Powering up the Pacific mental health and addiction workforce

Le Va celebrated the achievements of 163 Pasifika mental health and addiction students this week, with 98 receiving their Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship awards in person in Manukau on 9 October.

Maria English, CEO of ImpactLab, addressed the students in her keynote speech, saying,

“When I look around this room, my eyes light up. When I see the people coming across the stage, I think about the hundreds, if not thousands, of people whose lives each of you scholars will positively impact.”

Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand have higher rates of mental illness and substance abuse than the general population, with lower rates of access to services and poorer health outcomes overall.

Le Va’s Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship, funded by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, aims to reverse this trend by supporting the development of the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce.

The Futures that Work programme offers more than just financial support – students receive mentoring, cultural and pastoral care, and help with identifying career pathways in the sector.

Le Va chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said to the students, “There is still much work to be done to address the disparities in mental health and addiction services for Pasifika. But with each of you here today, I am filled with hope.”