Latest news with #VoicesofHope
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Mental Health Charity Amplify The Voices Of 11 Inspiring Kiwis Through Innovative Audio-Visual Exhibition
Auckland, New Zealand — [4.7.25] — In collaboration with internationally-renowned director and photographer Tom Gould, Voices Of Hope are proud to announce, for the first time in Wellington, the launch of an innovative and insightful audio-visual exhibition - Behind the Smile, open from 11th July - 6th August. A striking photo and audio series, Behind the Smile profiles 11 everyday kiwis who have faced staggering mental health challenges throughout their lives. Transcending a traditional visual exhibition experience, this showcase is interactive and engaging. Guests are able to listen to each individual share stories about the challenges they've had to navigate via their mobile device while admiring the striking and contrasted profile imagery that adorns the gallery walls. The exhibition is a call for all kiwis to be more curious, empathetic, and in touch with our humanity - everyone has struggles you can't see - Behind the Smile. Voices Of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora is proud to extend the spotlight to a diverse range of individuals through Behind the Smile. 'We are on a mission to inform, empower, and spread hope to those struggling with mental health, by amplifying inspiring voices of lived experience. For this campaign, it was really important to us to share the stories of everyday kiwis, in the hope that audiences will be able to resonate, reflect, and leave the space feeling hopeful and inspired. We are excited to bring this to a new community where hopefully more people can be positively impacted' This passion project has been over a year in the making, with Gould and the team, travelling across Aotearoa visiting the 'happy place' of each person in an effort to capture their essence in its truest form. To anyone struggling, just know that you are not alone. It's not weak to speak. Olivia Kirikiri, Producer at Te Auaha says 'Te Auaha is immensely looking forward to hosting Voices of Hope and highlighting this important kaupapa. This exhibition is more than just art—it's a powerful conversation about mental health'. Voices Of Hope invites viewers to head to Te Auaha Gallery, 65 Dixon Street, Wellington to experience this creative work, and be both inspired and comforted by the bravery and vulnerability of each individual. To get the full immersive experience BYO device and headphones Voices of Hope Voices of Hope is a mental health charity co-founded by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, dedicated to sharing lived experience stories and promoting recovery. With a vision to support those facing mental health challenges, Voices of Hope creates spaces for open dialogue, empowerment, and connection. At Voices of Hope, we believe in the power of sharing your lived experience to create positive change. Our storytelling platform exists to bring better understanding of mental health challenges, promote help-seeking behaviours and useful resources, and ultimately spread hope. Voices of Hope (VoH), a mental health charity, was founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, individuals who have personally battled mental illness. Using their past experiences and their passion for content creation, they built a new narrative around mental health. Over the years, VoH has grown into a community of people around Aotearoa and the world, who contribute to the ever evolving mental health conversation. Our aim is to inspire and educate others, fostering empathy and understanding around mental health. Tom Gould Tom Gould is an award-winning director & photographer from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Gould's work has been published and exhibited at institutions globally, including MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) and the British Film Institute. He has also left his mark on the world of iconic brands, collaborating with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Nike, NBA, Timberland, Adidas and more. Te Auaha Gallery Te Kāhui Auaha is Whitireia & WelTec's creative campus that opened in 2018. Located right in the heart of Wellington City, on the corner of Cuba Street and Dixon Street, Te Kāhui Auaha facilities include two theatres, a 55 seater cinema, exhibition gallery and multiple performance & recording studios. Situated on the ground floor of Te Auaha with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Dixon street, the Gallery hosts a range of exhibitions from New Zealand and International artists and creatives. Event Details
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
World Record Breaking HIIT Class Set To Take Over Rolleston For Mental Health
A mammoth fitness event is set to put Rolleston on the map, as thousands of people come together to raise money for mental health. Foster Park will play host to HIIT for Hope in November this year - a mass-participation workout that aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class in a single venue. The current record of 3,804 participants was set by UK fitness coach Joe Wicks in London back in 2017, but organisers hope to bring together up to 10,000 participants, raising awareness on the positive impact exercise can have on our mental well-being. Inspired by his family's own mental health struggles, HIIT for Hope founder Jared Rogers says the event is about more than just fitness. 'It's about using the power of movement to connect people and accomplish something significant as a nation, all while raising crucial funds for mental health initiatives across New Zealand.' The event will be open to all ages and fitness levels, and participants are encouraged to take part not only to help break the record, but to experience how good exercise and a community driven event can make them feel both mentally and physically. 'The Guinness World Record criteria states that people just have to do their best. We know that looks different for everyone, so we'll make sure that there are exercise options for everyone.' 'We have one rule though, absolutely no burpies!' Backed by the Diamond Charitable Trust, HIIT for Hope has teamed up with Voices of Hope as the event's main charity partner. VoH co-founder Genevieve Mora says the charity is honoured to be involved. 'We know how beneficial movement can be for mental wellbeing, and we really believe in the power of community and connection; something this event is strongly aligned with.' 'As a small, non-government-funded charity, financial support is always a challenge. To have HIIT for Hope stand alongside us and back our vision means more than words can express. Together we are so much stronger!" The HIIT for Hope team have now set an ambitious target of raising $500,000 for mental health, with various fundraising avenues being utilised in the lead up to, and on the day of the event. 'We've engaged with many local businesses to raise funds through creative activations and events, as well as hosting a weekly donation-based group fitness class.' 'We've also launched a Give-A-Little page, where people can make small donations online.' More than just a workout While the group workout will be the headline attraction in November, attendees will also be able to watch members of the Police, Fire Service, Army and St John paramedics go head-to-head in a test of brains and brawn in the Frontline Games. Up to 200 local businesses will also showcase their products and services in a Business Hub Expo, and following the record attempt celebrations will continue with Rolleston's first-ever Food Festival on Tennyson Street. 'The aim is to create an immersive event and a full day out for participants, families, friends and businesses to connect and share their experiences all for a good cause.' Sign-ups now open With the date of the record attempt set for Saturday 29th November, Rogers says the focus now is about encouraging sign-ups and donations. 'People can still register on the day, but it would be incredible to see that number grow well before then. That's why we've decided to launch so far out.' 'Our message is clear - when people move together, great things happen. By bringing together thousands in one place for a common cause, HIIT for Hope promises to be a milestone moment for not just Rolleston, but for New Zealand, and for mental health advocacy across the country.' Registrations are now open. For more information or to sign up, visit About Diamond Charitable Trust: The Diamond Charitable Trust believes that thriving, connected communities are the foundation of true wellbeing. Founded in 2025 by Jared Rogers and Alan Farragher the trust aims to raise funds for other organisations and support in spreading the word through bold and creative fundraising methods. About Voices of Hope: Voices of Hope is a mental health charity driven by the power of lived experience storytelling. Founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, both of whom have faced their own battles with mental illness, Voices of Hope exists to empower, inspire, and remind people that it's not weak to speak. Through school talks, video campaigns, and a strong presence on social media, VoH reaches people across Aotearoa and beyond.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Voices of MND community take part in concert
A choir filled with people whose lives have been affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will take part in a concert to raise money and awareness of the condition. Voices of Hope choir were brought together by Mel Upton, who volunteers with the North Wiltshire Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) - a charity that supports those living with the disease and their families. Many had never sung before and Ms Upton coached them in 10 rehearsals ahead of their concert at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, at 18:30 BST. "I felt it was really important to raise awareness for MND and my skills are singing so I thought I could bring a big choir together," said Ms Upton. Mark Quantick, who is involved in the choir, said: "I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional." A former plumber, he began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work. "I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he said. Mr Quantick was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis. Ms Upton said she and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease. "The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she said. The choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones and friends of the MND Association. Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic. "I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet. "I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to." Mr Quantick's wife, Wendy, will be singing in the choir and has supported him throughout his diagnosis. "Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she said. Mrs Qunatick added the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional. "I think it's going to be tough," she said. "There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'Life-changing' research to help choking in MND Husband's death from MND inspires widow to publish book Swindon fan fundraises to return Darby shirt MND Association
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
MND community take part in Wiltshire fundraising concert
A man diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in a fundraising concert to raise money and awareness of the Quantick is a member of the Voices of Hope choir, which includes people who are either living with MND or have been affected by it. The concert, organised by Mel Upton - a volunteer with the North Wiltshire Group of the MND Association, will be held at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, starting at 18:30 BST."I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional," said Mr Quantick. Mr Quantick, a former plumber, began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work."I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease, and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis. Mel Upton, who formed the choir, said she wanted to use her passion for singing to raise awareness of and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease."The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones, and friends of the MND Association. They have prepared for the performance with just ten weeks of some choir members, this will be their first experience singing in public. Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic."I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet."I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to."Mr Qunatick's wife, Wendy, has supported him throughout his diagnosis."Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she Quantick will perform This Is Where You Ain't by Glenn Tilbrook - a song he says now reflects his life with wife, who will also be singing in the choir, said the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional."I think it's going to be tough," said Mrs Quantick."There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant."
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Researchers report that a dangerous drug adulterant has made its way to Kentucky. Local organizations partner with the University of Kentucky Harm Reduction Hub to collect used syringes for testing. A recent study shows that Bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS), a UV stabilizer, is being used to dilute fentanyl in Jefferson County. Read more of the latest Kentucky news This marks the first known detection of BTMPS being used in Kentucky, per a press release. 'Research indicates that BTMPS can lead to severe cardiotoxicity, ocular damage, and evensudden death,' Voices of Hope, a recovery organization, wrote. 'Adding to the concern, this compound has calcium channel-blocking properties that may complicate overdose reversal, making it imperative for medical professionals to be aware of this emerging threat.' BTMPS has been detected in nine locations across the nation, with the largest samples found in Los Angeles, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Out of 284 drug samples collected in the two cities, 98 tested positive for containing BTMPS. Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky Lexington business owner still considering run for US Senate 3 killed in Louisville drivers license branch shooting: 'No suspects' 'Most samples had more BTMPS than fentanyl by mass, with eight having no detectable fentanyl,' the study reads. 'Public safety is our top priority, and we urge anyone who may come into contact with illicitdrugs to recognize this growing risk,' said Jimmy Chadwell, Program Director at Voices ofHope. 'Individuals who use drugs should never do so alone and must exercise extracaution due to the presence of BTMPS in the drug supply. Education and awareness arecrucial in addressing the escalating dangers of drug adulteration.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
