Giving, being active, learning, connecting with others and taking notice of ones surroundings are all good for personal wellbeing, Lives Worth Living co-ordinator Pup Chamberlain says.
‘‘Remember those five ways of wellbeing are so important in our lives and we all have the power to make sure that everyone around us has the chance to engage in these activities.’’
‘‘Every life matters and that is what makes a community,’’ Pup said.
‘‘If you know someone that is down and not themselves don’t hesitate to talk to them and ask them what is happening?
‘‘Be willing to be a good listener, don’t judge and don’t pretend to be an expert if you are not.
‘‘Counselling is a specialized field and our job, as people who care, is to guide them to that help.
‘‘You cannot cause harm by caring, listening and walking alongside someone, to give them support and guidance to help,’’ he said.
Pup was privileged to be part of the Hope Walk this month at Argyle Park.
He said the day was as warm as the people who attended.
‘‘Balloons and chalk were to the fore as people of all ages strolled around the path surrounding the park stopping to enjoy each others company and writing messages of hope with chalk on the path as they strolled.
‘‘During the event people from organizations such as Ha Waka Tapu, Wellbeing Opuki, Jesse from SAPNZ , Robbie Shefford, I am Hope and Gumboot NZ gave talks about hope and wellbeing.’’
He said Lives Worth Living was a huge supporter of wellbeing and it certainly ticked the boxes.
‘‘I’m sure there were some sad reflections, but the event itself was a celebration of life and walking alongside fellow human beings.’’
‘‘At this type of gathering age, gender, sexuality, religion and race become irrelevant, everyone is there to share in a common theme of hope,’’ he said.
‘‘The music was great and it was just anice place to be.’’
‘‘As agroup we were giving to each other, being active on the walk, (I may have cheated), learning from other people, connecting as a group and taking notice of a lovely spring day and other people.’’
It was well organised and there were plenty of smiling faces and rich conversation, he said.
‘‘If you know someone that has had a suicide close to them don’t avoid them, ask them how they are,’’ he said.
‘‘Don’t tell them that you know how they are feeling, you don’t, but you do know they are hurting.
‘‘Be a good listener, if they want to just talk that’s fine.’’
He said if talking sounded a bit difficult and overpowering, people could contact Lives Worth Living who would ‘‘happily share your load and conduct training if needed’’.
Lives Worth Living, through Safer Mid Canterbury, is at hand to help with suicide prevention and postvention.
They were also available for public talks and training around suicide prevention and wellbeing.
If people know of someone that needs to talk, or be navigated to services please make contact, he said.
The service is free to any person or group within Mid Canterbury due to support of The Lion Foundation,
MacKenzie Charitable Foundation, Advance Ashburton, Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury, Trevor Wilson Charitable Foundation and The Lions Clubs of Mid Canterbury.
