Le Va’s Mental Wealth message equipping grassroots rugby league

With mental health and wellbeing such an important focus in New Zealand, the Vodafone Warriors are passionate about supporting Le Va as part of their Great Vodafone Warriors Charity Day when the club hosts the Penrith Panthers at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, June 30.

Le Va works with Pasifika families and communities to unleash their full potential by carefully designing and developing resources, tools, information, knowledge and support services for the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes.

This is the first year the Vodafone Warriors have partnered with Le Va, with the club helping to deliver the charity’s Mental Wealth Project, a mental health literacy programme which has been delivered at grassroots level across Auckland’s network of rugby league clubs.

Former Vodafone Warriors Jerry Seuseu, Jerome Ropati and Ben Henry from the club’s wellbeing team have helped to deliver the programme with Le Va.

Vodafone Warriors wellbeing and education manager Jerry Seuseu said he values being involved directly in the work Le Va is doing in the community.

“The work that Le Va does to help support our Pasifika communities is so important and is really making a difference,” he said.

“As a former player, being able to visit local rugby league clubs alongside the team from Le Va is real privilege.

“Together we have helped to facilitate discussions around mental health and wellbeing, and how people can best support themselves and their whanau.”

Le Va chief executive Dr Monique Faleafa said: “Delivering our evidence-informed programmes at grassroots community level alongside the Vodafone Warriors has been highly effective.

“Sometimes the clubs are like our marae – they are a place for families to gather and connect with each other. It makes sense to provide mental health education and support there, too.”

A number of Vodafone Warriors players have also been involved in hosting sessions at clubs across the Auckland region including David Fusitu’a (Marist), Agnatius Paasi (Papatoetoe), Leivaha Pulu (Richmond), Leeson Ah Mau (Otahuhu), Jazz Tevaga (Papakura), Eliesa Katoa (Pt Chevalier), Chris Satae (Mount Albert), Taane Milne (Mangere East) and Peta Hiku (Manurewa).

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2019/06/27/le-va-equipping-grassroots-rugby-league/