Belonging Matters: More Than 60 Free Events Planned for Mental Health Awareness Month - in Wānaka
A chat with a neighbour. A walk with friends. A chance to try something new.
These small moments of connection are at the heart of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month, with organisers preparing a diverse programme of more than 60 free events across the Upper Clutha throughout October.
Led by Keity Garcia and supported by Kenzie Mastronardi and the team at Community Link, the month-long programme has grown into one of the region’s largest community wellbeing initiatives, bringing together local businesses, fitness professionals, community groups, health providers, and volunteers.
This year’s national theme, Belonging Matters, focuses on the importance of meaningful connection and inclusion in supporting mental wellbeing.
Event organisers hope the programme will encourage people from all walks of life to find an activity, conversation, or experience that helps them feel more connected to their community.
“There really is something for everyone,” says Kenzie Mastronardi.
“Some people might come along to a panel discussion or workshop to learn something new. Others might prefer a community walk, a yoga class, a gym session, or simply an opportunity to meet other people. The important thing is creating opportunities for connection and participation.”
The programme includes talks, panel discussions, walks, fitness classes, yoga sessions, workplace activities, and community events, many of them being offered free of charge to remove barriers to participation.
For Keity Garcia, accessibility has always been a key part of the vision.
A long-time yoga practitioner and wellbeing advocate, Garcia first became involved after offering a free yoga class during Mental Health Awareness Week several years ago. The response from the community was so strong that the initiative continued to grow, eventually evolving into today’s month-long programme.
“We realised just how many people wanted to contribute and share their skills with the community,” says Garcia.
She believes one of the strengths of the programme is that it provides low-pressure opportunities for people to engage with wellbeing in a way that works for them.
“Making it free removes the risk for someone who might benefit but has never tried it before,” she says.
While much of the activity takes place in Wānaka and the Upper Clutha, organisers say the message is relevant across the wider district. As communities throughout the Queenstown Lakes area continue to grow and change, finding ways to build stronger social connections becomes increasingly important.
Garcia hopes the month encourages people to make time for themselves, reach out to others, and perhaps step outside their comfort zone.
“Together we can do so much more than we can as individuals,” she says.
Mental Health Awareness Month runs from 1 to 31 October, with events taking place throughout the Upper Clutha. Full programme details, registrations, and updates can be found on the Wānaka App, via Community Link’s Facebook Events page, or at communitylink.nz
