SPINZ NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 2009
CULTURE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
IN AOTEAROA
The Kautalavou PIC
response to suicide in
their community
Co-presentation by:
Kupa Kupa (Tumai mo te Iwi PHO)
Salevao Manase (Tumai mo te Iwi PHO)
Susana Kilioni (Regional Public Health)
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
PIC Church
Porirua Pacific
Youth workshops
A Pacific response:
Acknowledging the Kautalavou
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
History…
o Youth suicides in Porirua 2006
o The PIC Kautalavou (Tokelau Youth group) suggests a way
forward
o Tumai PHO responds
o RPH collaboration
o Pacific Suicide prevention Steering Group
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
PIC Church Porirua
` Pacific peoples were less aware of the difficulties faced by people with depression, including increased
risk of suicide, and of the prevalence of the disorder. They were also less aware of and less likely to seek
professional treatment for depression, although were more likely to seek support from family, friends and
church ‘(Willie et al, 2005)
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Good active leadership…
o
Action not promises (commitment)
o
Making it fit (Strategic objectives )
o
A realistic response (understanding Pacific people)
o
Keeping the support visible (being accessible)
o
Calling on the Mental Health experts (RPH, SPINZ,
Youthline, Skylight, Health Pasifika MHS)
o
Tuning in to current developments in the region (Pacific
Youth Suicide Prevention Steering Group development)
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Youthline
interactive
activities
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Tumai PHO Strategic goals
Goal 2: To understand our communities, their needs and how to meet
them
Goal 4 : To work with our communities to provide leadership and support
to ensure people and groups work together towards good health
RPH Pacific Suicide Prevention Group
2009 - 2010
The overall goal for the Pacific Suicide Prevention Project :
• To work with the Pacific communities to protect and improve mental
wellbeing and reduce the incidence of suicide.
• To raise mental health awareness with Pacific youth, church &
community.
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Access to professional
information
Opportunities for parentsgrandparents to give their
views
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Responsible Community participation…
o
Calling on the experts (culture & religion)
o
Acknowledging the Kautalavou & nurturing them to
`grow’ their idea & support them to retain ownership
o
Providing a safe pathway (listening to their anxieties,
assuring them help is available)
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Milestones…
o 2006 - `A living hope’
o 2007 - `Walking in the light’
o 2008 - `Ask, seek and knock’
o 2009 – `Fullness of life’
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Kautalavou sharing their Tokelau culture
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009
Concluding views
o Important messages from the evaluations
o Challenges to overcome (latest suicide stats for Pacific in
Wellington)
o Looking for the good things
o Keeping the Kautalavou updated
© K. Kupa & S. Kilioni 2009