Business North Harbour members gathered yesterday afternoon for another successful Networking & Nibbles, this time hosted by the team at Hearts & Minds, where meaningful business connections met an equally meaningful community cause.
After an hour of networking, attendees heard from Brenden Rolston, a member of the Hearts & Minds governance board, who shared the inspiring story and mahi behind the organisation and the vital role it plays in supporting mental wellbeing across the North Shore, Rodney and Waitematā in Tamaki Makaurau.
Celebrating 45 years of service, Hearts & Minds specialises in supporting people experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety and trauma. Rather than focusing solely on mental health, the organisation takes a holistic approach, considering each person’s social connections, physical wellbeing, family circumstances and financial situation to provide personalised support.
Each year, Hearts & Minds connects with around 15,000 people, helping them access the services they need. One of its key offerings is a Health Navigation Directory, linking people with more than 480 low-cost and no-cost mental health providers throughout the region. Demand for the service continues to grow, increasing by 24 per cent over the past year.
The organisation also provides wellbeing group sessions, practical mental health resources, and an expanding one-on-one counselling service. Brenden explained that the individual counselling programme was introduced after recognising that many men were less likely to seek support through traditional services. Today, around 30 per cent of those accessing the programme are men, with further growth planned in the coming years.
As a registered charity, Hearts & Minds relies on grants, donations and community support to continue its work. Brenden also highlighted the power of networking, sharing that a previous Business North Harbour networking event directly led to the funding of a new consultation room after conversations with local businesses sparked valuable partnerships.
“Our team attended a networking event a few months ago and spoke about our goal of fundraising for a consultation room,” he said. “Through the relationships built at that event, all the funding came together. It really shows the power of networking and what can happen when businesses connect.”
An exciting announcement was also made by Brenden that in September, Hearts & Minds will be opening up a supporter programme so businesses can work more closely with them.
The afternoon also featured Business North Harbour’s popular 60-second-quick-fire member introductions, with Jacqui Cheal from Marsden Suites Albany Hotel, Riz Khan from DFK ORB360 and Sateki Raass from Pasifika Consulting Ltd sharing quick insights into their businesses.
With great conversations, new connections and an inspiring reminder of the positive impact local businesses can have, the event demonstrated once again that Business North Harbour networking is about far more than exchanging business cards; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community.
You can find Hearts & Minds at 90 Rosedale rd, Rosedale, Auckland – https://www.heartsandminds.org.nz/
