Sharon Gibson - Pathways to Wellbeing

27/04/2026

👀What You Can’t See Can Be Just as Serious⛑️
Our April Mental Health First Aid Training brought together frontline staff from Whangarei District Council and Whangārei Care Centre, alongside community members currently studying professions in psychology and mental health to genuinely support the people they serve.

What they all recognised is this:
Mental health challenges can be just as impactful as physical injuries or chronic medical conditions: the difference is that they’re often unseen. And that’s exactly why Mental Health First Aid Training is as important as medical first aid.

This group showed up with heart, curiosity, and a real drive to learn tools they can use immediately in their workplaces, studies, and communities.

If you want to build these skills too, join us at the next training:
28–29 May, Tikipunga FC, Whangārei. Spaces are limited.

📧hello@pathwaystowellbeing.co.nz or head to the event page

08/04/2026

25/03/2026

🔥 LAST CALL - ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT!
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s a vital skill every adult should know — for anyone, for everyone.
If you want to build safer workplaces, stronger communities, and real confidence to support others, this is your moment.
Secure your spot now before doors close.
Let’s build capability together.

📅 9–10 April 2026
🕘 9:00am–4:30pm both days
📍 Tikipunga Football Club, Reed Street, Whangārei
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/rWqQgWwZV2BUzjdR9

05/03/2026

Another powerful reminder that when we invest in mental health skills, our whole community gets stronger. Grateful for leaders who step up, learn, and model what real support looks like.

Next MHFA training:
9–10 April at Tikipunga FC Clubrooms, Whangarei.
Encourage your team to register now & be part of the change.
https://forms.gle/ibtazG6R2h3mhAbQ8

16/02/2026

On New Year’s Eve of the Millenium, my sister and I were involved in a serious car accident.

There was nowhere for the rescue Helicopter to land, so we waited for an ambulance to come.

That day, there were 5 off duty angels from the emergency services who attended to us & then, Tony Devany (pictured), turned up as the lead paramedic in the ambulance.

On the way to the hospital, he started naming my family, and it turned out we went to school together.

I ran into Tony today while on a lunch break. It’s humbling to be able to thank the people who helped you on the worst day of your life.

I have started to write a book with the help of my best friend Vanessa Bailey who recently interviewed me as part of her research for a post grad masters paper (AcademyX) on Wellbeing in the workplace & what inspired my kaupapa Pathways to Wellbeing.

One part of my story is about this life changing event.

I had to sieze the moment and grab a picture of me with Tony today for that chapter.

Make the most of every day folks. 💫

03/01/2026

Practical skills. Real conversations. Stronger communities. 🤝
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa | Northland 2026
Learn more: https://pathwaystowellbeing.co.nz/services/

29/12/2025

As this year comes to a close, I want to pause and say thank you.

I’ve had the privilege of contributing my skillset, heart, and passion to work that matters deeply; leading and growing a not-for-profit, guiding young people through wellbeing mentoring, delivering Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa training across Northland, and sharing a Heart Led Leadership conversation.

This work is not done in isolation. It’s shaped by trust, collaboration, and people who serve with care, humility, and integrity.

I want to acknowledge the team and incredible community of ReSport Charitable Trust, the stunning team at Smart Trade Solutions Ltd. the organisations who see the value in Mental Health First Aid training, the opportunity to share space at the beautiful Leading Lights Series with Tania Louise, and Melissa Wallace at WeMana, whose mentorship and wisdom continue to guide me.

Thank you for walking alongside me and this work.

May the work we do come from love, be guided by faith, and serve something greater than ourselves.

Here's to more learning, growing & evolving in 2026!

08/11/2025

⛑️🧠Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa💪🏼

Congratulations Te Tai Tokerau Emergency Housing on completing the recent 2-day Standard MHFA Aotearoa Training!

It really was a beautiful training, what a privilege to work together ♥️

🎗️

Testimonial below is written by Ange Tepania - operations Manager

“The Mental Health First Aid course, facilitated by Sharon Gibson, and attended by 10 of our kaimahi has proven to be an invaluable asset to our team, and the quality of care we provide.

This training has significantly enhanced our ability to effectively support our service users, both in terms of immediate response and ongoing care strategies.

The course has profoundly improved our staff’s understanding of mental health issues, equipping them with the necessary skills to identify early signs of mental health problems.

This awareness enables staff to intervene promptly and appropriately, which is crucial in preventing situations from escalating.

Our team now feels more confident in approaching and assisting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, ensuring that service users receive timely and compassionate support. “

🎗️

Mental Health First Aid is equally as important as Medical First Aid, is an R18, and is for anyone & everyone.

Get in touch for more info: hello@pathwaystowellbeing.co.nz
Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa New Zealand

09/10/2025

How Mindfulness Anchors Us Through Life’s Uncertainty

So often, we find ourselves caught in the “what ifs” of the future or the regrets of the past. Our minds spiral into stories, our bodies tighten, and we begin to drift away from the only place we can truly live from: the present. Read more...
https://pathwaystowellbeing.co.nz/the-power-of-presence-finding-peace-in-the-moment/

04/10/2025

Being Prepared to Support Someone When They’re Struggling — Before Crisis Hits

We never know when someone close to us might be struggling.

It could be a colleague who’s stopped turning up to work on time and seems distracted. A friend who’s been cancelling catch-ups and avoiding calls. A teenager who’s suddenly withdrawn and irritable. Or a family member who says, “I’m just tired,” but something doesn’t sit right. Read more...

https://pathwaystowellbeing.co.nz/why-mental-health-first-aid-matters-more-than-ever/

19/08/2025

Six Months Along the Pathway

Over the past six months, I’ve stretched into executive & technical skills that don’t come naturally, navigating complexity with curiosity, while balancing leadership from both head and heart.

It’s winter now. The season where everything slows, but the work doesn’t. I’ve felt the quiet grind of building something from the ground up - going home from work to work on the business, carrying the weight of vision and delivery in the same breath.

It’s tiring. It’s relentless. And it’s deeply meaningful.

Growth has come through challenge, but also through choice.

It’s healthy to stretch. It’s powerful to learn. And it’s essential to pause.

I’m still learning to be mindful:
To take time out.
To reflect with intention.
To rest without guilt.
To say no. To stop.
To surrender what no longer serves.
To fill my cup, so I can keep showing up with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Because mental and whole wellbeing isn’t a reward for hard work—it’s the foundation that makes the work sustainable & enjoyable.

This is wellbeing in motion. Not a destination, but a rhythm. A practice. A pathway.

To all the brave-hearts, courageous & kind, shaping your legacy,

I see you.

14/08/2025

Join us for a one off morning of intimate conversation. August 29th.

Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes. ~ Carl Jung

Tania Louise

Insights into fostering trust, resilience & authentic connections. Essential qualities for navigating uncertainty & leading with integrity.