Style: July 01, 2022

STAYING WELL
THIS WINTER
“During the winter months, it’s easy for people’s
mental and physical health to suffer, and this
winter seems to be increasingly stressful,” says
Pegasus Health Partnership Community Worker
(PCW) Chrissie Robertson.
PCWs like Chrissie are based in community
organisations and work with people to help them
overcome barriers in accessing healthcare.
“We (PCWs) work hard to make sure people know
about and have access to the healthcare services
they need. We want to empower people to manage
their own health and wellbeing, but often they
don’t know what is available or how to get help, so
that’s part of what we do,” Chrissie says.
Chrissie is based at the Aranui Community
Trust Incorporated Society (A.C.T.I.S). A.C.T.I.S
manager, Rachael Fonotia, says a key focus for the
trust is ensuring its community has good access to
healthcare services.
“In partnership with Pegasus Health we can
support our people to sort a plan for what they
need. A lot of mahi goes into getting them linked
into the health and wellbeing services, such as
getting them enrolled with a GP. We want our
people to be seen at the top of the cliff not the
bottom, when they end up in ED,’’ Rachel says.
“Any time of the year, our people need safe,
dry, warm homes. In winter, this becomes even
more crucial because without these basics their
health, mental health and wellbeing can be badly
impacted,” she says.
It can be hard to maintain good health and wellbeing
during winter. This winter, COVID and other viruses
such as the flu are in our community. Pegasus Health
– and your local general practice – can help you
access services to stay well, or get help if you are
unwell, this winter.
VISIT YOUR GP FOR:
Vaccinations, including COVID-19, influenza and childhood
immunisations.
Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are
based in many GPs to provide free health, mental health and
wellbeing support.
Brief Intervention Talking Therapy (BITT) counselling sessions.
OTHER AFTER HOURS HEALTH CARE: & WELLBEING SUPPORT:
Before you leave home, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for
24 Hour Surgery: Urgent after hours care.
advice on what care you need.
Healthline 0800 611 116: General health advice and information.
If you don’t need to come to after hours, please make an
Need appointment to talk? 1737: to see One-on-one your GP. counselling via text or phone.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Pegasus Health Partnership Community Workers (PCWs) are
available through the following agencies:
He Waka Tapu
Te Ora Hau
Linwood Avenue Community
Corner Trust
Christchurch City Mission
Tangata Atumotu Trust
Christchurch Resettlement
Services
Christchurch Methodist
Mission
Presbyterian Support
Aranui Community Trust
Incorporated Society