Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Its Mental Health Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Ma te Korero, Te Ora – take time to korero’.

Particularly when we are more isolated than usual, take time to connect with your whanau and friends and create a space for mental health and well-being conversations.

We talked to Barney Koneferenisi who has jut returned from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games about the role that sport plays in maintaining mental wellbeing, and how Parafed Auckland has provided sporting opportunities that have positively influenced his mental well-being.

“Sport has changed my life. Meeting other people dealing with similar challenges has helped shift my mindset, give me a sense of independence and accomplishment. It also builds awareness of the importance of Mental Health and just asking, “are you ok”?

At Parafed Auckland we are proud to offer sport and physical activity programs that have a positive effect on our members. Whether it is competitive or just for fun, getting involved in our programmes will help build connections and positively impact your mental wellbeing.

By building connections with people, we open the door to empowerment.

Thanks barney for sharing your thoughts with us!