Waka Hourua: National Māori & Pasifika Suicide Prevention

Waka Hourua: National Māori & Pasifika Suicide Prevention Programme

Suicide is a tragedy for any community, occurring with regularity in New Zealand.

The Coroner’s report on annual provisional suicide states 668 New Zealanders were lost to suicide in the last year.

The findings in the report emphasise the importance for suicide prevention strategies to be available in all communities, to address various stressors that New Zealanders might be facing and that can contribute to suicide risk, such as;

• Increasing the awareness of risk and protective factors
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• Enhancing family and social support
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• Enhancing cultural identity and community connectedness
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• Improving access to preventative and early intervention services
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• Encouraging people to korero about their problems with others
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• Reducing stigma and barriers to seeking appropriate help
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• Providing specific support to people struggling with stress, relationship problems, trauma, financial challenges, substance use, mental health, serious health and social problems.

The aim of Waka Hourua Suicide Prevention Programme is to:

• Build the capacity and capability of Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, and Pasifika communities, to prevent suicide and to respond safely and effectively when and if suicide occurs

• Ensure that culturally relevant education and training are available to Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, and Pasifika communities that focus on building resilience and leadership

• Build the evidence base of what works for Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, and Pasifika communities to prevent suicide, through research carried out by, with and for these groups

• Build the leadership for suicide prevention

For Māori Solutions Contact: Te Rau Matatini: www.teraumatatini.com

For Pasifika Solutions Contact: Le Va: www.leva.co.nz

HELP

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

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