One Less Thing: Empowering Aotearoa One Mental Health First Aider at a Time
In an era where conversations around mental wellbeing are gaining momentum, One Less Thing shines as being a pioneer in Aotearoa, focused on equipping individuals and workplaces with essential Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) skills. Based in New Zealand and licensed by Te Pou, this organisation provides a suite of programs tailored to diverse community needs . 🌟 A Vision Rooted in Experience Founded in 2012 by Vikki Paealiki—a former banker turned mental-health advocate—One Less Thing was given birth to from her personal journey through postnatal depression and her commitment to challenging stigma . Armed with 25 years or so of corporate experience and lived mental health insights, Vikki channels her expertise into practical, compassionate training. Her goal is bold and clear: “to use a Mental Health First Aider in each and every home and business within Aotearoa” . Culturally Responsive and Evidence‑Based One Less Thing’s MHFA courses are not just licensed—they are thoughtfully adapted to Aotearoa’s unique cultural tapestry. Trainers emphasize cultural responsiveness, offering engagement options aligned with Te Reo Māori, tikanga, and Pasifika worldviews . This grounding in cultural safety transforms sessions into deeply meaningful experiences, allowing participants to find out in ways most authentic to them. Certified by Te Pou and built around the 4th edition MHFA Aotearoa framework, the two-day in-person (or blended online) programs are anchored in international research and local application . To date, MHFA is taught in 24 countries worldwide, and Te Pou aims to practice 100,000 Mental Health First Aiders within the next decade. One Less Thing is front and centre with this national effort . Practical Skills for Real‑World Impact The MHFA course delivers concrete, structured training. Participants learn to recognize signs and symptoms of distress—like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis—and intervene using an evidence-based plan of action known by the acronym ALGEE: Approach, Listen, Give reassurance/Information, Encourage a specialist, Encourage self‑help . Beyond look what i found , One Less Thing offers specialized modules: Youth MHFA, refresher sessions, and internet based workplace mental wellness workshops—including blended self‑directed e‑learning plus Zoom live interaction Te Pou . Pricing is transparent—public workshops cost NZD 495 + GST, with corporate packages tailored to match workplace contexts . Knowledge Hub & Community Resources One Less Thing doesn’t just train—it educates. Its Knowledge Hub offers e‑books, blog articles, informational flyers in multiple languages (including Samoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Farsi, Hindi, Māori, Arabic), and video content . Recent blog entries include: ⚠️ “What is NSSI?”: explaining non‑suicidal self‑injury in youth—highlighting that up to 25% of young people experience it . 📈 “Addressing Mental Health inside the Workplace”: outlining recommendations to relieve stigma, absenteeism, and promote wellbeing . 📅 “Step into May”: spotlighting maternal mental health insurance and the ALGEE framework . Testimonials That Reflect Transformation Clients consistently praise Vikki’s empathy, cultural competence, and engaging delivery. Feedback includes: “Vikki truly can be an amazing woman who consistently puts the requirements others above her own…with that kindness and empathy many can only aspire to.” – Dan Oatridge . “The course itself offers you actionable items to do…able to use the tools…since with peers, relatives and buddies.” – Gareth Beck . These affirmations underscore not simply satisfied attendees, but empowered communities. The One Less Thing Promise One Less Thing is a bit more than a training provider—it can be a catalyst for cultural change. By weaving together personal story, cultural intelligence, evidence-based pedagogy, and practical tools, it not merely equips participants but additionally nurtures a nationwide change in the way you react to mental health crises. Every workshop completed, every ALGEE conversation started, becomes one less silent suffering, an additional hopeful outcome. For anyone wanting to uplift their whānau, workplace, or community, One Less Thing offers a compelling pathway—culturally responsive MHFA, guided by lived experience and grounded in solidarity. To learn more or book a session, the friendly team is available via the website chat or by calling Vikki directly at 021 028 54223