Te Rau Matatini Media Statement
Te Rau Matatini
10 September 2018
The 10th of September is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is ‘Working together to prevent suicide’ (mahi tahi ki te aukati I te whakamomori). Working together highlights everybody’s responsibility in New Zealand to prevent suicide. It includes what employers,
workplaces, including government agencies, educational institutions, the media, as well as community, hapū, and iwi can
do to prevent suicide, and promote wellbeing.
Te Rau Matatini is the National Centre for Māori Suicide Prevention. The approach taken by Te Rau Matatini is to
deliberately champion whānau to take the lead to deliver suicide prevention directly to people and whānau in their
homes. This is part of a kaupapa to reach 1000 whānau homes. With the emphasis on expanding resources to help build
capacity in whānau, so they are part of the solution and will take the lead.
“This means whānau don’t just learn the signs and risk factors of suicide. They are supported to action self-help steps
and advocate for the wellbeing, future goals and aspirations of whānau, in a manner determined by them” says Tio Sewell, Te Rau Matatini Manager for Te Au Māori Suicide Prevention Programme.
Tiaki Whānau Tiaki Ora by Te Rau Matatini is a whānau centered suicide prevention programme, for more information
contact Te Rau Matatini: www.teraumatatini.com.
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)
ends