An Aussie tattooist to the stars is returning to Queenstown next week to ink residents and visitors for a cause close to her heart.
Lauren Winzer’s first visit to the resort was in 2021 when she used her skills to raise money for Movember and men’s mental health at QT Queenstown — she’s busting out the needles again, at the same venue, this Saturday.
She tells Mountain Scene she’s lost a few close male friends to mental health struggles, while many of her loved ones have been, or are, battling too.
‘‘I feel like I’m lucky that these loved ones have great support or friends who they can relate to about how hard life can be in any capacity.
‘‘Not everyone feels like they have that support or network — whether they do or not — so the more normalised it is, and the more celebrated they are for having the courage to even start to reach out, on any level, the better.’’
Winzer says she’s been on her own mental health journey and believes women have a huge part to play, too.
‘‘Anything we can do to get men talking and normalising having those conversations is a good thing.
‘‘People may seem like they are thriving on their own but, mental struggles or not, ask any happy person in your life how they got there, and I can assure you, not one person will say they did it on their own.
‘‘We all need and deserve support.’’
In Queenstown, Winzer will have a set of specifically-designed flash tattoos — each priced at $100 — with 100% of the proceeds going to Movember.
The celeb go-to for ink’s previously put her mark on Aussie actress Toni Collette — who ‘‘was and still is one of my favourites’’ — and rapper, singer and songwriter Post Malone, whom she describes as ‘‘one of the most grounded and generous, thoughtful people I’ve ever met’’.
For more info, or to book a spot, visit shorturl.at/huyHN
Helplines
● Need to Talk? 1737, free 24/7 phone and text number
● Healthline: 0800 611 116
● Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
● Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865
● Samaritans: 0800 726 666
● Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
● General mental health inquiries: 0800 443 366
● The Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
