Progress to Health

Navigating the Invisible Marathon 🥄🩹
​Stigma often tells us that if a struggle can’t be seen, it isn't real. Last week on Fighting Stigma, we dismantled that myth for the millions living with chronic conditions—from Long COVID and ME/CFS to Fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, and mental health challenges.
​We’re moving beyond "just feeling tired" to explore the biological and social reality of living with limited energy.

​In this episode:
✅ The Spoon Theory: A deep dive into Christine Miserandino’s narrative on how we budget our finite daily energy.
✅ The Science of the Crash: Understanding why "pushing through" is physically counterproductive for chronic illness recovery.
✅ The Pacing Masterclass: Practical tools like the 70% Rule and how to find your Energy Envelope.
✅ Supportive Tech: A breakdown of how tools like the Bearable app can help you track symptoms and fight medical gaslighting with data.
✅ Your Rights in Aotearoa: How to advocate for workplace accommodations under NZ law.

​It’s time to trade the "harden up" culture for a framework of sustainability and equity. Whether you are a "Spoonie" yourself or supporting someone who is, this is for you.

​📻 Tune in to Free FM 89.0 | Tuia Ngā Reo O Te Hapori https://www.freefm.org.nz/Programmes/Details.aspx?PID=2e215833-e6f0-43cc-bfa0-6f8ea50e8000
🤝 Proudly supported by Progress to Health – Communities without Barriers.
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Sky and Sarah recently attended a wellbeing expo at WITT, connecting with students and a wide range of services all focused on health and wellbeing.

From learning about support options to having real kōrero with providers, students had the chance to explore what’s available and find what might work for them. 💬💚

Events like this are a great reminder that support comes in many forms — and sometimes it starts with a simple conversation.

STOP TRYING TO CHANGE THE BEAR. CHANGE THE HABITAT. 🏔️️❄️️
​A polar bear isn’t "broken" because it can’t thrive in a desert—it’s just in the wrong environment.
​This week on Fighting Stigma, we’re diving into the 2026 evidence that’s finally shifting the dial for the 1 in 5 Kiwis who think differently. 🧠✨

We are celebrating Neurodiversity Awareness Week (even though it is one week later!)

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://accessmedia.nz/player?EID=29ace85d-f3fb-40a1-9952-7c805a7e3207&audioOnlyMode=true

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🌟 New Episode of Fighting Stigma Out Now 🌟

“I know what I need to do… so why can’t I just do it?” 🧠

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frozen by what seems like a simple task, this episode is for you. You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken — you may be experiencing executive dysfunction.

In our latest episode, Executive Function 101, Raissa breaks down the wall of shame and explores:
✨ What executive dysfunction actually is
✨ The interest-based nervous system
✨ Why novelty, urgency, or pressure sometimes make things suddenly “click”

Mā te kōrero, ka ora — through conversation, there is wellbeing. This episode invites understanding, compassion, and a reframe of how our brains really work.

🎙 Tune in to Fighting Stigma
📻 Thursdays at midday
🔁 Replays: Fridays 5:30am & Sundays 3:30pm (NZ time)
📻 89.0 FM Waikato-wide
📱 Ask your smart speaker to “play Free FM eighty-nine point zero”

🎧 Listen now:
https://accessmedia.nz/player?EID=d0f2f5dc-a092-4730-86d3-3bd898ef4490&audioOnlyMode=true

🎧 More episodes:
Free FM | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Painting Workshop – Hamilton Participants

We’re hosting a relaxed painting workshop for Hamilton participants who use Progress to Health or Aspire Whairoa services.

🗓 Friday 30 January
⏰ 1:00–3:30pm
📍 Rifle Range Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton

Come along and paint anything you like on a small canvas — no experience needed and all materials provided. Your artwork will be part of The Canvas Project Exhibition, supporting mental health in our community.

✨ Free to attend (for Progress to Health & Aspire Whairoa participants)

👉 To register, email:
[email protected]
or [email protected]

Please include your name, which service you access, and any support or accessibility needs.