Stormy weather conditions couldn’t stub out plans to get active and to mark World Smoke Free day in Manukau.
The mental health service, Pathways, had originally planned a hikoi through Manukau’s Puhinui Reserve to introduce a holistic wellbeing approach to World Smoke Free Day. But due to bad weather, Pathways Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, James Scarlett instead organised a day of wellness at the Action Indoor Sports Centre in Manukau.
Clients from Pathways and the Māori kaupapa mental health provider, Mahitahi Trust, enjoyed a morning of active play through indoor netball.
Scarlett says this year was about doing something different to address smoking and its prevalence amongst those affected by mental health.
“It’s about providing that non-judgemental holistic approach and the day was more about coming along and getting active because while they’re out running around on the netball court they aren’t going to be thinking about having a cigarette.”
The approach is in line with Pathways overall Being Well Strategy, which Scarlett has strived to incorporate into the programmes he offers his clients.
“The strategy is made up of six key components which are being spiritually well, actively well, physically well, connected wellbeing, work and eating well. I am always looking for ways to incorporate these things into my mahi,” says James.
The quit smoking team was also present to offer services to those who did decide to ditch the sticks on World Smoke Free Day.
“Alongside the holistic approach we had someone from Smokefree for anyone who wanted to have a korero on how to quit, but there is no pressure and no judgement on where people are at in their journey,” says James.
Those in attendance were then invited to use interactive learning through the Journeys of Manu app with Healthy Families South Auckland’s Māori Systems Innovator, Anaru Ah Kew.
Those in attendance were then invited to use interactive learning through the Journeys of Manu app with Healthy Families South Auckland’s Māori Systems Innovator, Anaru Ah Kew.
The Journeys of Manu app, made by Conical Interactive studios, was also incorporated into the day to foster the idea of holistic wellness in Manukau.
Pathway clients got to experience and learn about what once lived and thrived in the Manukau environment. They were encouraged to explore the apps capabilities further by getting active and exploring Manukau to find AR (augmented reality) markers.
Pathways client Te Toko Waru showed a keen interest in the technology and learnings behind the app.
“I’m going to download it and give it a go, the animations are really cool and you can learn about the history of Manukau,” says Te Toko.
Healthy Families South Auckland’s Maori Systems Innovator, Anaru Ah Kew says “the day was a great opportunity to bring in a cultural element and re-connect our people with the land using this technology to encourage health and wellbeing in Manukau.“
World Smokefree Day is observed on 31 May and aims to work towards Auahi Kore/ smoke free lives for all New Zealanders.
Thousands of New Zealanders are affected by smoking related diseases every year, if you would like more information on how you can quit smoking click here.
