Employment is a health intervention

According to international research, employment can have a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health - it can reverse the negative effects of unemployment.

Top 8 cross-cultural strategies for business

  Published: 02 May 2013 by Monique Faleafa

Le Va recently had the opportunity to add our perspective to a breakfast where business leaders heard how cross-cultural engagement can help gain a competitive edge.

Peer support

Peer support work in the mental health and/or addiction workforce is provided with purpose and in context. Peer support workers are trained to support people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues towards wellbeing.

New model specific to Pacific mentoring

  Published: 16 April 2013 by Le Va

A new Pacific-specific model of mentoring and coaching was launched at the Le Va Mental Health and Addictions Scholarship dinner on 15 April 2013.

Pacific skills strengthened - Le Va scholarships

  Published: 17 April 2013 by Monique Faleafa

More Pacific mental health and addiction sector workers will further their training after scholarships were awarded on Friday.

Pacific disability leader attends regional conference

  Published: 22 April 2013 by Le Va

Faiva Ora Leadership Group member Latoa Halatau recently travelled to New Caledonia for the Pacific Disability Forum’s (PDF) Pacific Regional Conference on Disability on 8-12 April 2013.

Engaging Pasifika hits the deep south

  Published: 22 April 2013 by Abba Fidow

The Engaging Pasifika programme went further than it had ever gone before when it was delivered to an enthusiastic group of nearly 60 people in Invercargill on 17 April.

Mental distress affects one in 10 Pacific adults

  Published: 22 April 2013 by Le Va

The Ministry of Health recently released a brief summary which presents key findings about the health and wellbeing of Pacific adults and children in 2011-12.

Sharing innovation and improving services internationally

  Published: 25 March 2013 by Robyn Shearer

IIMHL and IIDL exchange and network meetings have contributed to increased sharing and implementation of innovation, resulting in better outcomes for people using services. Some really amazing and valuable innovations have been shared.

Robert Muller appointed GM of Family Life Education Pasifika

  Published: 28 March 2013 by Le Va

The FLEP Trust Board and Dr Monique Faleafa are pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Muller to the role of General Manager of Family Life Education Trust (FLEP).

Le Tautua emerging leaders first 2013 workshop

  Published: 26 March 2013 by Esther Faitala

It was an exciting start to the programme for the 2013 Le Tautua emerging leaders cohort.

Supporting an inclusive society

A Polyfest award - Te Urunga - acknowledges a school from each stage at Polyfest for demonstrating inclusive practice.

Conference focuses on use of technology

  Published: 28 March 2013 by Monique Faleafa

Co-presenting with global leader in cultural competency Harvard Professor Joseph Betancourt was the experience of a lifetime.

Responding to national and regional needs

  Published: 07 February 2013 by Robyn Shearer

Te Pou is delighted to be working on a three year work plan with Te Rau Matatini and the Werry Centre.

Pacific Homecare investing in Pacific workforce

Just before the Christmas break Le Va had the pleasure of attending the graduation of staff at Pacific Homecare Trust.

More on shaping the future of disability support services for Pacific people

We are excited to congratulate Fatima Akehurst for her recent appointment to the Choice in Community Living reference group.

Feedback from Engaging Pasifika workshops

  Published: 11 December 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Our EP Live workshop in Christchurch on 24 October had a good outcome with 94 per cent of participants either moderately or strongly agreeing with the statement "Overall, I thought the workshop was excellent".

Shaping the future of disability services

  Published: 10 December 2012 by Monique Faleafa

We are delighted to announce that two members of the Faiva Ora National Leadership Group are now advising on significant national projects which will shape the future of disability support services.

Addiction treatment leadership day

As a relative newbie to the addictions sector, I attended my first sector leadership day recently and it was truly an eye opener for this novice.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season

  Published: 21 December 2012 by Robyn Shearer

2012 has been a year of hard work and achievement across the mental health, addiction and disability sectors.

Le Va contributes to diversity in New Zealand

  Published: 01 November 2012 by Le Va

Le Va’s Engaging Pasifika (EP) programme has recently been awarded an acknowledgement from the Human Rights Commission.
 

Pacific identity and wellbeing in New Zealand

How do you feel about your Pacific identity and wellbeing? If you identify as someone from a Pacific nation you are invited to take part in a survey which will contribute to a PhD thesis. Everyone who completes the study will be entered into a prize draw for $250 of grocery vouchers.

Delivering on our promise

  Published: 05 October 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Two main outcomes from our GPS 2012: national fono in April this year saw our Pacific mental health, addictions, disabilities and other social sectors agree that in order to grow Pacific solutions for our families, we need to enforce that culture is key to integrated solutions and strengthen collective activity across sectors for better outcomes.
 

Ministry of Education endorses Le Va programme

  Published: 02 October 2012 by Le Va

Connecting culture and care in our services results in better engagement with Pacific people. This is the key principle behind Le Va’s Engaging Pasifika cultural competency programme.

Nurse practitioners making a difference for people with mental health issues

The landscape of the mental health and addiction workforce continues to evolve as existing roles expand and new roles develop.

Engaging Pasifika in Christchurch

On Wednesday 24 October the Le Va team delivered EP Live to services in the Christchurch region.

Skills Matter: Supporting mental health and addiction professionals

Postgraduate study is a crucial part of developing a skilled, knowledgeable and effective workforce. It supports people to think and reflect critically, to respond to change and make decisions informed by evidence-based best practice.

Enhancing cultural responsiveness

  Published: 09 August 2012 by Monique Faleafa

At the same time that we grow the skills and knowledge of the Pacific workforce, a major focus for Le Va is to enhance the responsiveness of services so that Pacific families are accessing quality care.

Supporting evidence-based practice

  Published: 16 August 2012 by Robyn Shearer

I recently had the pleasure of attending Southland DHB's launch of its 100 day mental health and addiction strategic plan. I was asked about Te Pou's role in supporting evidence-based practice. We have a number of mechanisms to do this.

Matua Raki joins Te Pou

  Published: 05 July 2012 by Robyn Shearer

This week is a new beginning for Te Pou and Matua Raki as we've now formally merged. Monday was our first official day of working as one and Matua Raki is now based at our Tory Street office in Wellington.

GPS 2012 conference outcomes

  Published: 20 July 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Thank you for supporting GPS:2012! Around 350 delegates attended the fono in April 2012 in Auckland. Celebrating ‘what works’ for Pacific families and providing the opportunity for new thinking and innovative partnerships across artificial boundaries has become a realistic goal after GPS 2012.

Working for you

  Published: 14 June 2012 by Monique Faleafa

The last three months have been a period of action and outcomes as we work alongside our Pacific communities.

Workforce the key to using information well

  Published: 10 May 2012 by Robyn Shearer

Te Pou has a long history in outcomes measurement, development and, most importantly, the utility of good information to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Talking therapies a core component of service delivery

  Published: 25 May 2012 by Robyn Shearer

Talking (or psychological) therapies are a core component of mental health and addictions service delivery.

Pacific scholarships and awards address health workforce shortages

  Published: 03 April 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Nearly $1.7 million will be awarded to more than 220 Pacific people who have chosen to study a health related qualification in 2012.

Successful first day at GPS conference

  Published: 04 April 2012 by Le Va

Yesterday morning saw a ‘full house’ at Waipuna Conference Centre, with more than 300 people coming together for the GPS Growing Pacific Solutions for our families conference, organised by Le Va.

Culture the key to growing Pacific solutions

  Published: 22 April 2012 by Le Va

The GPS 2012 - Growing Pacific Solutions for our families fono held in Auckland earlier this month brought together over 300 delegates from the health, social services and disability sector for the first inter-sectoral Pacific gathering this year.

Launch of the Le Va Pacific disability cultural competency training programme

  Published: 22 April 2012 by Le Va

The launch of Le Va’s Pacific Disability Cultural Competency Training Programme at the GPS 2012 fono marks an important milestone in the development of Pacific cultural competency training as an effective tool in supporting non-Pacific people to better engage and respond to the needs of Pacific peoples.

Forging collaborative partnerships across sectors

  Published: 24 April 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Earlier this month the GPS 2012: Growing Pacific Solutions for our families national fono brought our Pacific communities and mental health, addictions, disabilities and other social sectors together, to work across boundaries on common issues and share innovation.

Working together effectively

  Published: 27 April 2012 by Robyn Shearer

It has been a great journey working in partnership with Matua Raki and the Werry Centre to bring together work supporting services in managing co-existing mental health and addiction disorders.

Working with you

  Published: 15 March 2012 by Robyn Shearer

Last year Te Pou made changes to the way it works with organisations on workforce and service development.

Pacific health issues under spotlight

  Published: 20 March 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Multiple agencies will meet in Auckland in early April for the first ever conference aimed specifically at addressing mental health, addiction and disability issues within New Zealand’s Pacific community.

Training aims to improve Pacific health

  Published: 30 March 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Health and disability professionals will soon be able to gain a better cultural understanding of Pacific peoples via New Zealand’s first ever online cultural training programme.

Bridging gaps for the Pacific disability sector

  Published: 22 February 2012 by Le Va

Pati Umaga, a poor humble Samoan boy from Wainuiomata is a man on a mission. "My vision for disabled Pacific people is that they build strong relationships with others and feel a part of the community. Our people are standoffish with service providers. It only takes one bad experience to turn them off. We want to access the world and contribute."

GPS 2012 - Growing Pacific Solutions for our families

  Published: 22 February 2012 by Le Va

Sector expectation is growing with just over five weeks until Le Va’s inaugural GPS 2012 national fono with key partners.

Supporting innovative practices

  Published: 19 January 2012 by Robyn Shearer

This year is set to bring more challenges within a tighter financial environment and high expectations to deliver even better services. This environment provides the opportunity to support innovative practice and strong partnerships.

Growing Pacific Solutions

  Published: 19 January 2012 by Monique Faleafa

Over the last four years Le Va’s portfolio has expanded to include Pacific workforce development initiatives and national coordination services in Pacific mental health, disability support, general health and addictions.

The challenges and successes of the past 12 months

  Published: 08 December 2011 by Robyn Shearer

As the year draws to an end I’ve been reflecting on the challenges and successes of the past 12 months.

Reflecting on our disability work

  Published: 01 December 2011 by Robyn Shearer

As we approach the end of 2011 it is important to reflect on achievements. Te Pou has taken on the challenge of workforce development with the disability sector. This work aligns well with the work we have already established in mental health and addictions, and with the Pacific sector.

The place of culture in Pacific youth spaces

Le Va hosted the When Culture and Care Connect forum on 10 June 2011. This was the first ever national forum on Pacific cultural competency across all sectors held in New Zealand.

When Culture and Care Connect 2011

  Published: 06 November 2011 by Le Va

The success of Le Va’s Engaging Pasifika cultural competency training programme is generating interest from sectors other than health, like education, corrections and social services sectors.

Awards recipient receives Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Award

  Published: 08 November 2011 by Le Va

When Jessica Papali’i-Curtin, a Pacific Health Workforce Awards recipient, heard that she was among a small group of outstanding, young, Pacific New Zealanders to receive the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Award, she felt very humbled.

When Culture and Care Connect fono - key findings

Celebrating success

  Published: 12 May 2011 by Le Va

The achievements of the Pacific Health Workforce Awards recipients were celebrated at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health on Friday, 6 May 2011. More than 330 people attended the event at the Dream Centre in Manukau including award recipients’ supporters, cabinet ministers, Ministry of Health officials and Te Pou and Le Va staff. Check out photos taken on the night.

Engaging Pasifika pilot training day

Engaging Pasifika is an applied training package aimed at better engagement with Pacific service users and their families. A training pilot was held on 30 April 2010, and the national roll out began in August 2010.

National Pacific Consumer and Family Recovery Conference

  Published: 11 May 2009 by Le Va

Le Va sponsored the inaugural national Pacific consumer and family recovery conference. This was through a successful application by the Waitemata DHB to the Fakatu’amelie Innovation Fund for a one-off grant.