Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group have announced that more than $50,000 is being invested in mental wellbeing initiatives across the Southern Lakes region through their Connecting Communities fund. 

The fund supports community-led not-for-profit activities and events across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Te Anau/Fiordland that encourage social connection. 

54 groups have been approved in Round 2 of funding, including Te Anau outdoor playgroups and garden mosaic workshops, St John weekend drives for older people, MINT Trust Wānaka school holiday workshop for people with physical and intellectual disabilities and many more.  

Adell Cox, Chair of the Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, said the huge response from groups across the region, and diversity of innovative ideas to improve mental wellbeing was truly inspirational. 

“The Connecting Communities fund is really important because it gives us the opportunity to hear directly from our communities on a regular basis about what they want and need to improve their wellbeing.”

“Applications nearly doubled from Round 1 and they reflect how tough it is out there at the moment so we’ve done our best to support as many initiatives as we can to help people stay well.” 

Joanne Conroy, Chair of the St John Wakatipu Area Committee, says their funding will be used to help grow a new weekend drives initiative to help address isolation and loneliness for older people.

“We became aware of this need through conversations with the people who use our Monday to Friday Health Shuttle Service from Queenstown to Kew Hospital.”

“We wanted to do something to improve their sense of wellbeing and belonging by helping them to connect, form friendships and share stories.”

“The majority of people who have come with us so far are losing their sight, are mobility impaired or haven't got any family around them so it’s very difficult for them to get out and socialise. The support and feedback we’ve had to date about the new service has been incredible and we can’t wait to expand it and help more people.”

Eligible groups can apply for up to $1,000 from the Connecting Communities fund.  

The next two funding rounds are 4-14 July, and 31 October–10 November 2022.  

More details about the fund and other Te Hau Toka initiatives can be found online at www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka