The next Connecting Communities funding round for local mental and wellbeing initiatives, aiming to give communities a boost this winter, opens on June 5.
Run by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, the fund supports community-led activities across Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, Te Anau and Fiordland — eligible non-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1000 to assist with funding their activity or event.
Te Hau Toka group chair Adell Cox says the ultimate goal’s to enable people to improve mental wellbeing, connection and resilience in their own communities.
‘‘Some communities are gearing up for a busy ski season and navigating one set of stresses while, in other parts of the region, people are just looking to get through the quiet months.
‘‘Each community is different, and they’re best placed to know what they need and how they can support each other,’’ she says.
Recipients of March’s funding round included Te Atamira’s free eight-week immersive art programme for the over-65s in the community, dubbed Senior Arts Social.
For more info, including how to apply, visit southernhealth.nz/tehautoka
