• “Simple messages, with long-lasting impressions”: Three Hawke’s Bay women launch mental health initiative

“Simple messages, with long-lasting impressions”: Three Hawke’s Bay women launch mental health initiative

Three young Hawke’s Bay women – united by their personal struggles with mental health – have launched a non-profit initiative that aims to help others access the same level of help they have benefited from.

E tū Stand Up is the brainchild of Jody Ferrick, and sisters Shannon and Alannah Grant.

Together, they create t-shirts with positive messages and donate all proceeds to the I am Hope charity, which provides free mental health counselling for those aged 15-24-years-old – New Zealand’s highest suicide group.

It is straightforward - simple messages, with long-lasting impressions; ‘It’s okay not to be okay’, ‘You have purpose’, and ‘It’s not weak to speak’.

“Personally, each of us three have our own battles with mental health. At times it is something we really struggle with. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to fall back on the luxury of talking to our counsellors,” Jody said.

“We created our brand because we believe that it is time for Aotearoa, New Zealand to finally E tū Stand Up against mental health.”

Both Shannon and Alannah whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu, and as an early childhood teacher, Jody is passionate about “bi-cultural inclusiveness”.

“We use te Reo Māori in our everyday language with each other, so we thought why not use that in our brand.”

And their cause has already resonated with people. Since beginning their venture towards the end of January, they have sold just under 100 t-shirts and raised $1000, excluding costs.  

As a not-for-profit, their items can be purchased on a pre-order basis, and all shirts are printed locally in Hawke’s Bay.

Shannon, a mental health nurse by training, says the response has been “overwhelming” and shows just how needed it is.

“Wearing our clothing in your everyday life shows you’re standing up to the stigmas of mental health. Normalising it Not only are you spreading the important, life-changing messages within your communities, but you are also donating.”

The trio, who now live together, says 2020 was a “rough year”. Alannah was forced home due to the global pandemic, Jody and Shannon lost their flat due to Napier’s November floods.

In general, their mental health was “not in the best shape,” and the added factors made matters even worse, and showed the importance of breaking down barriers.

Before going to counselling, Jody was “in the dark” about her mental health and did not understand it. While she had to go through a few counsellors to find the one that suited her, she quickly realised how important it was.

“I think it makes you think that the thoughts you think aren’t normal, actually are normal and that you are not alone.”

Having both run out of government allocated funding, Jody and Shannon have been forced to pay out of pocket to keep their counselling sessions going.

At a rate of $130 and $200 per hour, they understand they are in a “fortunate” position to be able to do so.

“We understand counselling isn't a luxury everyone has. Whether it be because of the stigmas around it or the cost. We endeavour for Etū Stand Up to breakdown these barriers.”

“It’s easy to just stop going because you can’t afford it, but then you’re burning the candle at both ends really,” Jody says.

They admit it was hard at first to publicly acknowledge their personal battles. But there have been no negatives.

“I think that’s why people are buying the t-shirts because everyone can relate to it in some way - they either know someone or have experienced it themselves.”  

It is no more personal to Jody, who has seen the tragic effects of what the illness can do to people. On November 24, 2020, she tragically lost her close friend Reid O’Leary to suicide, at just 21-years-old. 

“Being only 10 days apart in age, Reid and I grew up together in our hometown of Dannevirke. He was the brightest, happiest boy I knew that adored his close family and friends,” Jody said.

“His whānau refer to his death as a ‘silent suicide’, nobody ever knew he was suffering any form of mental health. The whānau are on a mission to never have Reid forgotten - for their story to be heard, with the hope of getting conversations around mental health flowing and stopping others from experiencing the drastic change that has changed their lives forever.”

They hope their “It’s not weak to speak” t-shirt will particularly resonate with males for whom the stigma associated with mental health is rife.

“Counselling is a necessity and people need it in their life,” Shannon said.

For more information and to purchase a t-shirt, visit: https://etustandup.com/

Where to get help:

  • 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
  • Youth services: (06) 3555 906
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633
  • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
  • Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
  • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
  • CASPER Suicide Prevention: http://www.casper.org.nz/
  • If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For more free local news head to www.hbapp.co.nz

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