28 Nov 2018

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Stress levels are falling in greater Christchurch and people are viewing life more positively, the latest wellbeing indicators show.

The Canterbury Wellbeing Index was released today by the Canterbury District Health Board. The index uses data from different local and national agencies, as well as the Canterbury Wellbeing Survey, to bring together information about wellbeing in Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District.

People's sense of wellbeing is on the rise in the greater Christchurch area.

“Overall the wellbeing of our community is in the best shape it has been since the earthquakes,’’ says Evon Currie, chair of the Greater Christchurch Psychological Governance Group.

“Eight in 10 greater Christchurch residents rate their quality of life positively, stress levels continue to fall, and the WHO-5 wellbeing scale is at its highest level since it was first measured in 2013.’’

Ms Currie says while wellbeing is improving for many, there are several groups within our community who continue to experience lower wellbeing. These groups include Māori, those on low incomes, and those with a disability or chronic health condition.

“Being able to live the type of life you value shouldn’t be the preserve of the wealthy or healthy. We need to do more to ensure that no one is left behind. That should be the ultimate measure of a successful community.’’

Ms Currie says that for the first time a question on loneliness was included in this year’s survey.

“It’s no surprise that people who are lonely also experience lower levels of wellbeing. What was surprising was the degree of loneliness experienced by young Cantabrians. Nearly 15 per cent of 18-24 year olds feel lonely or isolated always or most of the time, compared with less than 4 per cent of those over 50.

“I’m interested in digging deeper into the issue of loneliness to determine whether government agencies and our communities need to be playing more of a role in encouraging connections and a sense of belonging, especially for our young people,’’ Ms Currie says.

The Canterbury Wellbeing Index and a link to the full findings of the Canterbury Wellbeing Survey can be found at www.canterburywellbeing.org.nz.