February 10, 2014
Identity part of suicide mystery
A Maori and Pacific suicide prevention programme is looking for flax roots initiatives that will help make a difference.
Waka Houora includes a $2 million fund for community initiaitves.
Trish Davis from Maori public health organisation Te Rau Matatini, which is running the programme in partnership with Pacific group Le Va, says it’s the first time Maori and Pacific suicide has been given a national focus.
She says there are many reasons people take their own life, including relationship breakdowns, deprivation, family situations and mental health issues.
"They also might have issues in terms of their identity, so protective factors such as cultural identity and building those up are really important," Ms Davis says.
A symposium in Wellington yesterday heard from rangatahi on the need to have hope for the future.
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