(Picture caption: From l-r: Fran Silvestri, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave and Steve Appleton have joined forces to help achieve the best outcomes for Pacific people with disabilities and lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.)
The Samoan proverb O le tele o sulu, e maua ai figota meaning, through collaboration, the most difficult challenges can be overcome, is something Le Va resonates with deeply.
Both partnership and collaboration are integral to the success the Pacific primary prevention organisation.
It is a reason why Le Va has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) and the International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL).
Chief executive of Le Va Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave says given the prevailing uncertainty in the world, many have voiced their concerns regarding its potential impact on people's mental wellbeing.
“To best address these issues, we believe that strong leadership is crucial, which is why we are eagerly anticipating our collaboration with IIMHL and IIDL,” Denise adds.
Signing the MoU signals Le Va’s expansion into a global arena of leadership, representing Pacific interests to achieve the best outcomes for Pacific people with disabilities and lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.
President and chief executive of IIMHL/IIDL Steve Appleton says his trip to New Zealand and Australia has been an opportunity to formalise the collaboration with Le Va and make progress in working together with Pacific leaders.
“Through sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can build stronger communities, stronger services, and services that can respond more effectively to the needs of our increasingly diverse populations,” Steve says.
The IIMHL and IIDL connect international mental health leaders to help them share innovations and solve problems in the areas of mental health, addiction and disability around the globe.
Nine countries are members of the group, with New Zealand being a founding member of IIMHL and the Netherlands the latest country to join IIDL, alongside Australia, Canada, England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States.
Visit the Le Va website for more information on the support it offers.