'Time to go beyond just talking about mental health'
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says while people are opening about mental health, there’s still disproportionately high rates of suicide and depression in rural communities.
The carpet retailer has become a Gold partner of the Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation programme to help prioritise the respiratory health of all New Zealanders, making it the first South Island company to join the programme.
Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter says there is a critical need for education about the benefits of wool.
He says woollen carpets have an innate resistance to bacteria, mould, and dust mites, making it a better choice for those living with respiratory diseases.
“With one in seven Kiwis living with a respiratory condition in New Zealand – and with 3.2 people per home on average – then one in every three homes has a person with a respiratory condition,” McWhirter says.
“We also know that only one in ten houses in New Zealand are carpeted with wool so there is a clear gap that needs to be filled and we want to help do that.”
Partnering with the Foundation allows the company to share the benefits of woollen carpets with those who need them the most, he says.
“We want to be a part of a movement to help all Kiwis live in healthier homes and we hope we can do that by supporting the Foundation.”
Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, says Wools of New Zealand’s dedication to promoting respiratory health aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s vision of improving health outcomes for the 700,000 Kiwis living with respiratory diseases.
“We know that a warm, dry, healthy home is vital to respiratory health and reducing the number of doctor’s visits and hospitalisations,” Harding says.
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to create a healthier home for all New Zealanders,” she concludes.
