Reflection Talanoa Response
Prepared by Philomena Petaia, Pua Siulangapo, Michael Lemanu
Over the past 4 years, Tauiwi youth have gathered for fellowship and worship through TYC - Tauiwi Youth Conference. Leaders coming together to learn and grow in faith. Many topics have been discussed over the years concerning youth. However, in the past 4 years the most pressing issue for youth is Suicide.
A study conducted by the Pacific Studies lecturer at the University of Auckland – Jemaima Tiatia-Seath compiled statistical evidence and trends that showed, youth suicide rates in New Zealand is leading on a global scale. More alarming statistics in the study showed, Pacific Youth are three times more likely to attempt taking their life than European youth in New Zealand. For most of our youth within the Tauiwi Connexion these statistics are heart-breaking and distressing.
As a result of this concern, leaders within TYC brought upon themselves to action and explore how we can decrease suicide rates among our youth, especially Pacific youth. This came about in the form of INFLUENCE. Influence focused on Suicide Prevention in 2019, with workshops led by LeVa in Hamilton and Christchurch for the Tauiwi Youth. These sessions were based on suicide awareness and how to equip our youth on providing help and appropriate conversation with an individual who is at risk of taking their own life. From the evaluations and debriefs post these sessions, they were well received and provided practical skills for the youth to take back in their own community and close networks. TYTANZ committee put together 6 key questions in which the Tauiwi youth answered at the conclusion of these Influence sessions. These questions were;
These questions encapsulated many feelings and opinions from youth across the Tauiwi spectrum, many of which shared the same beliefs and hopes for the wider Methodist Church of New Zealand in regards to Suicide Prevention and awareness. Below is a statement from Tauiwi Youth about their perspective on Suicide Prevention and awareness in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and their hopes and recommendations to the Methodist Church of New Zealand regarding Suicide Prevention and Awareness. To fully capture the youth voice, we have decided to quote what the Tauiwi youth have written or spoken in regards to the questions listed above.
A study conducted by the Pacific Studies lecturer at the University of Auckland – Jemaima Tiatia-Seath compiled statistical evidence and trends that showed, youth suicide rates in New Zealand is leading on a global scale. More alarming statistics in the study showed, Pacific Youth are three times more likely to attempt taking their life than European youth in New Zealand. For most of our youth within the Tauiwi Connexion these statistics are heart-breaking and distressing.
As a result of this concern, leaders within TYC brought upon themselves to action and explore how we can decrease suicide rates among our youth, especially Pacific youth. This came about in the form of INFLUENCE. Influence focused on Suicide Prevention in 2019, with workshops led by LeVa in Hamilton and Christchurch for the Tauiwi Youth. These sessions were based on suicide awareness and how to equip our youth on providing help and appropriate conversation with an individual who is at risk of taking their own life. From the evaluations and debriefs post these sessions, they were well received and provided practical skills for the youth to take back in their own community and close networks. TYTANZ committee put together 6 key questions in which the Tauiwi youth answered at the conclusion of these Influence sessions. These questions were;
- In your own view, does our Church do enough in the area of ‘Suicide Prevention’ and education? Explain your view.
- How can we challenge the stigma that talking about suicide is ‘taboo’ – in Church and Cultural Context.
- What needs to be done to allow for safe conversation around youth suicide to take place in Churches?
- How can Churches be proactive in providing support for young people who are at risk?
- What can we do to ensure that the voices of young people are heard in relation to youth suicide and prevention?
- What is one thing from today’s workshop that our Churches need to hear in relation to youth suicide?
These questions encapsulated many feelings and opinions from youth across the Tauiwi spectrum, many of which shared the same beliefs and hopes for the wider Methodist Church of New Zealand in regards to Suicide Prevention and awareness. Below is a statement from Tauiwi Youth about their perspective on Suicide Prevention and awareness in the Methodist Church of New Zealand and their hopes and recommendations to the Methodist Church of New Zealand regarding Suicide Prevention and Awareness. To fully capture the youth voice, we have decided to quote what the Tauiwi youth have written or spoken in regards to the questions listed above.
A strong agreement across the Tauiwi Youth stated that “The Methodist Church of New Zealand are NOT doing anything in regards to Suicide Prevention and education”. The Tauiwi youth feel that most often the subject is ‘taboo’ and ‘awkward’ when discussed, especially in front of leadership groups or elders and is often ignored to prevent such situations. Tauiwi Youth has a strong sense of obligation to this issue because it affects them directly, most having had experienced someone close to them who may have tried to take their life or have died as a means of suicide. “It feels like the Church (MCNZ) does not care about them as a whole, mental health and wellbeing of an individual.”
Tauiwi youth have disclosed that these Influence sessions led by LeVa, were the “first real conversations around youth suicide as a part of a church gathering type thing.” It not only raised awareness but it challenged youth to break down stigmas and ‘awkward’ feelings when it comes to talking about suicide and identifying those at risk. The young people of Tauiwi feel that if Mental Health in general was discussed more in Church and cultural settings, we would be able to work towards tackling issues like suicide amongst our young people. Being able to get our Matua, elders on board would be a “major game changer” in raising awareness for suicide prevention and education in both Church and Cultural Context. “We need to learn to accept Suicide as a problem, not a sin.” Our youth strongly believe that by talking about Mental health and Suicide prevention openly, in a safe and respectful manner, will help breakdown these stigmas and normalise these conversations on a Church wide scale.
“You don’t need all the money or resources – you simply need to show us you care… Start simply with – Are you ok?” We often find ourselves trapped in a space unable to express our true feelings because our Culture expects us to behave and act in a certain way. Or are in positions that dictate how you speak, how you walk and dress, never asking the true and meaningful questions like, how are you today or are you ok?
The Tauiwi Youth of the Methodist Church of New Zealand would like to see more awareness in the Church when is comes to Suicide prevention and Mental Health in general. This issue is “SO REAL” for our youth that we would like to be part of a movement that will allow safe and respectful places for youth and other members of the wider Church to discuss ways of decreasing suicide rates. We would like more Influence Sessions that teach individuals and communities on how to identify those who are at risk and how we as a church community can help these individuals seek the right help they need. “Sometimes there’s more to it than just praying for that individual to NOT take their own life”.
“Being vulnerable does not make us weak. We just need the support, or to know that you GENUINELY care”.
These statements and quotes were collated from Tauiwi youth that attended the Hamilton and Christchurch 2019 Influence sessions as well as the ‘Life and all it’s fullness’ workshop at TYC 2020.
The question is, with all of these things in mind, where do we go from here? How do we transform the cries for action into just that – action?
With consultation between the Tauiwi Youth Ministry team, TCYFM Coordinator and Mission Resourcing Directors, we would like to see that the Methodist Church of New Zealand | Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa establishes a Connexional Resource Team on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health.
We envision this group, comprising of health professionals from within the church and people passionate about the issue at hand, would be tasked with resourcing the Connexion on all levels in areas relating to Suicide Prevention Awareness and Mental Health.
Some work of the team may involve the following:
We are open to further consultation with the wider church to refine/edit/add to some of the above.
We believe that by establishing this team, we might be able to address some of the issues voiced by our young leaders in the statements that have been made. More importantly, we believe that this gives the church an opportunity to actively play our part and be at the forefront of seeing youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness taken seriously.
This is an urgent call to action. One which we must be responsive to. One which we must act upon and act now.
- On behalf of TYTANZ, 2020.
The question is, with all of these things in mind, where do we go from here? How do we transform the cries for action into just that – action?
With consultation between the Tauiwi Youth Ministry team, TCYFM Coordinator and Mission Resourcing Directors, we would like to see that the Methodist Church of New Zealand | Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa establishes a Connexional Resource Team on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health.
We envision this group, comprising of health professionals from within the church and people passionate about the issue at hand, would be tasked with resourcing the Connexion on all levels in areas relating to Suicide Prevention Awareness and Mental Health.
Some work of the team may involve the following:
- Working with presbyters, synod leaders and key youth ministry leaders to see that they are equipped with a competent level of suicide prevention training and on-going professional development.
- Developing contextualized resources which can be used across all cultural and geographical synods in the church.
- Increasing accessibility to current resources and material which already exists but is not promoted enough within the life of the church. This includes working alongside groups and organisations which already carry out this vital work in their context.
- Advocating for Youth Suicide Prevention and Mental Health on behalf of the Methodist Church to the wider society.
- Working with church communities to break down barriers that prevent suicide and mental health being openly talked about – particularly for young people.
- Holding the church accountable to the Connexional vision Let the Children Live, even after its conclusion in 2022.
We are open to further consultation with the wider church to refine/edit/add to some of the above.
We believe that by establishing this team, we might be able to address some of the issues voiced by our young leaders in the statements that have been made. More importantly, we believe that this gives the church an opportunity to actively play our part and be at the forefront of seeing youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness taken seriously.
This is an urgent call to action. One which we must be responsive to. One which we must act upon and act now.
- On behalf of TYTANZ, 2020.