Manawa Wheriko
Te Waiariki Purea Trust
Manawa Wheriko means to shine, sparkle, glisten, to help someone transition from darkness to the light.
Through the guidance of te Waiariki Purea Trust, the Manawa Wheriko project aims to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of rangatahi, with a particular focus on 13 to 24-year olds, who are Māori and from low socio-economic communities.
Te Waiariki Purea Trust utilizes relationships with local high schools to offer this program for students who may need additional support. The key focus of this programme is to raise awareness about available support and resources for rangatahi as a part of suicide prevention awareness. In addition, Te Waiariki Purea Trust also provides wrap-around services that focus on well-being and building resilience. Increased connections for young people include access to whānau and support services to enhance mental health and wellbeing by building young people’s resilience and confidence to increase life skills and quality of life.
Youth mental health has and always will be a key priority for Te Waiariki Purea Trust. The Trust believe strongly in programs that utilise the outdoor environment, incorporate a Te Ao Māori perspective and connect people to services, as a vital way in creating positive outcomes for whānau. These wānanga hold space for people to be vulnerable and to gain amazing skills and opportunities, skills like: tikanga, kawa, healing, rongoa, self-love, respecting self and many others through a Te Ao Māori way of doing things.
Another key indicator of success with the activities organised, is when rangatahi are able to simply relax, smile, laugh and be able to chat with others (in beautiful and energizing locations).
The Manawa Wheriko suicide awareness program is Marae based and facilitated by Te Waiariki Purea Trust with the support of specialist suicide awareness and prevention practitioners
Organisation: Te Waiariki Purea Trust
Website: https://twptnz.org/
*This Iwi initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (and Te Rau Ora) through the Māori Suicide Prevention Fund (2020-2021).
