Waiariki Whānau Mentoring is bringing people together for Mental Health Awareness Week, with three days of free activities at Wharaurangi (The Gap) in Whakatāne.

Activities began yesterday and the team will be back there today and tomorrow between 9.30am and 2pm, offering free health checks, mirimiri, live music, colouring-in activities and corn fritters and cheese toast sandwiches.

The Green chair, previously featured in the Beacon for its role in promoting safe spaces and open conversations, is also back at the event, providing a welcoming place for people to sit and connect.

Visitors can have their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked, enter free raffles and sign up to the organisation’s social supermarket.

Singer Jono will perform from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

The kaupapa for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is belonging, encouraging people to connect with whānau and their wider community.

The event is free and open to everyone.