Balance Aotearoa

17/05/2026

Have you tried greatfulness ? No, not just being greatful for what's around you but intentionally expressing that gratitiude ?
Whatever your answer, come down and join the team tomorrow at Hope & Co. this morning to look into the art and start on a Greatful book

16/05/2026

This week at Balance

15/05/2026

As we reach the end of the week and head into the weekend, there’s often a little more mental space, a chance to pause and ponder life’s most important questions.

This week, let’s look inward.
What’s your go‑to weekend activity that gives you the most self‑care and recuperation?

Our team has a wide range of ways to recharge, from our Manager, who finds downtime through exercise, to our Consumer Advisor, who resets the house after a quiet moment in bed listening to music. Everyone’s version of rest looks different.

What works best for you?

15/05/2026

Mysteries Debunked: a new series where we look into the common mysteries, myths and theories surrounding the Mental Health System and put some real world facts to debunk them :)

Part 1: The Mental Health Act

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷🖤🩶🤍

In collaboration with Pride Whanganui, one of our counsellors is now available in Whanganui! Click the link to find out more.
https://genderminorities.com/2026/05/14/whanganui-counselling-2026/

14/05/2026

Come and join us down at Hope & Co. for an informal chat with the Piki Ake team before the structured group starts back up next week, or some company and kōrero with the Sharing Circle crew

13/05/2026

🫰

Whanganui Regional Health Network health care programmes

The Whanganui Regional Health Network is running a series of health care programmes over the next few months. The aim is to provide education and information for patients/people so they can better manage their own wellbeing. From the public response, they will be able to design and deliver other sessions depending on need.

The first one is ‘Advanced Care Planning.’ This is the process of thinking about, talking about, and documenting what matters to you for your future health care. The programme helps you chare your values, goals and preferences for care – especially if you were to become unwell or unable to speak for yourself.
This may include who you want involved in decisions and what types of treatments you would or would not want.

The value of Advanced Care Planning is that it supports care that reflects what matters most to you. It gives reassurance to you, your whānau and healthcare providers by providing clear guidance. It should reduce stress and uncertainty during difficult times and help to ensure decisions are respectful, compassionate and aligned with your wishes.

This supportive workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process, explain things in plain language, and give you the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed friendly environment. You don’t need any prior knowledge - just come as you are.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, 27 May, and on Thursday, 28 May. Each are stand alone sessions.

You can register as follows: Email: info@wrhn.org.nz Tel: 06 348-0109. The workshops will be held from 10 to 11.30am at Age Concern, 164 St Hill Street.
Further workshops are as follows:
Brain Health Education Series of 3 standalone sessions. You can attend just one or all three. The first is on Wednesday,10 June, with the next two on the following Wednesdays. They will be from 11am to 12.30pm. at the Whanganui Regional Health Network and are limited to 20 participants per session.

Breathe Easy programme - tailored exercise programmes designed specifically for patients with a diagnosed respiratory condition. It is for four weeks and runs on a Tuesday and a Thursday. The next programme is from Tuesday, 9 June to Thursday, 2 July, with further programmes in August, October and November/December.

Caring for your Heart. This is another free in-person four-week programme involving education sessions and a tailored exercise programme. The next one starts on Thursday, 11 June and goes to 2 July, with future programmes in August, October and November/December.

The RCP will provide further details closer to when the next sessions will be held. However, you can find out more information by emailing info@wrhn.org.nz or going to their website wrhn.org.nz. You can register, either by going through your doctor or by phoning 06 348 0109

13/05/2026

Our first topic to explore in this new series - The Mental Health Act

What are some myths or mysteries you have around the Mental Health Act that you'd love some answers for?

[ Alt text: A green graphic with faint question marks in the background. The top text says ‘Mystery Debunked,’ with ‘Debunked’ on a yellow banner. Below is a magnifying glass with a green swirl inside. At the bottom, handwritten-style text on torn paper reads ‘Mental Health Act Mysteries.’ ]

13/05/2026