Organization Name: Arowhenua Whānau Services Toiora Māori – Māori Wellbeing
Person Name: Maria Parish
Location: Te Muka Te Waipounamu
This initiative plans to develop a suicide and prevention wellbeing programme for the people of Te Runanga O Arowhenua.
Based on the Te Ao Māori world view, this programme aims to arm participants with tools to be able to navigate their life journey in a positive way. There are five major initiatives:
1. To promote wellbeing and foster a suite of protective factors
2. To strengthen cultural identity and build confidence and resilience
3. To promote social connectedness and strengthen community cohesion
4. To provide support for those who are psychologically distressed or at risk of suicide and /or who are bereaved by suicide.
Toiora Māori seeks to strengthen multiple suicideprotective factors concurrently. This comprehensive approach can create a synergisitic impact that can promote wellbeing, minimize suicide risk and react to provide prompt , effective support should a suicide occur. The goals of Toiora Māori are consistent with those of the national suicide prevention strategy Every Life Matters, and the Māori Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
