Jos Walks Te Ika-a-Māui

Kia ora kotou!

My name is Jos Williams. I’m a twenty three year old university student and a music teacher born and raised in Lower Hutt. At the end of this year I’m planning on walking the northern section of the Te Araroa trail, a 1700km long path that stretches from Cape Reinga to Wellington.

Like many young Kiwi, particularly men, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety throughout my life. Currently, there are more New Zealanders dying every year from suicide than motor accidents. Many young people I know have attempted, been affected by, or lost their lives to suicide.

On the front line of this mental health battle are vital community resources, like Vincent’s Art Workshop in Wellington.

Vincent’s is an absolutely essential community for so many people. It provides free art materials, cups of tea, and a home to some of Wellington’s most vulnerable members. It has been vital in my own mental health journey, allowing me to explore creatively, feel productive, and given me a reason to get myself out the door even on my worst days.

Vincent’s relies entirely on support from foundations and the public to operate. Every dollar donated is squeezed into paint, clay, sewing machines and sequins for beautiful and creative art projects. I’ve chosen to raise money for Vincent’s because I believe it represents exactly the way we need to confront New Zealand’s dire mental health crisis: with aroha, community, and a whole lot of air dry clay.

Please give as you feel called to :)