Contact Info: Vishal Rishi/Samuel Cho, The Asian Nework Inc., 101 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland. PO Box 27550, Mt. Roskil, Auckland.T: 09 815 2338 F: 09 815 2330 E: samuel.cho@asiannetwork.org.nz

W: www.asianetwork.org.nz

2017-Winter Edition

In This Issues:TANI Health Promotion for Asian Communities ---------------------------------------------------------------- pg 2Asian Health Initiatives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ pg 3Healthcare Information & Support Services ----------------------------------------------------------------- pg 4-5Disability Serivices & FVP Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- pg 6-7Community News & Events ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ pg 8

TANI Newsletter

TANI Events 2017Please pen down these events

on your calendar!

General Network Meeting

Wednesday 21 June 201710 am - 12 pm

Western Springs Garden Community Hall

Chinese Health SeminarWednesday, 23 August 2017

10am -12pmTakapuna War Memorial Hall

Korean Health SeminarTuesday, 18 July 2017

10am-11:30amKorean Society of Auckland Hall

Regional Network MeetingWednesday, 13 September 2017

10am-12pmWestern Springs Garden

Community Hall

Tips: Time to think about Flu Vaccines!

The flu is different from a cold and you can have the following symptoms – fever, muscle aches, lack of energy, headache, dry cough, sore throat and maybe a runny nose. It can take 1-2 weeks to fully recover. As we age, we can be more prone to colds and the flu as our immune system is less robust and we may have health conditions that can make us more vulnerable to getting the flu. We also increase our chances of having complications from the flu such as pneumonia especially if you already have a long term health condition.

Having an annual flu vaccine helps to protect you. As we look forward to the changing of the seasons it is time to start thinking about getting your annual flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are free if you are over the age of 65 or are younger and have a long term medical condition. It is recommended that you have a flu vaccination every year to ensure you are protected against any new strains of the virus. The flu virus does change frequently and we can all probably remember the pandemic in 2014 that made many of us unwell and caused some deaths. The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated. The flu virus is very contagious and people can be infectious about a day before they have any symptoms. So the flu virus can be everywhere. The vaccine is usually available from March and it can take up to 2 weeks to develop protection from the flu once you have had your vaccination. So get in early, and remember it is free if you are over 65. Contact your GP/ Family Doctor for further details. Look for the communications on radio and newspapers promoting the flu vaccine.

“ Work ing w i t h t he Commun i ty and Hea l t hcare Ser v i ce Prov ide rs ”

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Thank you all for your support and participation. The Forum was successfully delivered to the community with positive feedback on 19th April at Fickling Convention Centre. Topic: 15 years of Asian health in Aotearoa! Where to from here? Around 160 people represented for 80 organizations with diverse professional and cultural background across the wide Auckland region. They are government organizations, government agencies including DHBs, Auckland Council, and ACC, PHOs, NGOs, tertiary educations, and Asian community leaders represented for South Asian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese communities.

TANI 15th Annual Asian Forum

Refresh with the updated and sharing workshop outcomes

Building network & experiencing Asian Food

Team TANI

The Health message of heart health and management skills was shared at the seminar. TANI team and Heart Foundation worked together and supported Chinese community to be empowered to improve their knowledge of heart health and detect early sings. Big thanks Sande Mareroa-Gates from Heart Foundation and TANI volunteers.

Prevention Heart Disease Chinese Health Seminar

Korean Day 2017

Kia ora! Warm greetings to you all from TEAM TANI! I take this opportunity of thanking everybody who was involved in making our 15th Annual Asian Forum, a big

success. This forum highlighted the journey of Asian health in New Zealand and explored some possible pathways for the Asian health in coming years. Some of the glimpses from

the forum can be seen in this newsletter.I am happy to share with all of you that our Healthy Babies Healthy Futures’ team has reached more than 400 families in the last one year and made a positive difference to their lives & overall wellbeing. And our Chinese health seminars and health talks has also achieved another milestone. On behalf of our Board , I thank all the participants and further encourage all other members of our community to take part in these health initiatives that are specifically designed to suit our community needs.Keep safe and warm during these winter months. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and your suggestions for its improvement would be welcome. Team TANI extends its best wishes to all of you!

Virinder Aggarwal Chairperson, TANI

The seminar aimed to support Korean community to improve their health literacy level and accessibility in particular primary health care services. Also raised awareness of natural disaster to prepare and respond properly to the risk of potential disasters. The health seminar was planned to meet the needs of the community and delivered to Korean community in partnership with Korean Society of Auckland in North Shore on 12th April.

TANI health promotion team with Korean and Chinese speaking volunteers took part in Korean Day for raising health awareness and health promotion outreaching targeting Korean community.

Korean Health Seminar

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HEALTHY BABIES HEALTHY FUTURES (HBHF) is an

exciting initiative taken by the ministry of health (MOH) for all the minority communities including

south Asians who are living in Auckland New Zealand. The vision of HBHF is to address the nutritional

needs and health problems before, during and after the gestational period (0 – 4 years baby). The

Asian Network Incorporated (TANI) is privileged to deliver this service to the South Asian population throughout

Auckland.A thrilling current example of this programme is; one of our recent group which is being facilitated with the help

of New Zealand Sikh women Association (NZSWA) in Otahuhu. The best place where mums come to meet

with other mums and kids with other kids, on every Monday. Imagine how exciting would be the environment

where mothers are meeting with other mothers of the same age group of their babies around, discussing and

cherishing each other thoughts and taking ownership to work on their lifestyle. Furthermore, HBHF workshops

provide an atmosphere to nourish minds of the mothers and kids to create healthy bodies. We believe that we

are creating healthy minds by breaking down the ice berg of isolation in mothers through these fantastic events

including health workshops, exercise and cooking competitions. HBHF is a platform where weakness becomes

the strength and strangers become the friends. They create memories and leave the epic examples on the wall of their lives. Please feel

free to join our workshops that are run everywhere in Auckland. For more information please get in touch with Bushra at

0224647448 or bushra@asiannetwork.org.nz

Arthritis seminars prove popular Arthritis is proving to be a hot topic for Asian communities, with good numbers attending seminars run by Arthritis New Zealand in libraries and community centres throughout the Auckland region.The seminars are presented by Arthritis Educator Jane Messer, a Registered Nurse who often works with a translator. Last year, Jane spoke to members of the Chinese, Korean, Indian and other South East Asian communities. It’s great that we can contribute to existing Asian support networks by providing these opportunities,” Jane said.The highest numbers of programmes were delivered to Chinese and participants said the sessions were relevant, informative, interesting, useful and helpful. Education programmes were delivered in partnership with the Asian Network and other services, health providers and Sport Auckland GRX (Green Prescription) programmes. They will continue to be delivered in the Auckland region as long as grant funding permits. Arthritis affects more than 620,000 New Zealanders and is one of the leading causes of disability. Arthritis New Zealand aims to improve the life of every person affect by arthritis. We focus on raising awareness, advocating for those with arthritis and providing advice and support. For more information, phone the helpline 0800 663 463, find us on Facebook or visit www.arthritis.org.nz

Arthritis Educator Jane Messer

delivers education programmes to

Asian communities.

Prostate Cancer A Message for Asian Men

By Graeme Woodside, CEO, Prostate Cancer FoundationAs men get older, they often develop problems with their prostate

gland. This shows mostly in difficulties they have with urinating – sometimes some pain or slow flow, frequent visits to the toilet, especially at night, or problems passing urine when they feel the need to do so. While not all of these problems may actually be caused by prostate cancer, men should have these checked out by their doctor. There is medication available for non-cancerous conditions, and a simple blood test (PSA) and a physical examination by the doctor will give a good indication if the cause of the problems may be prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and tends to be more common as men get older. It is really important for men,

whether they have any symptoms or not, to get checked each year once they reach age 50.

Early detection means that the disease can be effectively treated. However once prostate cancer

becomes more advanced it can have devastating consequences. For more information go to www.prostate.org.nz

Chinese brochure about palliative care and Mercy Hospice Auckland is now available

The concept of Palliative care and hospice services can be quite foreign to Chinese migrants in New Zealand. It is important therefore, to have culturally and linguistically appropriate resources about these concepts available to the Chinese communities. In December 2016, Mercy Hospice Auckland started a co-design project to develop a Chinese brochure aimed at promoting the concept of palliative care and Mercy Hospice Auckland services to the Chinese community.The co-design process involved inviting feedback from community members, volunteers, and health professionals from the local Chinese community. The process of community consultation allowed us to gather valuable information and to ensure the message and brochure design are culturally sensitive and appropriate to the Chinese community. We would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the focus group members for your input.

This brochure is in Chinese Simplified characters with English translations. It is now available free of charge. Please feel free to contact our Chinese Liaison on 027 447 9261 or Maree Goh (maree.goh@mercyhospice.org.nz) for copies.

Always wash and dry your hands ...

BeforeEating or preparing food

After• Sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose (or wiping children’s noses)• Gardening (or playing outside for children)• Having contact with animals• Going to the toilet or changing nappies• Looking after sick people

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Need Healthcare Information?Go to www.healthpoint.co.nz

Health Point is a healthcare services information directory which provides empowering and accurate information to both patients and healthcare providers.

Guess What??

Healthline is a free, confidential 24-hour health

advice phone service available to all New

Zealanders. Healthline is funded by the Ministry

of Health and provided by Medibank Health

Solutions New Zealand in association with St

John.

DIABETES NZ AUCKLAND CHINESE

SUPPORT GROUPFrom its formation in 1958, Diabetes NZ Auckland Branch has grown to become the country’s largest educator and provider of support for people affected by diabetes. There are over 20 support groups all over Auckland. The monthly meeting features guest speakers and discussions on the latest developments in diabetes research. It’s an outlet to ask questions and share triumphs and tips with others. The Chinese Support Group has its meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Level 2, 92-92 Beachcroft Ave, Onehunga. For enquires please contact Susan: 6308338; 021-1669927 ALL WELCOME

Connecting with South Asian culture and more at Bupa David Lange Care Home

At Bupa David Lange Care Home they celebrate their cultural diversity and cater to their residents cultural needs. “We have a number of residents all from different cultural backgrounds, including a large number of Indian and Polynesian residents, says Barbara Newlands the

Care Home Manager of Bupa David Lange.For their South Asian residents, Bupa David Lange provides a special Aashirwad offering, which was created with the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust to help provide care that’s culturally appropriate for their South Asian residents.“Our staff do a wonderful job interpreting our residents needs and supporting them to get the most out of every day. We have a number of caregivers who can speak different languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Samoan, Tongan and Niuean. We’ve found our residents were happier when they were receiving care from someone that could speak their language and understand their cultural needs,” says Barbara. At Bupa David Lange, they also provide a variety of meals and activities to suit their residents’ needs. They can choose from four meal options, including South Asian such as a curry and a roti, Polynesian, European or a special daily alternative. Bupa David Lange does a wonderful job incorporating a range of activities and cultural events such as Diwali and Ramadan, as well as helping their residents to connect with cultural groups within their community. If you would like to find out more about Bupa David Lange Care Home, call Barbara on (09) 256 0092 or visit bupa.co.nz

Bal Vikas Language and Cultural ClassesThe Children Wing of Bhartiya Samaj runs regular Sunday Language and Cultural Classes for South Asian children aged 6-14 years. The classes include language, Interpersonal skills and emotional development for the benefit of the children. Activities include Language and personality development classes, dance, yoga, craft and festival celebrations.

When : Every Sunday 10:30am till 1:30 pm (Excluding term breaks)Where:Bhartiya Samaj Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland.

For registrations,please get in touch with us at 096200579 or 02108881461 or mail us at bsct1995@gmail.com

BSCT Multicultural Playgroup

Our multicultural playgroup welcomes all mums and grandparents with children from 0-5 years

to join us for wide range of activities to foster children’s learning and experience multicultural environment! It’s a unique step towards achieving goal of total enhancement of the little ones and provide the parents a place to meet on a regular basis. We also provide informative workshops and parenting programs for the parents. Where: Bhartiya Samaj Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

When: Mondays to Wednesdays(10:00am till 12:30pm)

Recognising STROKEKnowing how to recognise a stroke can literally be a

matter of life and death.

That is why the Stroke Foundation, Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Agency are running a nationwide campaign this Winter to teach everyone the most common symptoms of stroke, and to call 111.

Called FAST, it’s a proven life-saver and follows a very successful campaign

last year. FAST stands for: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time

to call 111.All communities are at risk of stroke – in fact, every year 9000 New Zealanders have a

stroke. But the outcome of the stroke doesn’t have to be devastating if people get help

quickly.That’s because a drug treatment called thrombolysis can break down the blood clot in

the brain that causes the stroke. But the drugs have to be given within four hours of the

stroke. So, our message is one of urgent action.

Any stroke is medical emergency and people should call 111 rather than their

doctor, family and friends, or waiting for it to pass.

We encourage all New Zealanders to watch the TV advertisements and learn what they

can about stroke. It could save a life – maybe even your own.

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He Karanga Pae – Calling a CircleHe Karanga Pae offers individuals grieving the opportunity to attend to their grief through engaging in a memorialising process. It is open to anyone who is grieving a loss, it could be a new loss or one from years before – all are welcome.Individuals wanting to attend need to contact our Bereavement Care Coordinator, Maxine Chapman on 09 834 9755 to schedule a time and they will be welcomed by HWA staff and guided through the process. The He Karanga Pae – Calling a Circle space is open at The Living and Learning Centre, 206 Swanson Road, Henderson . Sessions start at 1.30pm on Fridays and continues to 3.30pm.

Love your liver and live longerThere is a virus chronically affecting more than 100,000 people in New Zealand which can

severely damage the liver. Unfortunately, many people are undiagnosed.

Hepatitis B is a virus that is spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected

person.Hepatitis B causes inflammation and scarring of the liver and over many years can

result in cirrhosis, which stops the liver working properly. Liver damage can also lead to liver

cancer or liver failure. It is common for people not to notice any symptoms until decades after

infection. You don’t have to tell your employer you have chronic hepatitis; however, you should

take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Risk factors:• Are of Maori, Pacific Island, or Asian ethnicity over the age of 25 years

• Were born outside of New Zealand

• Were born in New Zealand before 1987

• Have a mother or close family member has hepatitis B

• Have ever injected drugs (once is enough)

• Received a tattoo using unsterile equipment.

If you are at risk call your doctor or the Hepatitis Foundation about a

free, simple and confidential blood test. 0800 33 20 10; www.hepatitisfoundation.

org.nz

Respectful Relationships Training

Auckland Council has provided funding to allow for sexual violence prevention messages to reach out to

a wider Asian community and with the support of New Zealand Police, Rape Prevention Education has begun providing a series of workshops. Research shows that unwanted sexual experiences impact on short-term and long-term health outcomes. According to the Youth 2012 studies, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys would have experienced some form of unwanted sexual experience before the age of 16 and many of these young people have not told anyone about it. The purpose of the trainings is to increase people’s understanding of what unwanted sexual experiences can look like and strategies that can be used to prevent sexual violence from occurring. To date, two workshops have been provided to international students studying in tertiary institutes. Participants have learnt simple and effective ways of supporting other students who may be needing support and how they can step in and stop harmful situations from taking place. RPE would like to thank Jessica Phuang (NZ Police: Asian Liaison Coordinator) and Auckland Council for helping make this happen.There are a series of trainings planned for the rest of the year and if anyone is interested in attending, please contact RPE at info@rpe.org.nz

Student ambassadors from the University of Auckland with New Zealand Police and Rape Prevention Education

Free support programme for children and families

Sport Auckland is delivering a highly successful ‘Active Families’ programme at two locations: the Lynfield YMCA and Tamaki Recreation Centre (Glen Innes). During Term time the children and families meet each week for an hour and a half of engaging, fun exercise and practical nutrition activities. This programme is designed for children aged 5 – 12 years of age who would benefit from being more active and improving their nutrition habits. The parent/caregiver also required to attend. We still have a few more places for each location in Term 2 so contact us on (09) 623 7900 to get on board

or go to our website www.sportauckland.co.nz to self-refer.

When: 4th of June, 1pm.Where: The march will begin at Britomart and end at Aotea Square.Shakti Youth is holding a peaceful youth march against all forms of violence and discrimination to mark Youth Week 2017. Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of reported family violence as well as youth suicide in the OECD, not to mention we are still continuously fighting for gender equality. Youths and particularly migrant youths are frequently subjected to racial stereotypes and viewed as problematic. Migrants as well, are placed in situations where they have to deal with racism daily, particularly the rising issue of Islamophobia faced by Muslims. Shakti Youth wants to celebrate youth voices in Aotearoa New Zealand and make change to end violence and discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, religion, class, ability and sexual orientation. Join us not only for a range of inspirational speakers and performances but more importantly to take part in raising awareness for the violence and discrimination that is present in our society. Come along and invite your friends and family. We can make a change for the better!

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Living Without Violence Groups at Family Action

For Women:Women in Action ~ Wahine Toa | A group for women who have experienced Family Violence. A 12 week programme; Wednesdays 9.30—11.30am (not held in school holidays). At Family Action, 13 Edsel Street, HendersonBe empowered by hearing women’s stories and knowing you are not alone. Sessions include: Safety / Safety Plan, The cycle of abuse, The purpose of violence, Power and control wheel, Why women stay/leave, Protection orders, Boundaries, Assertiveness, Coping strategies, Self esteem / Self care, Anger, How it affects you.

Change Works Programmes For Youth:ChangeWorks Programmes are available in some schools and at Family Action offices, please contact us to find out what programmes are currently available.Youth to Manhood—7 week programme | The young men who participate in the Youth to Manhood Program will develop an appreciation of respectful relationships, not only with their peers, family and community, but also with themselves.Living without Violence for Young Men | A 16 week group programme run by skilled and experienced men, to meet the needs of male youth aged from 14 to 17 years, to develop skills, knowledge, respect, self esteem and identity.Living Without Violence for Young Women | A 16 week group programme run by skilled women who understand the needs of young women aged 14 to 17 years old, developing a sense of respect and trust, cultural identity and self esteem.

Kiwi Kids | A group, drama and outdoor activity based programme for boys aged between 9 to 12 years old who may have experienced difficulties concerning anger, isolation or self esteem.More inforamtion please contact: Family Action 09 836 1987 13 Edsel Street, Henderson office@familyaction.org.nz

Josephine Wallis & Geneva Healthcare Action Nationwide #ChangeDayNZ Pledge For Hospice

Awareness Week 2017

As part of Change Day

2017, Geneva Healthcare CEO, Josephine Wallis, continues to lead change and improvement in the healthcare

industry through a company-wide pledge to donate goods to Hospice retail shops nationwide. The proceeds from the sale of these items will stay in local communities, and make a real difference to people and families in Hospice care.“This pledge is about making a real change throughout our communities, and inspiring others to also pledge for positive change,” says Josephine.

Geneva Healthcare staff are right behind the project and have gathered items from their homes over the last five

weeks to fill donation boxes at their local offices. Deliveries of goods from Geneva Healthcare staff and Josephine to Hospice retail shops are happening around the country between 15 – 21 May, to coincide with Hospice Awareness Week 2017.Change Day challenges everyone, especially healthcare professionals, to make a change they believe will improve the healthcare experience for all Kiwis and pledge it on the Change Day website (www.changeday.kiwi).

Pictured left-right: Sarah Halliday, Angela King, Josephine Wallis, Belinda Dodunski & Totara Hospice retail staff in Manukau, Auckland.

Supporting Families in Mental Illness, Auckland Are you supporting the recovery of someone with a mental health problem? We can help!

Parents, partners, siblings, children and friends can all have different questions about what is happening when someone is unwell, and need different kinds of support and information. We are a free and confidential service for family and whanau and provide: Advocacy by helping family/whanau safely navigate their way through mental health services. ; Education including workshops, presentation and skills training. ; Information about mental illness, services and supports. ;Support Groups including access to social media. ;Online Family Discussion Forums apply for forum membership on our website.

Evidence shows that when families have support and information they can make a real different to the recovery of a family member affected by mental illness. Updates Free counselling available for family and whanau in the Central Auckland region.

• Sweet Charity, our not-for profit charity shop in Glenfield, opened on 12th of May. • Family Support Group on the 13th June (North Shore), 20th June (Central) and 29th June (South). • Mental Health First Aid will be delivered in West Auckland.Please contact us on (09) 378 9134 for more details or visit our website on www.supportingfamilies.org.nz

Shaheena was very much worried about her children and scared what might happen if her

husband would come back home.Shaheena (name changed to secure identity) belongs to Refugee background and witnessed horrible war in her home country. She moved to NZ as Refugees with her husband and five children while she had to leave her three children behind due to some reasons. Her husband was very violent backhome but when they moved to NZ, her husband continued his violent behaviour with them. He did not even bother if they were hungry. She could not speak English and was very much worried and scared. Fortunately, she was connected to Family First Welfare Trust by an organization specializing to support Refugee Families. A skilled case worker at FFWT did her full-assessment with the help of an interpreter. She was identified with urgent needs as legal help, WINZ support and counselling. As per action plan made by FFWT, referrer organization suggested to arrange her counselling by themselves whereas FFWT sorted her and her childrens’ immediate protection & parenting order because the case was potentially high risk. Initially client’s WINZ support was declined which was sorted out by FFWT. Meanwhile recognizing the urgent need for food supplies for the client and her children, a food voucher worth $200 was provided to the client from Zakat Fund whereas Referrer organization involved her in some programs. So the client and her children got safe finally and commenced their journey towards integrating into NZ culture.

Albany NewcomersSedri walked into Albany House one windy afternoon when no one was there but me. I offered Sedri a drink but she told me that she

was fasting. I was intrigued as I knew that it was not ramadan but did not ask any question. Instead, I offered Sedri to sit on one of our second hands sofas and take some time to recover from her walk. She did. I sat next to her but did not speak much. I could tell that she did not want to converse. I am a strong believer in the power of words, but the absence of words is just as powerful. This first encounter was about being there, present, together, in silence. A silence which worked magic: the next week and the following ones, Sedri came back. Slowly, we developed a relationship. Sedri has joined most of our Newcomers groups: coffee mornings, art classes, music groups and walking group. She taught us how to make Middle Eastern flat bread and brought olives, hummus, mint leaves and preserved lemons for all of us to share. She now attends our English classes and is practicing how to write the Latin alphabet. Her diligence is an inspiration to all the other students.

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Well Parents Well Children Seminar for the Chinese community‘Well parents and well children’ seminar was held on 10th of May 2017 at AMI Stadium, Northcote. The population target was young Chinese parents of child aged 0-12. The seminar was facilitated by Asian Family Services in collaboration with Waitemata District Health Board. Guest speakers from WDHB (Maternal Mental Health Service; Child Health Services), Plunket, and Asian Family Services delivered rich information about child caring to the participating Chinese parents and grandparents. Chinese community has grown to be one of the major ethnic communities in New Zealand. Nevertheless, reaching adequate health services regarding pregnancy to rearing children remain as difficulty for many Chinese parents. The significant difficulties within Chinese community are language barriers, and the conflict rising between old and new generation in relation to rearing children especially between parents and their parents-in-law.The seminar was aimed at providing information regarding to child health, pregnancy and giving birth, parenting learning opportunities through effective resources, sharing experiences of child rearing, therefore empowering Chinese parents to receive appropriate services in maternity and child health service with a better understanding of NZ health care system. Approximately 70 people attended this event, and the feedback was overall positive. Many participants said that thanks to this seminar, they learnt a lot about the infant and mother psychology, and that the healthy family relationship is very important. Suggestions about continuous opportunities of Chinese parenting seminars in more detail were also made.

Upcoming : Korean Parents Seminar On 9th June. For more information please contact : 021 036 9629/ imsoo.kim@asianfamilyservices.

Special Olympics promotes health for athletes with intellectual disabilities

You may be aware of the sporting opportunities that Special Olympics New Zealand offers to people with intellectual disabilities, but did you know the organisation also seeks to improve its athletes’ health?Special Olympics New Zealand’s newly appointed Healthy Communities Coordinator, Rachel Clarke, aims to extend the Healthy Athletes screening programme and to provide health education to athletes, family and whanau.“We know that sport promotes health and that good health helps athletes to participate and achieve in their chosen sport, so it’s an important focus for us,” Rachel said. “People with intellectual disabilities often have health issues that have not been found or treated and this is where our free screening programme is valuable.”The next health focus for Special Olympics New Zealand involves screening up to 1300 athletes at its National Summer Games in Wellington in November. Athletes can take part in screenings focused on hearing, vision, dental care and podiatry. There is a large team of volunteer health professionals and students, with some of the students coming from Asian countries to New Zealand to train in optometry or audiology.To find out more about Healthy Communities or to volunteer to assist in the health screening programme, contact Rachel Clarke by email - Rachel@specialolympics.org.nz Read more about Special Olympics New Zealand’s Healthy Communities initiative at www.specialolympics.org.nz

A Positive way to tackle STIGMA

In School Guidance Counselling one of the major hurdles is overcoming the stigma attached to talking about mental health. This prevents

some students from getting help that is qualified and available at no cost. Many students suffer excessive stress and anxiety and may be suffering some form of internet abuse. We work with families on these issues to achieve change and improvement.The resources of the School Guidance Counsellor are many. As well as helping with such issues as depression and anxiety we can help resolve issues with friends or teachers, help students get into sport teams or find an interest elsewhere in the school. Many students could do better at their schoolwork if they resolved some of their issues. Students who come to counselling frequently recover from their syndromes or learn valuable skills for resolving their own problems.At present a group of students has been formed to trial a resource from the University of Auckland. The resource tackles stigma by giving the students good information and doing exercises that upskill them in how they can think about mental health and help themselves as well as supporting others. The students are really enjoying this process.By: Jenny Goddard, School Guidance Counsellor, Sancta Maria College.

Child’s Play OT is a small paediatric occupational therapy clinic that specializes in Sensory Integration for children and adolescence that struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder. Over the years our Therapists not only have noticed Sensory processing difficulties in children but also more and more children struggling with social skills. Whether with their siblings, peers, teachers and extended family. Child’s Play OT is offering a social program and extending this service to schools, home schooled children and anyone who feels their child/children could benefit from it. Ideally run at our Auckland city clinic. We follow a program derived from Dr LE Shapiro (PHD) which is intended to help children in every aspect of their social development such as: how to relate to their peers, parents, siblings and teachers. At present we incorporate this program in the school holiday programs that we run. However, as it is a curriculum, it should be incorporated as a weekly program.All our information and contact details an be found on our website: www.childsplayot.net

Where to give birth‘You can choose where you have your baby – at home, in a birthing centre or small maternity unit, or in hospital.

Women who give birth at home or in a birthing centre or small maternity unit are more likely to have a normal birth than those who give birth in hospital. You should discuss the place

of birth with your midwife or specialist doctor as part of your planning in early pregnancy. Unless you have complications all of these choices are safe.’

Quoted from Ministry of Health website: http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/pregnancy-and-kids/services-and-support-during-pregnancy/where-give-birth

Birthcare offers FREE births and postnatal stays in a primary maternity hospital setting. Find a midwife who can care for you at Birthcare https://www.birthcare.co.nz/services.php

Book into your ante natal class, refresher class, breastfeeding class or class for babies grandparents https://www.birthcare.co.nz/classes.php

Hints for your new babyKeep your baby warm and healthy. Don’t forget warm wool

hats, booties, singlet, cardigan and wrap (not synthetic fabrics)www.birthcare.co.nz phone

3740800 for more information

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Get ready for the 2017 General Election

The 2017 General Election will be held on Saturday 23 September. By voting, you can have your say on the issues that affect you, your friends and your family.Before you can vote, you need to enrol. Enrolment forms are available at www.elections.org.nz or by calling freephone 0800

36 76 56.You’ll need to fill in a new enrolment form every time you move house to keep your details up to date.You can enrol if you are 18 years or older, have lived in New Zealand for more than one year continuously at some time, and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. For more information in multiple languages visit www.elections.org.nz/languagesSpread the word in your family and community and make sure everyone is enrolled and ready to vote in September.WEAAD is on 15 June, it is the World

Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Age Concern statistics show: • More than three quarters of alleged abusers are family members • More than half of the alleged abusers are adult children and grandchildren • Alleged abusers are as likely to be female as male

Older people are a valuable part of our society and should be treated with dignity and respect - yet

every year thousands of older New Zealanders are being abused by, in many cases, family members. It’s our collective responsibility as a community to ensure that older people are always respected, never abused.

What is elder abuse and neglect?

Elder abuse and neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within

any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

How you can help to prevent elder abuse• Love and cherish your older relatives/whanau • Speak respectfully to older people/kaumatua • Include older people/kaumatua in your social activities • Phone or visit your older relatives/whanau • Support older people/kaumatua to spend their money how they wish • Encourage and support older people/kaumatua to make their own decisions • Honour older people’s/kaumatua’s wisdom • Enable older people/kaumatua to set their own pace• Respect older people’s/kaumatua’s stories • Seek advice from an Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service if you think an older person

A day full of pamperingA women’s burn survivor retreat was held at Anawhata from March 24-26. It covered all the issues faced by adult burn survivors, supported by Burn Support Charitable Trust, with massages from qualified massage therapists, makeup tutorials, workshops and a question and answer session.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU HELPING MIGRANTS WITH FREE AND IMPARTIAL ADVICETroubles with the authorities can happen at any time and can feel overwhelming if you are a migrant who faces difficulties communicating in English. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) on the North Shore has been assisting all residents for the past 40+ years with enquiries on issues ranging from electricity, immigration, housing and employment to consumer rights, health and family.Our assistance is free and to anyone in New Zealand. Having a listening ear and knowing your rights and responsibilities is the best way to feel empowered and can help you decide the best way forward. The following example as told by one of our volunteers illustrates how this empowerment helps us to take positive steps in a difficult situation.