Free online tool to manage your wellbeing

Introducing Small Steps digital tools

We are excited to tell you about a new development in digital help-seeking in Aotearoa with the launch today of the first Small Steps tools.

Small Steps is a series of free digital self-help tools to support people to maintain or improve their wellbeing. They are free for anyone in Aotearoa who is struggling with their wellbeing, especially 19 to 35-year-olds, Māori and Pasifika.

Small Steps are locally developed tools to use for:

·       Self-help

·       Supporting friends and whānau

·       Social and mental health services when working with clients

Digital tools give people the choice to select what works for them out of a range of options. Small Steps includes:

·       Information

·       Tools

·       Additional resources

You can check out the Small Steps website or head to our campaign page for further information.

To stay in the loop you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Please feel free to share about Small Steps on your own social media channels—we’ve included three posts that are available on the campaign page. The beautiful illustrations are by Ezra Whittaker.

Small Steps has been developed in partnership with social enterprise Clearhead—the tools are a locally developed solution designed for people in Aotearoa. We will be constantly improving the platform as well as adding new tools so we encourage users to provide feedback and to keep checking in to see what’s new.

The initial six tools focus on positive thinking and mindfulness to manage stress or anxiety and help when you’re feeling down. They are deep breathing, active listening, mindful watching, identifying signals, reframing thoughts, and balancing mood.

They can be used as little or as often as people need—they don’t rely on ongoing use. And they are housed on a zero-rated website which means people don’t need data to use them.

The tools are available in English and te Reo Māori. We’ve worked hard to ensure the tools resonate with young Māori and Pasifika.

Small Steps are funded by the Ministry of Health as part of the government’s commitment to expanding the range of digital wellbeing solutions to give New Zealanders improved access to wellbeing support. We will keep you informed as new tools are released.

We hope you will share this information and the links widely across your networks.

The future of The Journal

The Journal was a visionary tool when it was developed over 10 years ago and is one of the most well-known and trusted platforms for digital help-seeking in Aotearoa. We are very aware that the tools we are launching today are built on that legacy. As part of this redesign, we will be discontinuing The Journal and gradually introducing this new range of digital wellbeing solutions. The Journal will still be available until 30 June 2021, with a cut-off for new enrolments in mid-May 2021. Clinical oversight for The Journal has been provided by Whakarongorau Aotearoa (previously Homecare Medical) and Te Hiringa Hauora is working with their clinicians on a strategy to support and transition users.