Living in a rural community comes with many positives. Last Thursday evening, I was fortunate to listen to 4 speakers at the Cross Recreation Centre as part of the Otago Rural Support Trust's 'Time Out Tour'.

Matt Chisolm, Jack Cocks, Lana Van Lierop and Tyler Langford shared many insights with the audience and this was followed by a panel discussion. They shared their thoughts on ways through mental health challenges, and ways we can support each other. There were also tools given about ways to manage anxiety and remain mentally fit, as well as ways to help other people who are struggling. 

The following were some takeaways that may be useful. Also attached are a number of contacts for your reference of some of the agencies that are available in our community to support us alongside our natural support networks within friends/ family/whanau and school support people. 

• What is important to us in life? Who can help? What do we need to be happy and well? 
• Thoughts catch them, check them, change them if needed
• Look out for one another, how are you getting on? How are you REALLY getting on? 
• 5 ways to well-being and other tools, Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active, sleep, movement, water, music, breathing, celebrating the small wins, be kind to yourself, be hopeful and choose faith over fear.

nga mihi Cath Bloxham Guidance Counsellor