Mates4Life

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Mates4Life

Mates4Life is a free su***de prevention training programme for workplaces and organisations

12/12/2025

At Mates4Life, our mission is to build life-supporting organisations and communities across Hawke’s Bay by strengthening awareness, confidence, and connection around su***de prevention. We’re committed to empowering individuals with the tools and support they need to look out for one another.

Together, we aim to:
✅ Increase su***de awareness and deepen understanding of the challenges people may be facing.
✅ Provide practical training and resources so individuals feel confident to recognise signs of distress and ask the hard questions.
✅ Build strong networks across workplaces and communities that foster connection, support, and resilience.

To all organisations in the Hawke’s Bay region: We invite you to partner with us. Through collaboration, we can expand our reach, strengthen our local support systems, and create safer environments where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

By engaging in open kōrero and standing alongside each other, we can build a community where every person has access to the support they need - and where lives are protected through connection. 💚

09/12/2025

He taonga tuku iho — treasures passed down. 🌿

2024 marked the first year of celebrating Hawke’s Bay organisations as life-supporting entities. This Thursday, we are honoured to present handcrafted taonga created by local Māori artists Aaron Greaves and Tim Whaitiri Henderson, recognising the organisations that have completed the Mates4Life su***de prevention programme.

These taonga symbolise their commitment to fostering life-supporting workplaces, strengthening mental wellbeing, and raising awareness around su***de prevention within our communities.

Stay tuned as we celebrate the dedication of the 2025 organisations who continue to play an integral role in building life-supporting communities across Hawke’s Bay. 💚

03/12/2025

Happy Thursday, everyone!

As we edge closer to the weekend, it’s a great time to pause and check in with ourselves.

What’s one thing you’re planning to do this weekend to support your mental wellbeing?
Maybe you’re heading outdoors, catching up with someone who lifts you up, trying something creative, or simply giving yourself permission to rest - whatever it is, we’d love to hear it.

And here’s another thought:
What’s one small thing we can do within our workplaces - for our teams, colleagues, or employees - to support each other’s wellbeing?
A quick check-in, a shared coffee break, encouraging someone to log off on time, or even starting a conversation can make a real difference.

Remember, looking after ourselves and each other isn’t a luxury - it’s essential.

01/12/2025

Last Thursday, our team had the privilege of delivering a 1-hour Awareness session followed by Kai & Kōrero at Mitre10 Mega.

The feedback was incredibly encouraging - participants shared that the session was both informative and relatable, helping deepen their understanding of mental health. Out of 22 attendees, 21 left feeling confident to ask someone if they might be contemplating su***de, and all 22 gained a clearer understanding of the support and resources available for those impacted by su***de.
It’s a powerful reminder that su***de doesn’t discriminate - it touches every workplace and every community. By creating space for honest kōrero, we can break down stigma and build safer, more supportive environments.

A huge thank you to Mitre10 Mega for being such an important partner in this mahi. Your commitment to mental health awareness genuinely helps create stronger, safer spaces for everyone.

Together, we’re making a real difference. 💚

27/11/2025

🗣️ Every conversation matters. Learn how to make yours count.

At Mates4Life, we believe that meaningful conversations can be a powerful tool for connection and support. Whether it's checking in on a mate or discussing mental health, every word can make a difference. Let’s open up the conversation and empower one another to share our stories. 💚

If you’re looking for support or want to learn more about how to make your conversations count, visit our website at mates4life.org.nz!

24/11/2025

🌟 A moment worth celebrating! 🌟⁠
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Today we’re proud to recognise Tyson, who has been named one of NZ’s 2026 Tower Local Hero Medallists! 🏆⁠
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Tyson’s mahi - supporting mental health, leading with aroha, and lifting our community - truly embodies what it means to be a local hero. Through his leadership with Mates4Life, Tyson plays a crucial role in strengthening su***de prevention efforts across our region. Alongside this, his work with Lift is opening meaningful pathways for rangatahi, empowering them into fulfilling employment and self-employment opportunities. Together, these kaupapa reflect his deep commitment to the wellbeing and future of our people.⁠
Kia kaha, Tyson - you’re making a real difference, and we’re proud to be a part of your journey.⁠
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21/11/2025

🌟 Mates4Life Spotlight: Meet Misty! 🌟

Misty is one of our facilitators at Mates4Life, known for her loving energy, infectious laugh, and impactful role-plays in the one-day Safety-Aider programme (IYKYK). She’s also our in-house Te Reo teacher, sharing her language and tikanga with us all.

Q: What’s your role at Mates4Life and why is it meaningful to you?
🔹"This mahi is very meaningful to me because my whānau has been directly impacted by su***de. Through this mahi, I can help whānau who have lost loved ones to su***de."

Q: What’s one thing people might not know about you?
🔹"I will eat anything!"

Q: What inspires you to support wellbeing in our community?
🔹"My whānau and whakapapa inspire me to support wellbeing in our community."

Q: What’s your go-to tip for looking after your own wellbeing?
🔹"Say yes! Whether it’s a walk, a class, or trying new food, I say yes."

Misty reminds us that aroha, connection, and a willingness to try new things can make a big difference.
Ngā mihi, Misty!

17/11/2025

Last week, the team had a change of scenery, taking their mahi to the Waikato region, where we partnered with Permapine and Plunket to deliver our Connector Workshop.

This workshop trains individuals to be the link for those in need - enhancing their su***de prevention skills to recognise warning signs, respond with care, and connect people to safety systems if necessary.

A huge thank you to both organisations for their commitment to the well-being and mental health of their workers. Your dedication to creating a supportive and caring work environment makes a real difference.

At Mates4Life, we believe that strong workplaces start with strong connections. Together, we’re building resilient whānau and communities where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported.

👏 Ka aroha, ka whakapono, ka whāngai i te manaaki - Love, trust, and nurturing care are at the heart of all we do.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to wellbeing. Here’s to more moments of learning, connection, and support!

12/11/2025

November highlights men’s mental health in NZ - a time to raise awareness, break stigma, and support the men in our lives.

Mental health struggles are real - and talking about it can save lives.

How you can make a difference:
✅ Start the conversation - ask your mates how they’re really doing
✅ Get involved in Movember - grow a moustache, raise funds, and start talks about men’s health
✅ Build a support circle - check in, listen, and encourage seeking help
✅ Share stories - normalise mental health challenges and inspire others to speak up

Support our men — because mental health matters.

09/11/2025

Our Why at Mates4Life is simple but powerful:
To create a culture where looking out for each other isn’t optional - it’s just what we do.

Our purpose goes beyond training; it’s about saving lives, empowering communities, and giving people the confidence to step in when it matters most.

Every conversation, every connection, is a step toward preventing tragedy.

Together, we build resilient whānau and communities where no one is left alone.

That’s our purpose.
That’s our why.

06/11/2025

He mana tō te uara i te tono āwhina.

The strong are those who know when to lean on others.

03/11/2025

🌱 Become a Grower with Mates4Life! 🌱⁠
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Are you already a part of our Mates4Life programme and work in HR, H&S, Management, or Pastoral Care and are Ready to make a real difference in your organisations wellbeing?⁠
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Join our transformative 1-day Grower Workshop and gain the skills to support your team through healing and growth. 💚⁠
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✨ What you'll learn: ⁠
✅ Strategies to guide individuals towards recovery⁠
✅ How to empower themselves to manage and support employees returning to work after experiences with su***de or mental distress⁠
✅ Create a safe, supportive environment to support the individual⁠
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The best part, all Mates4Life programmes are delivered at no cost to your organisation.⁠
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Take the step to become a leader in workplace wellbeing. Learn, support, and grow together. ⁠
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🔗 Find out more .org.nz⁠
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Address

Napier

Telephone

+6421468611

Website

https://mates4life.org.nz/

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