Reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Week last week , Leah Hēmi, Kaitohutohu in Te Ikaroa, Regional Public Health, talks about her work and the importance of this year's theme of 'hapori' (community).
"It's exciting that 'hapori - community' was the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week. For me, community means connection to peers with lived experiences, and creating safe spaces to share experiences in an environment that is co-designed by the tangata whaiora – the individuals we work with."
Leah (pictured), has deep connections across the local Wairarapa community, from her role in public health, her voluntary mahi, and whānau.
Having been involved in postvention in Wairarapa and Wellington, she says there are common themes that emerge when we look at prevention.
"Community is key. It offers connection through things such as activities, and peer support. Importantly, community and connection support inspire hope.
"Our Māori model for health care, Te Whare Tapa Whā, is utilised by all mental health and addiction services in some form when connecting services with an individual and, or, whānau seeking support and resources."
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a model for understanding Māori health developed by Tā Mason Durie and is based on the concepts of taking care of all four 'walls of hauora' – our health and wellbeing.
Whānau (family), tinana (physical), hinengaro (mental) and wairua (spiritual) health are all connected.
"It's important there is flexibility of practice and experience to look at a person through many lenses," she says.
For example, Rongoā provides an alternative holistic option that is available to all people, from all walks of life. Along with herbalism, massage, art, waiata, inclusive workshops and wānanga, Rongoā provides connection to community.
"Rongoā can provide a first step in a person's journey, connecting and preparing them for recovery, ready to receive clinical primary healthcare.
"Often non-clinical community spaces, are the "Waharoa" gateway, and "Ara" path to the Whare (Whare Tapa Whā)."
Leah says a whole of community approach makes all the difference to mental health and wellbeing – and that this saying helps explain why:
Ka mate kainga tahi, ka ora kainga rua. There is more than one way to achieve an objective.
