Expo a boost for wellbeing and community connection

_{Angus Howat (right) catches up with Jen Shortley (left) and Grae Meek at the Rainbow Action stand}

An expo held as part of ‘Feel Good Fortnight’ at Ara Institute of Canterbury-Te Pūkenga has been an opportunity for diverse groups to promote the support services they offer – but also offer students opportunities to give back.

Various groups from within Ara-Te Pūkenga and the wider community were drawn to the lunchtime Volunteer and Wellness Expo held in the Rakaia Centre at the City campus this week.

Angus Howat, Manager Student Life, says it was a combined effort from his team, wellbeing advisors and event coordinators to highlight services that are easy to access and don’t have an impact on your pocket.

“We wanted to amplify the fact that we know being a student can be hard,” Howat says. “It’s good to know that if you’re seeking help, it doesn’t always have to come with a price tag.”

“We’re seeing students access information about anything from seeing a health professional to contacting a queer group or getting a haircut if you’re short of cash - as well services available in wider Christchurch too,” he says.

_{Barbering student Bex Pemberton styles Paulo Heather}

Certificate in Barbering student Bex Pemberton says the one-off opportunity to give free haircuts was both a great way to showcase her skills and fuel her enjoyment of giving back.

“A haircut is such a great way to get a lift, feel better and pampered without making major change to yourself physically,” Pemberton says.

‘Client’ student Paulo Heather agreed, saying the Wellbeing Expo trim gave him a boost and made him feel happy.

Jen Shortley who works in Customer Service at Ara-Te Pūkenga, and co-hosted the Rainbow Action Network stand, said it was important to have a presence.

“We’re a real case of ‘if you build it, they will come’ so it was great to be visible, see some new faces and be available to answer questions,” she says.

Outside of campus, various groups simply wanted the chance to spread the word about the range services they provide.

Northgate Community Services Trust Administrator Fiona Millar said they offer anything from social connection to technology support and community meals.

“It’s good to get our name out there so people can see what we offer and if they want to volunteer, they can contact us too,” Millar says.

Debbie Garraway, Social Connection Advisor for Age Concern said it was good to have the opportunity.

“Students have been expressing interest in finding out about our visiting and companion walking services for the elderly. It’s a good way for them to find out how they can contribute an hour here or there,” she says.

Ataahua Hepi was there to remind students about Youthline services but also open their arms to volunteers.

“We wanted to be here to interact with people, so they know who we are and what we are about,” Hepi says. “We know studying is hard and sometimes you need to offload your worries just for five minutes,” she says.

She had several students to follow up as potential volunteers but a key message for the wider community was that people who are older also have plenty to offer Youthline.

Howat was happy seeing the connections made.

“It’s great to see curiosity fostered among students about what is available to meet their needs or where they can help a little too,” he says.