A healthy Expo for Cheviot

Having more wellbeing services available for more people, is the reason the Cheviot Wellbeing Expo is happening this month.

On October 10, a group of health providers will be offering their services at Cheviot Area School. The range is broad, including Community Wellbeing, Te Tai O Marokura, Waitahi Health, Pacifica Health Services (Tangata Atumotu Trust) and Smoke Free NZ.

It will take place from 3pm to 7pm.

Natalie Paterson, Together Hurunui and Welcoming Communities Facilitator at Hurunui District Council, said this expo is about closing the gap for public access to these providers.

“There is a growing population in Cheviot, particularly with Pacific migrants,” said Paterson.

Expo partakers will be able to chat to specialists about mental health, have their blood pressure taken, meet members of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, be able to get car seats safety checked, learn about acupuncture, and there will be some vaccination services available too.

Paterson said the support from the School, Waitahi Health, Smoke Free NZ and Cheviot Medical Centre has been a massive part of this.

“We couldn’t have done it without them.”

This Expo has received funding from Māori Public Health (Hapai Te Hauora), through an application for funding through the Health Centre’s Community Trust.

There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, free food thanks to Harris Meats and Cheviot Four Square, and prizes including double passes to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, and Town Hall Cinemas in Rangiora.

Paterson hopes there will be an opportunity to move this Expo around different parts of the District in the future.

Mayor Marie Black is looking forward to seeing what connections will be formed at the Expo, acknowledging that communities change over time, as do health needs.

“What a wonderful opportunity this is for Cheviot and Hurunui District, for some exposure around the range of health services there are available, literally on our doorstep.”