One Less Thing: Empowering Aotearoa One Mental Health First Aider in a Time
In an era where conversations around mental wellbeing are gaining momentum, One Less Thing stands out as a pioneer in Aotearoa, specialized in equipping individuals and workplaces with essential Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) skills. Based in New Zealand and licensed by Te Pou, this organisation offers a suite of programs tailored to diverse community needs
.
🌟 A Vision Rooted in Experience
Founded in 2012 by Vikki Paealiki—a former banker turned mental-health advocate—One Less Thing came to be from her personal journey through postnatal depression and her commitment to challenging stigma
. Armed with 25 years of corporate experience and lived mental health insights, Vikki channels her expertise into practical, compassionate training. Her goal is bold and clear: “to use a Mental Health First Aider in every single home and business within Aotearoa” .
Culturally Responsive and Evidence‑Based
One Less Thing’s MHFA courses are not just licensed—they are thoughtfully adapted to Aotearoa’s unique cultural tapestry. Trainers emphasize cultural responsiveness, offering engagement options aligned with Te Reo Māori, tikanga, and Pasifika worldviews
. This grounding in cultural safety transforms sessions into deeply meaningful experiences, allowing participants to understand with techniques most authentic for many years.
Certified by Te Pou and built around the 4th edition MHFA Aotearoa framework, the two-day in-person (or blended online) programs are anchored in international research and local application
. To try here , MHFA is taught in 24 countries worldwide, and Te Pou aims to practice 100,000 Mental Health First Aiders next decade. One Less Thing is front and centre with this national effort .
Practical Skills for Real‑World Impact
The MHFA course delivers concrete, structured training. Participants learn how to recognize indications of distress—like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis—and intervene utilizing an evidence-based plan of action known by the acronym ALGEE: Approach, Listen, Give reassurance/Information, Encourage specialist help, Encourage self‑help
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Beyond fundamentals, One Less Thing offers specialized modules: Youth MHFA, refresher sessions, and online workplace mental wellness workshops—including blended self‑directed e‑learning plus Zoom live interaction
Te Pou
. Pricing is transparent—public workshops will set you back NZD 495 + GST, with corporate packages tailored to suit workplace contexts
.
Knowledge Hub & Community Resources
One Less Thing doesn’t just train—it educates. Its Knowledge Hub offers e‑books, blog articles, informational flyers in multiple languages (including Samoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Farsi, Hindi, Māori, Arabic), and video content
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Recent blog entries include:
⚠️ “What is NSSI?”: explaining non‑suicidal self‑injury in youth—highlighting that as much as 25% of young people experience it
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📈 “Addressing Mental Health within the Workplace”: outlining guidelines to reduce stigma, absenteeism, and promote wellbeing .
📅 “Step into May”: spotlighting maternal mental health insurance the ALGEE framework
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Testimonials That Reflect Transformation
Clients consistently praise Vikki’s empathy, cultural competence, and engaging delivery. Feedback includes:
“Vikki truly is surely an amazing woman who consistently puts the requirements of others above her own…with a level of kindness and empathy many are only able to wish to.” – Dan Oatridge
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“The course itself will give you actionable things to do…able to make use of the tools…since with peers, relatives and buddies.” – Gareth Beck
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These affirmations underscore not only satisfied attendees, but empowered communities.
The One Less Thing Promise
One Less Thing is more when compared to a training provider—it is really a catalyst for cultural change. By weaving together personal story, cultural intelligence, evidence-based pedagogy, and practical tools, it not simply equips participants but also nurtures a nationwide shift in the way you respond to mental health crises. Every workshop completed, every ALGEE conversation started, becomes one less silent suffering, another hopeful outcome.
For anyone trying to uplift their whānau, workplace, or community, One Less Thing offers a compelling pathway—culturally responsive MHFA, guided by lived experience and grounded in solidarity. To learn more or book a session, the friendly team is available via the website chat or by calling Vikki directly at 021 028 54223