Hi everyone.
We began our meeting in a very special way this week as not only did we have Past District Governor Kevin Forgeson as our speaker, but we also had a visit from our current District Governor Bill Robinson. This was to present the club with a Citation for Annual giving for 2021-2022. As this one has taken a while to get to us, this was presented to Past President Robert Stuart.
This was followed up with District Governor Bill Robinson presenting President Jane Belton with a Bronze Award to the club for Foundation giving to End Polio Now.
Fantastic Effort Rotary Matamata.
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David Hulme then announce that our Good Sort for the week was our speaker Kevin Forgeson as he was a great example of Creating Hope in the World. Kevin was District Chair of Rotary Youth Exchange during Covid and had the mission of not only getting the exchange students that were here, home again, but getting our students back from the other side of the world also. This then followed on in his term as District Governor in having to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. He is truly deserving of the title "Good Sort".
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Rotary Foundation.
Over the next three Club Bulletins, our Foundation Committee will be highlighting Rotary Foundation.
This is the lead up to our Club Guest Speaker for Tuesday 26th March 2024, District 9930 Foundation Chair Ken Smith.
We should all know the seven Areas of Focus for Rotary Foundation. 1). Peacebuilding and conflict prevention: 2). Disease prevention and treatment: 3). Water, Sanitation and hygiene: 4).Maternal and child health: 5). Basic education and literacy: 6). Community Economic Development: 7). Protecting our Environment.
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Our speaker for this evening was Past District Governor Kevin Forgeson. Kevin came to speak to us about the importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing. 1 in 4 New Zealanders suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in their lifetime.
Kevin began by telling us that throughout his life and career, he suffered from a lack of confidence and anxiety. He said that he learnt that by talking about mental illness, you are making it easier for others to be open about their own struggles.
Life is becoming more stressful and everything is having to be done at a faster pace, but we need to ensure that rotary doesn’t increase our members stress. Rotary should not be stressful. We need sometimes to look after ourselves first because if we don’t then how can we help others. Don't feel guilty if you need to say no. Look after yourself.
Unfortunately, there is a social stigma relating to mental health and as leaders we have an opportunity and a responsibility to break down these barriers. Kevin encouraged us within our club to normalise talking about internal feelings, doubts and your capacity to take on new projects.
Kevin went on to say that unfortunately, not everyone has someone in their lives they they feel comfortable talking about mental health struggles with. In an ideal world, everyone would feel supported by someone else, however we know that this is not the case. If you are facing a mental struggles that persists, and you feel like you have no one to turn to, I can recommend contacting Anxiety NZ for mental health advice. Anxiety NZ runs a 24 hour, 7 day a week helpline catering to New Zealanders across all walks of life. Peer Support Groups are provided by Anxiety NZ free of charge as well as over the phone support.
If your issue is complex, Anxiety NZ can provide support and access to specialist mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, specialist general practitioners, psychologists and mental health clinicians.
I promoted this charity in my year as District Governor simple because they do fantastic work and there is a huge need for their service in our community. Sometimes taking to a non-judgemental in times of stress and crisis is a Godsend.
We sit here today, probably all adults, some of us retired and enjoying the Golden Years of our lives. However, there is a very important part of our society that I am yet to mention. These are our children, our young people, our Rangatahi.
We have an important mission to guide our children and young people and help them. We can see what they can’t. Below is an example of the many issues that our young people may face on any given day.
What is Gumboot Friday? Gumboot Friday is an initiative by the I Am Hope Foundation, a fundraising and advocacy organisation that supports young people who are struggling with their mental health.
Gumboot Friday gives young Kiwis, our precious Rangatahi, free and fast access to qualified counselling. This service relies on the continued generosity of many New Zealanders. They need our help, and we need theirs.
Gumboot Friday is a bi-annual event in New Zealand that raises funds to provide free counselling for kids in need. Every year on the 3rd of November, people all across New Zealand are encouraged to slip on their gumboots to start the conversation about young people's mental health.
Kevin finished by saying "Together, lets create a safe space for our members to reach out when things may be getting too much, and support them with our Rotary fellowship."
Thank you Kevin and your right hand helper Sophie. A fantastic presentation and we all need to be aware that we don't know what other people are going through. Everyone needs someone to talk to.
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