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The CHIC Awareness Calendar gives a list of Events/Health dates, and is available to view, download or order. Some upcoming awareness dates are featured below.
The 2010 edition of the Awareness Calendar is now available.
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September
World Suicide Prevention Day this year, 10 September, has the theme ‘Many Faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention across the world’. The World Health Organization (WHO) says while there are significant differences in the profiles and circumstances of suicidal individuals in different parts of the world, it is clear that the experience of ‘connectedness’ is important in the mental health of all people. But how can we best connect with each other in a world that appears so disconnected?
Suicide and suicidal behaviour is a major social and health issue in New Zealand. Every year approximately 500 people die by suicide and each suicide has a profound impact on friends, family, whānau, and often whole communities. Having suicidal thoughts is not uncommon. Lots of people have had suicidal thoughts and worked through them. Although it may be hard, asking for help is the most important thing to do. There are people who are willing, able and available to help - to both those contemplating suicide and their friends, families and loved ones.
For more information and a list of helpful links, visit the Suicide Prevention Information NZ website.
Blue September
 Every year about close to 600 men in New Zealand die of Prostate Cancer. Fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers. Gone!
This happens because men don’t talk to their doctor about their prostate or what they need to do to take care of it - this has to change!
Blue September is about getting the word out about prostate cancer and raising money to support ongoing awareness, research and support of sufferers.
If you paint your face blue, donate money to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or even pass the message on to a man in your life, you will be directly helping to lower the death rate and reduce the suffering from this disease.
The death rate can be halved by:
- Men taking responsibility for their health
- Having regular health and prostate checks at least from age 40
- Early detection!
- Early treatment!
For more information, visit the Blue September website.
Mental Health Awareness Week 4-10 October
 Over the last century or more, the focus on mental health in society has been on mental disorders, and either treating or preventing them. So much so that most people think about mental health only as a problem or something negative.
There are also many more stressors on mental health today generally relating to increased pace and complexity of life.
Flourishing is a measure of mental health that has been developed within the last decade and can be used to determine the level of positive mental health in populations. When someone is flourishing they experience, most of the time, positive emotions, positive interest and engagement with world around them, and meaning and purpose in their lives. Evidence suggests that people who are flourishing are less at risk of physical and mental health problems and have better social relationships.
Flourishing is about focusing on the good things in life. It’s about the things we aspire to, both as individuals and as members of a wider community.
In Aotearoa/New Zealand we believe –
- EveryBODY has the right to participate and flourish in their community.
- EveryBODY can contribute towards creating a flourishing community.
- EveryBODY has the potential to feel good and function well.
For more information and to order resources, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
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