, and what they should prioritise.

Anyone in New Zealand can have their say, and you do not have to be an expert or work in mental health to share your thoughts.

So let us know if you’ll be making a submission.

Submissions close: Monday, 18 May 2026 5:00 pm

For more info and to read the draft: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/consultation-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-strategy

To share your feedback: https://consult.health.govt.nz/mental-health/consultation-mental-health-wellbeing-strategy

30/04/2026

There’s a lot in the air at the moment. Rising costs, recent weather events, and everything unfolding globally - it's a lot for people to hold. So what's coming In today's edition of Equip Kōrero?

> Have your say on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
> A husbands experience of caring for someone with dementia mate wareware
> How to set effective goals
> Equip Kaimahi, Lanie Palm on The Difference
> NZ CST Symposium
> Breathing through stress and anxiety

Coming to an inbox near you, Friday 1 May. Subscribe now https://www.easy.link/equip-nz

29/04/2026

Are you just going through the motions?

Staying on track matters.

We know that feeling of being so stuck, you just can’t think of what to do next or where to start.

An Awhi Ora Community Support Worker, helps you to keep moving forward, even when life feels harder.
Responding to your unique situation, an experienced community support worker can help with:

• building self-care routines and achievable goals
• strengthening mental wellbeing
• WINZ processes or advocacy
• exploring employment or career pathways
• linking with budget or financial support services
• connecting with community groups
• accessing other support agencies
• sourcing disability and mental health resources

Alongside primary care (such as your GP) this approach means you feel supported and confident in managing everyday challenges.

Ask your GP about Awhi Ora referrals or contact Equip on 09 4770338 for more info.

Getting support early can help life feel more manageable and reduce the chance of challenges becoming overwhelming.

www.equip.net.nz/how-we-help/awhi-ora