Following the extreme weather events of early 2023, the Mental Health Foundation commissioned research to understand how Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events impacted people’s wellbeing.
A clear theme emerged: community is the key to getting through tough times.
This year Mental Health Awareness Week (23 – 29 September) celebrates the power of community: “Community is…what we create together”.
In recognition of this kaupapa, the Mental Health Foundation has created a series of videos profiling four people who were impacted by the cyclone and the floods, and how they navigated their recovery by staying connected to their community, or by helping one another.
Tara, a young wāhine based in Tāmaki Makaurau who realised her own strength as she supported her mum, evacuated from her Puhoi home.
Wallace, a kind-hearted community champion who lives and breathes Pacific cultural values and traditions to help his Titirangi community recover.
Shannon, a young mum of three based in Napier who, along with her whānau, experienced a hair-raising escape from her flooded home in Pakowhai. Shannon now feels closer than ever to her family and her community that rallied following Cyclone Gabrielle.
After the cyclone hit, Tyson worked in the kitchen of his church, serving people and listening to their stories. Tyson continues this through his work at Mates4Life, a suicide prevention organisation in Hawke’s Bay, encouraging people to open up about the “tough stuff” over a BBQ.
