He will heal our broken hearts

By FLO ambassador Te Hiwi Preston.

Pasifika came together recently in the hope of finding the answers to questions unanswered.  It is said…

He will heal our broken hearts. He will bestow upon us peace and comfort.” 

As a FLO Talanoa Ambassador for Pasifika communities in the far North, attending the two-day FLO Talanoa Facilitator Training added to my own kete (basket) of knowledge. A mother’s cry for her child who has passed the veil through suicide. Searching, pleading and wanting answers, perhaps wanting one last moment to sit and hug her child. 

The two-day FLO Talanoa workshop was well attended by individuals who brought with them their unique stories and journeys. The information and resources developed gave each participant the confidence to listen, observe and act – acting in a way that is safe, appropriate and respectful. Validating and giving purpose when communicating with our communities. 

Northland has experienced great loss to suicide, particularly for our young people.

FLO Talanoa facilitator training has answered one part of the call to help forge traditional and contemporary knowledge together cohesively. Northland has large pockets of Pasifika communities dotted across its large geographical land mass. Information, education and resources developed. We need to ensure greater access to expertise, support and knowledge which the FLO programme is helping bring together. 

FLO Talanoa facilitator training has already proven beneficial in my community of Northland. Interest from young people and their aiga, whanau, iwi, hapu and community organisations have already given their support to implement what we have learned and been given for our Pasifika and Maori communities.

The call has been answered and we are now ready to assist and give light and hope.