Mental health advocate Matt Chisholm Waimate bound
In a free public talk, television host and personality Matt Chisholm will speak to Waimate residents in a bid to spark more conversation around mental health and resilience in rural communities.
Hosted by the Waimate District Council, An Evening with Matt Chisholm will take place at the Waimate Regent Theatre on Wednesday 9 November from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Chisholm is best known as the host of reality television offerings such as Survivor New Zealand and Celebrity Treasure Island, while to others he might be remembered as a former host of TVNZ’s Sunday programme. Following his days in front of the camera, Chisholm has also become a pivotal figure in helping to raise awareness of mental health, putting his own troubles and tribulations in the public arena and sharing personal experiences in the hope of helping others.
As part of his visit next month, Chisholm will also carry out some internal sessions with Council staff, in a move to increase staff wellbeing and raise awareness around mental health.
Commenting on the event, Waimate District Council Regulatory and Compliance Group Manager Jonts McKerrow said it was important to acknowledge the adversity faced by all in recent years, with the sessions angled to help process the magnitude of the overall impact.
“(Listen), it’s been a tough couple of years for everyone and our staff are not immune to the same challenges. There’s been lockdowns, travel restrictions, illnesses, financial pressures with cost of living and just general COVID-19 disruptions to contend with, so it’s great to take a step back and acknowledge what we’ve all been through together,” McKerrow said.
“People deal with mental stresses in their own way, and I think the point that Matt gets across is that no matter what you are going through, please reach out and tell someone. It’s about normalising the conversation and helping everyone to feel comfortable in asking for help, or perhaps even just a friendly ear to listen.”
Chisholm, who is also a sheep and beef farmer in Central Otago, has previously documented his struggles with depression and alcoholism in his book, Imposter, and in recent months has released a new two-part television series, Man Enough – a documentary aimed to change the culture of Kiwi men bottling up their emotions.
Tickets for An Evening with Matt Chisholm can be secured online at https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-matt-chisholm, or collected from Council reception at 125 Queen Street, Waimate. Doors open at 6pm, with all attendees to be seated by 6.25pm.
*Please note, this is a free, but ticketed event – therefore bookings are essential. Please also note, some of the content discussed may be of a mature nature, parental discretion advised.
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