Community funded initiatives

Our 17 Pasifika community funded initiatives are nearly all complete. Here’s a summary of the results and a description of all the initiatives. 

• Pasifika engaged: Approximately 5,000 people have been involved or directly impacted by the community funded initiatives.  Through Le Va’s support, the potential reach of the initiatives (through social media, television and print media) is approximately 300,000 people. We expect this to grow when many of the initiative resources are finalised and promoted.
   
• Locality: Given the current demographic profile of the Pasifika population, it was not surprising that 13 initiatives focused on engaging Pasifika within the greater Auckland area. Other targeted areas for the projects include Tokoroa, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Christchurch. In addition, two initiatives have focused resources more 
• extensively to promote a national approach.
   
• Ethnic profile: 10 initiatives targeted pan-pacific communities, while the remainder designed, developed or delivered resources and/or information specifically for Cook Island, Niue, Tokelau, Samoan and Tongan ethnic communities.
   
• Targeted groups:  the majority of projects focused on young people (seven) with four targeting Pasifika males, and two targeting Samoa Matua.
   
• Targeted populations: the following groups within Pasifika communities were specifically targeted: 
  • church groups
  • rugby league clubs 
  • young fathers
  • rainbow youth 
  • families.

Once all completed project reports are collected, we’ll announce the production and availability of multiple resources, such as DVDs, hard copy handouts, educational tools and guidelines, which will be available to all Pasifika communities. We acknowledge and thank all our community funded initiatives for sharing the journey travelled, and the knowledge collected, with all Pasifika. 

17 Community Funded Initiatives received a share of $475,000

All of these initiatives:

• focus on the needs of the community and include protective factors for suicide prevention and postvention
• encourage communities to work together in collaborative relationships to develop and implement solutions to local issues
• show innovation
• contribute to greater resilience, connection, protection and inclusiveness for all members of the community.

Kinetic Wayfinding – “The Tautai of Digital Winds” – South Auckland
Promoting messages of hope and resilience to targeted Pasifika youth in South Auckland through Creative arts performance. Addressing issues such as suicide, cultural alienation, disconnection and identity – and where to find help when you need it.

Pasifikology – Mana Moana theory – National
Development of an online information and therapeutic tool based on Dr Karlo Mila’s Mana Moana work to provide Pasifika prevention, intervention and post-vention approaches.
 
Pacific Trust Canterbury –  Matua and Youth Programme (PULSE) – Christchurch
Pasifika provider working with local community stakeholders to provide locally mandated suicide prevention information and tools developed via carefully facilitated fono led by Pasifka young people and elders/matua.
 
Vaka Tautua – Samoan Matua Programme – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Development of a DVD suicide prevention resource describing approaches to suicide prevention by Samoan elders and leaders, via engagement with Samoan elders and leaders.

South Seas Healthcare –  League of Heroes – South Auckland
Design, development and implementation of a suicide prevention information workshop by Otara community leaders, relevant for all ages and connected to the Otara Scorpians Rugby League Club. 
 
Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club Incorporated – Central Auckland 
Facilitation of information and health promotion workshops addressing suicide prevention within the club, involving not only players and coaches, but families and neighbouring sports clubs.
 
New Zealand Rugby League – National
Under 18 National camp National Development and delivery of an education session with resources targeting high profile under 18 national league representatives, their coaches and trainers.
 
Off The Couch Trust – Sau Loto – South Auckland
Delivery of a three month programme incorporating elements of exercise, life coaching, mentoring, and nurturing family relationships to at risk Pasifika people in Auckland, focussed on building individual resilience and stronger Pasifika families.
 
Sinoti Samoa Methodist Mission – Puna’oa ole Soifua Manuia – National
Design and delivery of a national roadshow throughout Samoan Methodist Churches across New Zealand focussed on understanding suicide prevention and ensuring culturally relevant and safe spaces to discuss sensitive issues.    

Youth TEAM Trust – Hair 4 Life – Auckland
Development and delivery of a tailored brief intervention for hairdressers and barbers, who often connect personally with Pasifika and Maori youth. The focus is on how and where to encourage clients to access the right help when they need it.
 
Legacy Performing Arts – Leo O Tamaiti- West Auckland
Educating up to 50 church based Pasifika young people on well-being, how to keep safe and get help if they need it, who then share their perspectives via a theatre/choral performance highlighting key tactics in suicide prevention.
 
The Fono – West Auckland
Development of a suicide prevention digital story resource co-designed with and targeted for West Auckland Pasifika youth.

Cook Islands Health Network Association New Zealand Incorporated – Auckland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay 
Development of Cook Islands suicide prevention digital resources focussed on how to keep Cook Islands young people safe and aware of suicide prevention.

Vakaola – Porirua, Wellington
Development of Tokelauan and Niuean language suicide prevention resources, focussed on culturally appropriate approaches via extensive engagement with Tokelau and Niue leaders and communities in the Lower Hutt region.
 
Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service – Bridge Back Mens Programme – West Auckland 
Enhancing protective factors and reduce risk factors specific to Pasifika young men, via a 12 week skills building, vocational guidance and life coaching programme.

Bianca Fallon – Media Makeup – South Auckland
Enhancing self-esteem and upskilling for Maori and Pasifika young women through the delivery of  make-up workshops with a focus on holistic well-being.

Spirit of Rangatahi Charitable Trust – Porirua, Wellington
Supporting Maori and Pasifika young people via a holiday programme in the Porirua area enhancing local suicide prevention.