Transforming Mental Health

Nicholas Cao, Clinical Lead at Le Va, spoke about the state and trends of Pasifika mental health and addiction (MHA) service delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand. Driving home the message of  health equity and accessibility, and the need to improve the representation of Pasifika within the workforce, Nicholas spoke about our Futures that Work scholarships programme to grow the size and skills of the MHA workforce. Together with Engaging Pasifika, Le Va’s cultural competency programme, health services that are connected through culture and care will improve the quality of services, resulting in better health outcomes for all.

Jim To’o Filiva’a Stretton, Project Coordinator for Le Va, spoke about Niu Wave, a youth specific programme that supports 240 school students with their mental health and wellbeing.  In partnership with the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, Le Va delivers a holistic wellbeing programme to students across Aotearoa New zealand who are studying STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Our Pasifika youth are being equipped with useful knowledge and skills to better navigate their world.

Jim and Nicholas were also honoured to be on a panel discussion alongside Dr Kiri Prentice, Consultant Psychiatrist, Te Whatu Ora Waitematā and Deputy Clinical Director Māori, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau, and Grace Ryu, Asian MHA Workstream Lead, Te Whatu Ora Waitematā. Together with other delegates they had the opportunity to discuss ways in which their practice can improve to support delivery of equity in the MHA system.