Supported by the Ministry of Health’s Suicide Prevention office, the Le Va Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund aims to empower Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide and to respond effectively if and when a suicide occurs. Director of the Suicide Prevention Office, Carla na Nagara, says the range of groups receiving funds highlights how widespread suicide is in our communities. A recent visit by the director to fund recipient Zeal NZ provided an opportunity to see the impact of that support at the grassroots level.
The Fund seeks to support Pasifika communities to effectively implement community-based suicide prevention initiatives so that families and communities are:
- strongly connected
- equipped with the skills to cope with distress
- actively building resilience and reducing the risks of suicide
- assisted in accessing support services and
- supported to build a strong cultural identity to enhance mental wellbeing
Le Va Chief Executive Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave says, “the objectives are to build resilience within our communities, so that they are able to identify when somebody might be at risk of suicide, and then respond in a really strength based and positive way”.
A recent article from the Pacific Media Network showcases fund recipient Love Somebody Charitable Trust that is currently developing videos of well-known celebrities speaking on topics relating to mental health.
‘E fofō e le alamea le alamea’
The solutions to preventing suicide within our Pasifika communities, lie within our Pasifika communities.
We are pleased to announce the names of the recipients of the Le Va Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
Le Va is administering the Fund on behalf of the Suicide Prevention Office to empower Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide. We received an overwhelming response from our Pasifika communities from all over the country, with applications totalling in excess of $9 million. With an exceptionally high calibre of applications that showed innovation and heart and a fund pool of close to $1 million, the selection process proved to be even more difficult.
With the support of an external panel we have narrowed our list of 2020 recipients to these18 applicants:
- Te Papalaulelei Youth – youth engaging workshops in the Porirua Tokelauan community that focuses on cultural identity, intergenerational engagement, mental wellbeing and resilience.
- Resonate – a creative arts project utilising contemporary and Pacific art forms to tell the story of a young Pasifika male’s experience with depression and anxiety.
- FAFSWAG Queer Indigenous Arts Collective – a digital resource by and for the rainbow community.
- South Waikato YMCA – a South Waikato Barber Chair programme targeting young men aged between 12 –18 years.
- Tongan Society South Canterbury Incorporated – a suite of hard copy and digital resources translated into Lea Fakatonga (Tongan language).
- Vaka Pasifika – a Tongan specific programme targeting Tongan men, focusing on healthy relationships.
- Waikato Pacific Youth Network – a series of youth events, including a youth Fono and sports day, in the Waikato region for Pasifika youth.
- Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust will deliver the AIGA programme, two classes per week for Pasifika youth in a boxing gym aligned to building resilience and self-confidence. The programme will assign Pasifika mentors to Pasifika youth.
- Du Val Foundation – a 30-day online programme for young Pasifika males.
- Tunuma Creatives – a Pacific Men’s digital portal, use recorded music and deliver workshops for Pacific men and assess their lifelong aspirations.
- NZ Rugby League – a wellbeing roadshow around the country to different rugby league districts, to deliver educational workshops alongside Le Va and develop champions.
- PHAB Association Incorporated – resources and workshops run by young people addressing suicidal ideation, cultural identity, and connection for Pasifika youth with disabilities.
- Feel Technologies – a digital app to support Pasifika wellbeing and suicide prevention.
- Zeal Education Trust – a range of theatre workshops, showcase events and mentoring sessions for Pasifika youth aged between 13 – 18 years.
- Love Somebody Charitable Trust – 10 digital resources showcasing Pasifika celebrities and influencers sharing key messages of hope along with workshops in small group sessions.
- Mission4 Men Charitable Trust – a holistic men’s programme targeted within the Palmerston North Samoan community.
- South Seas Healthcare Trust – a youth peer mentoring programme for Pasifika young people.
- Gateway Community Trust – a programme to enhance wellbeing through a family-led suicide prevention campaign, targeting families bereaved by suicide.
Watch this space as we profile each of these exciting projects over the coming weeks via our social media channels.
As more parts of life become heavily reliant on digital forms of communication, access to reliable and accurate information is crucial.
For Le Va CEO Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, tackling the digital divide is close to the NGO’s heart of leaving no-one behind and helping Pasifika families and communities unleash their full potential.
She said many Pasifika do not have access to the internet, data or smartphones. And it’s not just the elderly.
“During our first Covid-19 lockdown and changing alert levels, there was heightened anxiety, worry and fear gnawing at our people. That was exacerbated by the barriers we face in accessing up-to-date official information on what was happening, how to stay safe and where to get help.”
Gaps in digital access
With funding from the Ministry of Health, Le Va is collaborating with Pasifika community services to address the gaps to access, affordability and digital literacy.
In their dialogue with the community and local services, many who did have devices could not afford data or were on a plan that could not meet the needs of the family, particularly for education.
“The scale of the problem is staggering,” says Denise. “People found themselves shut in their homes, socially isolated and not knowing what was happening in the outside world.”
Collaborating with SWPICST
In partnership with South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust, Le Va’s Digital Inclusion programme was piloted at Tokoroa’s local library in December. Smartphones and tablets were provided to members of the community identified to be in need, and customised 10-week workshops helped those who had never used a device set up and go digital.
The results have been promising in addressing not just the digital but also the intergenerational divide.
“When I was asked to be part of the programme so that I can connect with our people, not just in Tokoroa, but right around the country, I was so happy!” says an elderly gentleman. “Pasifika culture is embedded in connectedness and community. We understand that many things can drive generations apart, but technology doesn’t have to be one of them,” Denise says.
What’s next?
Due to the overwhelming success of the programme, it is now being rolled out nationwide to rural areas with Pasifika communities.
‘E fofō e le alamea le alamea’
The solutions to preventing suicide within our Pasifika communities, lie within our Pasifika communities.
Le Va has been contracted by the Ministry of Health to deliver the Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund. The purpose of the Community Fund is to build the capacity of Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide and to respond effectively if and when a suicide occurs.
Le Va received a record number of applicants, with over 90 applications for community-based projects. Le Va is now proud to announce that we are able to confirm funding for 18 community projects, with a total value over $900,000. These projects reflect the vast diversity in both ethnicity and innovation in community-led solutions to preventing suicide. While a large proportion of the projects are based in the Auckland region, there are also a few projects based in other areas with large Pasifika populations such as the Waikato and Wellington regions, as well as some of our smaller cities such as Timaru and Tauranga.
The key objectives of the Community Fund are to support Pasifika families and communities to develop solutions to prevent suicide through:
• providing support to Pasifika families and communities that are experiencing suicide risk and/or are bereaved by suicide;
• prioritising population groups within our communities that are known to be at higher risk of suicidal distress;
• building inclusive communities and strengthening community resilience;
• encouraging a focus on mental health; and/or
• raising awareness about available support services.
We understand that different people with different levels of advantage require different approaches and resources to achieve equitable health outcomes. The funded projects are set to target priority groups such as youth, those bereaved by suicide or with lived experience, rural communities, LGBTQI+, and Pasifika males. Innovative approaches within these projects include sports, the creative arts, schools, churches, events and digital solutions.
We are extremely excited to see these projects unfold, so watch this space as we profile each of the 18 funded projects over the coming months, updating you all on their progress!
Le Va responded to the illegal gathering of Kava drinkers during lockdown alert level 4 in April 2020 by providing a digital means for Kava forums to continue via Zoom. This ensured maintaining cultural traditions safely while in the security of your own bubble. The account was live from the 18 April and data shown in the infographics are set from this date to 31 August 2020.
During this same period, Dr Sione Vaka developed a Tongan resource outlining clear rules and regulations regarding gatherings during lockdown L2 and L3, which was then shared throughout the Tongan community. Engagement and utilisation of digital platforms continue to grow especially during these times of uncertainty around lockdown alert levels.
You can also download these top tips as a PDF.
1. Make your own disinfectant cleaner
For a simple cleaner to wipe down household surfaces there’s no need to go out and buy fancy brands – especially when the supermarkets are out of stock!
Simply mix 10% Janola or other household bleach and 90% water into a spray bottle (very important: pour the bleach in first). Check out the full instructions.
2. Look at what financial support you might be entitled to
If you haven’t already, make sure you go to the Government’s COVID-19 website or contact their Helpline on 0800 779 997. There are several different types of financial support for people who are worried or struggling financially right now.
3. Cook creatively
There are lots of ways to save money in the kitchen. Try to plan your meals for the week and cook in bulk, this means fewer trips to the supermarket and is often cheaper. Or why not learn a new recipe? Try making your favourite takeaway at home, like this recipe for homemade KFC, which you can keep making as a cheaper alternative to the real thing even when takeaways reopen.
4. Get some free support with your mental health and wellbeing
There are several free options for talking to a trained counsellor at any time by phone, text or webchat. Try calling or texting 1737, calling Youthline on 0800 376 633, or try Aroha now Headstrong, a free chatbot to support young people’s wellbeing during COVID-19.
5. Free online fun
Getting bored of Netflix? Auckland Libraries have loads of eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and free movies to stream online. Just sign up for a free eMembership here.
6. Use the Wi-Fi
Many of us will be spending a lot of time online, and phone data can be expensive! Most Internet providers in New Zealand have lifted their limits on internet use, so make sure you connect your phone to Wi-Fi at home if you have it.
7. Save power
With all this extra time at home, power bills can shoot up. Take short (but thorough) showers, turn lights and power off in rooms you’re not using, and try blankets and warm clothes before turning on heaters.
8. Keep moving, stay healthy
Exercise is important for our physical and emotional wellbeing. Les Mills are showing daily free workouts on TVNZ, or there are lots of different free options online (like this free Zumba for kids). Try working out with your family at home, or video calling other family members and friends to join you as a great way to stay connected.
9. Know your rights
People may be struggling to pay rent and meet other financial obligations at the moment. Citizens Advice Bureau are providing free online and phone support for people needing advice and support. Call 0800 367 222 or go to www.cab.org.nz
10. Ask for help
If you’re struggling, ask for help. There are many charities and food banks that are still operating as essential services during lockdown. www.foodbank.co.nz has a list of food banks across New Zealand, and Auckland Council have a free service to deliver food parcels to those who need it. IMPORTANT: Do not just show up at a food bank, call ahead to check how to access support safely.
Download this as a PDF.
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