Paddling their own canoes, and all for mental health

People  raise awareness about the benefits of water sports for mental health near Deborah Bay, in...
People raise awareness about the benefits of water sports for mental health near Deborah Bay, in Dunedin yesterday. Photo: supplied
Mental health awareness was spread across the water of Otago Harbour yesterday.

About 50 people, including Labour shadow health minister Dr David Clark and former Labour MP Marian Hobbs, took to the water between Careys Bay and Deborah Bay to raise awareness about the link between physical activity and good mental health.

Event organiser Craig Latta said the event was partially inspired by the "Nature is key" theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

"We all know someone who has mental health issues. Getting back to nature brings you back to the moment and that can be really good for mental health."

Dr Clark shared a double kayak with Ms Hobbs and other people used paddle boards, surf boards and Canadian canoes to travel between the bays. Mr Latta  hoped to hold the event again next year, with  more participants. 

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