Le Va Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund results

‘E fofō e le alamea le alamea’
The solutions to preventing suicide within our Pasifika communities, lie within our Pasifika communities.

Le Va has been contracted by the Ministry of Health to deliver the Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund. The purpose of the Community Fund is to build the capacity of Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide and to respond effectively if and when a suicide occurs.

Le Va received a record number of applicants, with over 90 applications for community-based projects. Le Va is now proud to announce that we are able to confirm funding for 18 community projects, with a total value over $900,000. These projects reflect the vast diversity in both ethnicity and innovation in community-led solutions to preventing suicide. While a large proportion of the projects are based in the Auckland region, there are also a few projects based in other areas with large Pasifika populations such as the Waikato and Wellington regions, as well as some of our smaller cities such as Timaru and Tauranga.

The key objectives of the Community Fund are to support Pasifika families and communities to develop solutions to prevent suicide through:

• providing support to Pasifika families and communities that are experiencing suicide risk and/or are bereaved by suicide;
• prioritising population groups within our communities that are known to be at higher risk of suicidal distress;
• building inclusive communities and strengthening community resilience;
• encouraging a focus on mental health; and/or
• raising awareness about available support services.

We understand that different people with different levels of advantage require different approaches and resources to achieve equitable health outcomes. The funded projects are set to target priority groups such as youth, those bereaved by suicide or with lived experience, rural communities, LGBTQI+, and Pasifika males. Innovative approaches within these projects include sports, the creative arts, schools, churches, events and digital solutions.

We are extremely excited to see these projects unfold, so watch this space as we profile each of the 18 funded projects over the coming months, updating you all on their progress!