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FLO Ambassadors Update
The FLO Pasifika for Life Ambassadors Network meets quarterly to share local suicide prevention information and activities with a national perspective.
The focus of our meeting this quarter was on the FLO Talanoa Suicide Prevention facilitator training rollout and complementary resources. Ambassador Reverend Veitomoni Siufaga shared how he presented the B.R.A.V.E video during one of his church sermons and received positive responses from his congregation. B.R.A.V.E is a digital resource that is part of the FLO Talanoa suite of resources, with powerful and evidence based messages that our young people are telling us what works to prevent youth suicide.
We were very proud to have Albert ‘Bux’ Fale join the group and bring a very important Samoan youth perspective. Bux is no stranger to the suicide prevention space due to his ‘Healing Story’ video and as a Leo O Tamaiti (Legacy) performing artist in one of our FLO community funded projects.
The meeting also included training through the Brainwave Trust – a thought provoking workshop with Tafa Dr Esther Cowley-Malcolm on the development of the adolescent brain particularly in the context of the risk and protective factors related to suicide. All presented in plain English!
Ambassadors also presented suicide prevention initiatives and information happening in their local communities. Wellington representative Poko Ngairo is looking into Cook Island specific suicide prevention understanding and metaphors. In the Canterbury region, Memea Maaelopa and Mere Ratuva have been co-championing the Matua and Youth suicide prevention fonos led by Pacific Trust Canterbury and Pegasus health – part of our FLO community funded projects.
It is with some sadness that I finish my role at Le Va and I would like to extended my humble gratitude to all our FLO Ambassadors and Le Va team – you have all enriched my experience with your willingness to share and support the FLO Pasifika For Life suicide programme. As my journey continues on to Primary Health land and ProCare, I wish you kainga brightest blessings. ‘Ofa atu moe lotu – my best regards, Pauline.