Health Promotion

The Health Promotion team aims to enable people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. It moves beyond a focus on individual behaviours towards a wide range of social and environmental interventions.  We focus on environments where we live, learn, work and play and work with whānau, hapū, iwi, consumers, and other groups within our community.  We work with primary care relevant public health service providers and regional public health units to plan and deliver health promotion programmes. Programmes are consistent with population health objectives at national, regional and local levels.

Our key focuses areas include:

• Mental Wellbeing
• Equity
• Breastfeeding/First 1000 days
• Recovery and Health in all Policies

Mental Health 

Books on Prescription is a collection of high quality and professionally reviewed books, apps, videos, and podcasts, to help you and your whānau understand, manage, and improve your mental wellbeing.

Topics include depression, stress, anxiety, wellness, diabetes and more.

Books on Prescription is available at your local library or if reading is not for you, visit the website www.booksonprescription.co.nz  for recommended apps, videos, and podcasts.

Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding Support Otago & Southland

Click here to find out about some common breastfeeding concerns.

Are you pregnant? Already breastfeeding a child of any age? Peer Supporters with a special interest in breastfeeding are available to support you with your parenting journey.

Peer Supporters:

• A free service, available at any time – during pregnancy, after birth, when returning to work, or during the weaning stages

• Complete training on the normal course of breastfeeding and communication skills

• Provide non-judgemental breastfeeding support, help mothers and whānau overcome common barriers and challenges

• Support can include: one-to-one, phone, text, email, informal group drop-in sessions, or home visits.

To find a Peer Supporter near you visit our website. 

Breastfeeding Peer Support Drop-in Sessions

Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes

Pregnant? Come to our FREE antenatal class to learn about Breastfeeding 

Gain confidence with breastfeeding through a one-off group session, share knowledge with your whanau and find out where to get more support before and after birth. Expectant mums and partners, support people and whanau are all encouraged to attend. Morning teas and helpful resources are provided free.

When: 9am -12.30pm, last Saturday of the month

Where: The Valley Project Hub (Fred Hollows Meeting Room), 262 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin 

Visit for more information or to enrol

Email: breastfeedingclass@thebreastroom.org 

Text: 021 260 4678

Find more breastfeeding support information here

2021 Dates:

 BURP 

Find breastfeeding friendly public places in Otago & Southland 

BURP is a free to download app that directs you to breastfeeding friendly public places (restaurants, cafes, museums, pools etc.) in Otago and Southland. It also lets you know if they have other child-friendly facilities available, such as play areas or high chairs – so it is useful for the whole whānau!

Visit: www.burpapp.co.nz or download for free on GooglePlay and the App Store.

Feed Safe: Handy information on breastfeeding and alcohol, right in your pocket 

Can I have a drink while I'm breastfeeding? Should I "pump and dump"? How does alcohol affect breastmilk? How long should I wait after having a drink, before breastfeeding?

The FREE Feed Safe smart phone App answers these and many more questions relating to breastfeeding and alcohol. Learn more download for free on GooglePlay and the App Store.

Nutrition 

WellSouth’s Low-Cost Food & Transport Maps are online resources showing basic information of services and groups offering affordable food and transport options in our local communities. Each map features a range of categories such as Community Foodbanks, Produce Boxes & Bags, Free Water Refills, Community Gardens & Orchards, Transportation Services and Community Food & Meal Services.

Updated maps for both wider Dunedin and Invercargill City are now live for your use, with the intention of creating additional maps for other Southern locations. Click HERE for more information and to view maps.

Contact us:

Email: health.promotion@wellsouth.org.nz 

Phone: 03 477 1163.