This Suicide Prevention Day, we invite you to join us at Waimanako as a way of marking and sharing this day together. We are basing the day on the components of Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Just as each component supports the other, our physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing all work together to help us navigate life’s challenges.

Throughout the day you’ll find opportunities to explore each part of the health model through simple, practical activities.

Throughout the day (Thursday 10th September, 9am – 4pm) :

Taha Tinana – Physical Wellbeing – Our bodies are often the first to tell us when life feels overwhelming. Looking after our physical wellbeing helps create a foundation for emotional resilience and recovery. Options on the day include taking part in the above community walk, trying a herbal tea, a fruit smoothie, a hot chocolate or enjoying something nourishing from the menu at Waimanako, on the house – or enjoying a kai at the Waimanaaki Food Truck.

Taha Hinengaro – Mental and Emotional Wellbeing – Our thoughts and feelings affect how we experience the world. Giving ourselves permission to acknowledge them with curiosity and compassion can be an important step towards healing. Options on the day for this include attending one of the workshops on offer, taking some time to journal or do some writing to share.

Taha Wairua – Spiritual Wellbeing – Wairua is about meaning, purpose and connection. On the day, this might be about doing something creative, you may want to light a candle and offer karakia; bring a book or your own creative project and have some time to slow down.

Taha Whānau – Family and Social Wellbeing – Connection is one of the greatest protective factors for our mental health. We all need places where we feel seen, heard and valued. On the day this might include bringing a friend or colleague in for a cuppa, having a Listening Ear convo with a Kaimahi / Support Worker, writing a message of hope or encouragement, or taking part in conversation.

Taha Whenua – Connection to Place – Feeling connected to the places where we live, work and spend time can help us feel grounded and remind us that we belong. You may simply want to take time watching the waves, take in the view from Waimanako, or take some time outside through the community walk. It could be shoes off, and feet in the sand / beach.. or maybe share with a friend / one of our team – the story of where you grew up / your pepeha / your maunga and awa? (…and, if you like, ask them to do the same!)

As a way of marking the beginning of World Suicide Prevention Month, we would love you to join us around the table for a relaxed morning of good food, warm conversation and community on the 1st of September!

Our Long Table Dinners have been such a joy. The first two evenings have brought together members of our community, got to share stories, laugh and have those genuine moments of connection. Our 19th August dinner has already sold out, showing us just how much people are wanting spaces where they can simply come together and belong.

This special Long Table Brunch is another opportunity to weave that golden thread of connection through our community.

We know that connection is one of the greatest protective factors for our wellbeing, and sometimes something as simple as sharing a meal, hearing another person’s story or meeting someone new can remind us that we all belong.

There are no expectations – just delicious brunch, great coffee, great company and the opportunity to honour World Suicide Prevention Month by choosing connection, one conversation at a time.

Bring a colleague or friend, or why not take that step out of the comfort zone and come on your own. We’d love to share a seat at the table with you.

If you’ve been hearing about our Long Table Events and are curious about the concept, this is the perfect chance to experience the heart behind them. And if you’d like to join us at a future event be sure to add your name to the waiting list so you’re first to hear when new dates are released.

Together, one table, one conversation and one golden thread at a time, we can continue weaving a stronger, more connected Taranaki. You can book your place at the table here