PRESS RELEASE

A major campaign targeting depression among Maori men has gained funding from ASB Community Trust.

 

The Trust has approved a $213,000 grant to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), part of which will help fund the next stage of the Foundation’s depression awareness campaign, Out of the Blue/Kia Marama.

Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, Judi Clements, said: “We are keen to get the message to people that they are not alone in experiencing depression. Feeling able to talk about it is the first step and there are a range of treatments and support available. We particularly want to get this message to men, especially Maori men, as they are less likely to seek help.”

The Mental Health Foundation’s project is one of a number of health initiatives to receive ASB Trusts funding in the latest grants round.

Plans to set up an arthritis helpline also gained support, with $115,000 going to The Arthritis Foundation of NZ Inc - Auckland Division. The grant will also help cover the cost of this year’s Arthritis Expo, educational programmes and an awareness campaign targeting the Asian community.

The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation has been granted $213,400 for the fitout of new premises in Epsom, a $26,872 grant will help with running costs at the North Shore Multiple Sclerosis Society and North Shore Hospice Trust has been granted $65,671 to help maintain its services.

(ENDS)