As a recipient of Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund, BOP Youth Development Trust believes that by investing in the youth of today, we are shaping our community for a better tomorrow.
The Trust used their funding to create Aiga – a youth development programme that empowers young Pasifika people to discover their strengths, connect with their cultures and meet life’s challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.
Delivered by fitness experts, a registered psychologist and leaders from the Pasifika community, Aiga participants take part in workshops focusing on mental wellbeing, resilience, breathwork and Pacific cultures, culminating in a Fiafia night at the end of the term.
Aiga has consistently received excellent feedback from participants and school staff members:
“The programme has been incredible for our Pasifika students. Our students who attend the programme come together with Pasifika students from other local schools to participate in circuit training, networking, and learning how to apply Te Whare Tapa Whā model to their own lives. It’s so important to have a programme like this that encourages self-determination for our developing Pasifika students.”
The phrase ‘aiga’ comes from the Samoan language, referring to the extended family and community network who play a central role in Samoan culture. In 2023, the programme was extended to Pasifika student leaders.
One participant said: “It’s so cool, because you get to learn different fitness exercises and techniques. It is also a safe space where no one judges you. Everyone is accepted, just as they are.”
Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund was established in partnership with Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora with the purpose of enabling community groups to find their own solutions to help prevent and respond to suicide.
Applications for the latest round of Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund close on 31 July at 4.30pm.
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Learn more about the AIGA programme and Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
Le Va has a longstanding close relationship with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) and One NZ Warriors, sporting organisations with a real commitment to the wellbeing of their teams, staff, families and communities.
On 10 April, Le Va’s FLO: Pasifika for Life team delivered a FLO Talanoa suicide prevention workshop to participants from the New Lynn Stags, Pt Chevalier Pirates, Auckland Rugby League, and Mt Roskill Evangelical Fellowship.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager – suicide prevention Pacific, thanked the workshop attendees for their involvement and openness to learn about suicide prevention.
One participant said of the workshop, “It was very eye opening, I felt that suicide was a taboo topic to talk to peers about. I am very grateful for some of the practical ways we learned about handling the topic of suicide.”
Recording the ‘Find Your Front’ podcast
Also in April, the FLO team went behind the scenes of NZRL’s ‘Find Your Front’ podcast – an online platform for sharing stories from past and present athletes, how they overcame challenges and the importance of looking after their wellbeing.
The guest of the yet-to-be-aired episode was Anthony Gelling, an international rugby league player of Cook Islands descent, who spoke about the power of resilience in dealing with challenges in his career.
For Le Va and the FLO team, having the support of wellbeing champions like Anthony, the Warriors and NZRL is vital in the important work we do in the field of suicide prevention for Pacific communities.
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To learn more about how we equip Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide, visit our FLO Knowledge bank.
Hosted by Nevertheless Trust, Manioro 2024 brought together people from the Takatāpui, Pasifika Rainbow+, MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities with the aim of disrupting toxic narratives and stereotypes surrounding those communities.
Le Va was a sponsor of the event and our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention team were proud to support Manioro, enhancing our efforts to provide lifelines for our Rainbow+ communities.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager suicide prevention Pacific, said, “Manioro 2024 served as a vehicle of hope, inclusivity and love for our Pasifika MVPFAFF+ community members, aiga and friends.
“It provided a space to grow, learn and share through education, creative arts and celebration of self. The theme of ‘Love us the same, hold us the same’ spoke volumes.”
Festival attendees engaged in authentic dialogue and storytelling to challenge harmful narratives, highlighting the importance of family support, meaningful talanoa (conversation), creative arts, fashion, and cultural expression in breaking down stereotypes.
Over three days, whānau, including communities, organisations and churches, enjoyed enriching education, inspiration from guest speakers and mana enhancing stories.
Our FLO: Pasifika for Life team and Rainbow+ staff at Le Va gained invaluable insights, affirming our responsibility to be strong allies and create positive change so our diverse communities can flourish.
Visit our FLO knowledge bank to learn more about our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention programme.
The World Health Organisation estimates that, globally, more than 703,000 people die due to suicide each year. For every tragic death there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation.
Organisations like Le Va and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) are dedicated to preventing suicide and alleviating its devastating impacts on families and communities.
Over two days, researchers in the suicide prevention and post-vention space came together to share their expertise. Speakers from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world shared their insights on a broad range of topics, from artificial intelligence to indigenous approaches to suicide prevention research.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s Senior Manager Suicide Prevention – Pacific, said of the event, “Partnering with our communities, those with lived experience, NGOs and government organisations is essential in the field of suicide prevention research. They provide context and insight into interpreting the results and can then implement the findings into policy, practice and education.”
Le Va takes a holistic view of wellbeing, and our evidence-based work is co-created with people who have lived experience, are Pasifika cultural knowledge holders and thought leaders nationally and internationally.
We have developed two highly regarded national programmes that are designed to equip individuals, families and communities to prevent suicide. FLO: Pasifika for Life is Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika suicide prevention programme and LifeKeepers is the national suicide prevention programme designed for all New Zealanders.
IASP leads the global role in suicide prevention by strategically developing a forum that creates strong collaborative partnerships and promotes evidence-based action to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviour.
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Learn more about Le Va’s suicide prevention programmes.
Pacific people in Aotearoa have seen a statistically significant reduction in the annual provisional suicide rate, as reported by the Office of the Chief Coroner yesterday.
The provisional rate for Pacific populations is now 5.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 9.2 per 100,000 people last year.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said, “Our hearts go out to those who have experienced the death of a loved one from suicide. These statistics represent the tragic loss of beautiful lives, with a devastating impact on grieving whānau and friends.”
“We also acknowledge the individuals, families and communities who are working tirelessly to create a sense of hope in our communities. Preventing suicide requires holistic and collective efforts, and a willingness to take positive action.”
Le Va delivers two national suicide prevention programmes – FLO: Pasifika for Life for Pasifika communities and LifeKeepers, a programme for all New Zealanders that has trained nearly 15,000 people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide.
Denise said, “Le Va takes an evidence-based approach to suicide prevention, ensuring our programmes and resources are clinically safe and culturally responsive. Our strategy is to inform and equip our communities with the tools and skills they need to find their own solutions to suicide.
“We know that enhancing protective factors and mitigating for risk factors can foster resilience and lead to a great reduction in harm.”
Preventing suicide is complex and requires a well-funded and collaborative approach. Le Va calls on the New Zealand government to significantly increase its investment in the Suicide Prevention Office – an important vehicle for the coordination of initiatives aimed at reducing suicide.
“While it is encouraging to note that the suicide rate for Pacific populations has seen a statistically significant reduction, we are mindful that our numbers of deaths by suicide are low and open to fluctuation,” Denise said.
“There is still more work to be done to reduce the rates for Māori, who continue to be disproportionately negatively affected. We are dedicated to continuing our mahi in the hope of seeing future suicide rates in decline for all people in Aotearoa.”
C.A.R.E. stands for Connecting with compassion, Asking with courage, Responding with confidence, and Engaging with services and support for those at risk of suicide. The following list of people and organisations names the C.A.R.E heroes Le Va has chosen to honour in 2023 for their commitment to those actions, and to equipping themselves and their communities with the skills and knowledge to prevent suicide.
Silver Kiliva is a fearless yet humble advocate in his South Auckland community, ensuring whānau are being met where they are at and in a space that is comfortable for them.
Teresa Morgan and Joseph Rao are both passionate community engagers in the West Waikato community, selfless working to keep their community safe and thriving.
Lil Leeper of the Wairarapa goes above and beyond to provide tāngata whaiora and their whānau with manaakitanga at all hours of the day and night.
Shaness Parkinson is a bold, creative and loving Northland community wahine providing culturally relevant resources, empowering taiohi and whānau.
Matt Oakley and Ivan Maurirere are two Tairāwhiti tāne, tirelessly connecting with their community to prevent suicide.
Pup Chamberlain refocused his long-term Police career to preventing suicide in his Canterbury community, supporting individuals to recognise their strengths and enhancing their individual skills to help themselves and others.
Wendy Mildon and Ken Haines from Lifting the Lid on Youth Suicide, Hawkes Bay are community driven visionaries enabling taiohi to seek support in ways that traditionally have not been as accessible.
Ngaro Hape is a humble Hawkes Bay hero who has made significant local and national contributions to suicide prevention by supporting community and whānau experiencing psychological distress.
Eight organisations have also been recognised as 2023 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes – Anxiety Trust NZ, Victim Support, Surf Life Saving NZ, NZRL, The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Lincoln University, and Auckland Council.
On behalf of Le Va LifeKeepers, we thank all of our 2023 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes for their heart, commitment and passion to preventing suicide within communities across Aotearoa.
Also in September this year, Le Va’s national suicide prevention training programme – LifeKeepers – reached the milestone of six years in action, working tirelessly to equip Kiwis with the knowledge and skills to prevent suicide.
Tiana Watkins, Senior Manager Suicide Prevention for LifeKeepers, paid special tribute to Le Va’s Chief Executive, Denise Kingi-Uluave, for her significant contribution and leadership in this space.
Tiana added, “Six years in the making, six years of working passionately to prevent suicide, six years of celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things in suicide prevention, right across the motu. We all have the power to inspire hope – to simply ask others if they’re okay, lend a listening ear without judgement, and let them know you genuinely care.”
What began with a handful of individuals in 2017 has now grown to almost 15,000 people certified as LifeKeepers, having completed in person or online training.
To learn more about LifeKeepers, visit www.lifekeepers.nz.
Helplines
If you need to talk, you can call or text 1737 for free anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak or text with a trained counsellor.
- Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 – When you’re feeling down and would like to talk to a trained counsellor.
- Healthline 0800 611 116 – If you’re feeling unwell, sick or need advice.
- Samaritans 0800 726 666 – For callers from the lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast. For callers from all other regions phone (04) 473 9739.
- Youthline 0800 376 633 – Free text 234 or email: talk@youthline.co.nz.
- What’s Up 0800 942 8787 – For 5-18 year olds; 1pm to 11pm.
- Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 (0800 KIDSLINE) – For children up to 14 years of age; 4pm to 6pm weekdays.
- OUTLine NZ 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) – Support for sexuality or gender identity issues.
We must equip our communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prevent suicide.
– Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager for Pacific suicide prevention, said, “The fund supports our Pasifika communities to create innovative, safe and culturally relevant solutions to help prevent and respond to suicide. It’s encouraging to see our groups exploring new approaches, new ideas and new connections with the calibre of applications we see each year.”
Le Va, a Pasifika-led non-government organisation, administers the Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund on behalf of Te Whatu Ora. The rigorous selection process is led by Leilani with support from an external panel. Le Va also delivers two national suicide prevention programmes – FLO: Pasifika for Life aimed at Pacific people, and LifeKeepers for all New Zealanders.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said, “While specialist services provide a vital role, our families are critical in supporting someone in the early stages of distress. We must equip our communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prevent suicide. I wish all the successful recipients a heartfelt congratulations and all the best with their projects.”
With a mission of igniting communities and creating change, Le Va takes an evidence-based approach to its work. This spans the areas of suicide prevention, mental health and addiction, disability, public health, violence prevention, and youth wellbeing. 2023 sees the organisation celebrating its 15-year anniversary.
The recipients of the Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund for 2023 are:
- Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust – AIGA Youth Resilience and Suicide Prevention Programme
- Brown Pride – Yeah the Boys project
- Campfire Studios – Let’s get Pre-Sifik Season 2 project
- Kila’s Style Trust – Dressed in Confidence Wellbeing Workshops
- Life-Supporting Communities Trust – Pasifika Prefect Leadership Training
- Love Somebody Charitable Trust – Tama TOA/Teine TOA programme
- Martin Hautus Foundation Trust – Mafoufou Maloloina – Healthy Mind project
- New Zealand Rugby League – NZRL Wellbeing Waka 2023
- SHE IS NOT YOUR REHAB LTD – InnerBoy Mental Health project
- YES Disability – Fala Talanoa project
- Zeal Education Trust – Lupe Photography Programme
Positive relationships are the tides that carry us to safer shores in tough times. For Pasifika, good health and wellbeing are deeply interwoven as we respond to each other’s connections to build trust, a sense of belonging, acceptance and purpose. Suicide prevention within our Pasifika communities starts with these connections.
This is one of the key areas we focus on in our FLO Talanoa suicide prevention training through our Top 5 Tactics to Pasifika suicide prevention. To understand how this training lands within our communities, we share the following statement from a recent participant to understand its impact within the community.
Immediately after the session I called three of our students that I felt displayed signs of risk discussed in the workshop. As a result of those conversations, all three students are now receiving the support they need. All three admitted they would never have reached out had it not been for those calls.
Understanding the diverse needs of our youth requires innovative approaches from Le Va to connect in the differing spaces that they may dwell. Le Va has been afforded a range of opportunities to connect in these different spaces, from Mental Wealth workshops in the grassroots basketball clubs to the ASB Winter Armageddon 2022 expo, promoting Mana Restore, the mental wellbeing tool for online gamers to over 40,000 people across the 3-day event.
We are living in a tech world and our children are growing up in this tech world, and it’s pretty scary. It’s boundless, you can get lost, even me, in my adult life I get a little bit lost; but that just means we need to put more time and effort into our younger generations. – Armageddon patron
One of the barriers to offering assistance can often be lacking the confidence or knowledge to safely step in or show support. With a kete (basket) of tools to help us identify signs of mental distress, we will hopefully be able to make a difference by creating communities of C.A.R.E.
With over 13,500 people equipped with skills from LifeKeepers to prevent suicide, we know that over 2,000 of these extraordinary individuals have intervened and supported someone thinking of taking their life and engaged them with the right supports to ease their distress. Reducing the number of lives lost by equipping everyday people in suicide prevention is our aim. With this in mind, we take a moment to speak with one of our LifeKeepers who shares their story about the impact the programme has had on them personally.
I was scared to participate in LifeKeepers initially. I thought it might be all doom and gloom but that couldn’t have been further from the truth! From the moment I walked into the room, the aroha, the manaaki and the genuine safety I felt is something that I continue to carry with me. I’ve never had that experience before. I wish I had done LifeKeepers 10 years ago! Since becoming a LifeKeeper, I am more aware and have the confidence to support my loved ones when once I was scared. By communicating with compassion and without judgement I have been able to support people in my life. I’m not a mental health professional, I like to think of myself as a bro-fessional because of the courage I now have to ask somebody if they’re thinking of taking their life. I now realise that there is a lot of support in the community, something I had never seen or thought of before becoming a LifeKeeper. I’m not too small to make a difference. I’m just me and I know that I am part of a bigger picture, this community of LifeKeepers. -KS, LifeKeeper, 2022
Become a LifeKeeper, you never know, you may just save a life – visit www.lifekeepers.nz
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