Spotlight on Pacific mental health in new radio series

A new radio segment is facilitating Pacific conversations around mental health.

Ngalu Fānifo ​ is a collaboration between the Pasifika Medical Association, Pasifika Futures and Pacific Media Network, and will be hosted on 531 PI’s Pacific Days show by Ma’a Brian Sagala. 

PMA member and psychiatrist Doctor Siale Foliaki says the name of the segment is a Tonga metaphor.

“When life gets difficult and stormy seas get rough, we need support to ride those waves and gently make it back to shore...that represents what we’re trying to do."

He says launching the programme during Mental Health awareness week is timely.

“We’ve got a responsibility and a duty of care, particularly during times of duress, to help those that are most vulnerable to navigate difficult times.”

The programme kicks off tomorrow and will be up to half an hour, running on Wednesday afternoons at 12.40pm for six weeks.

Dr Foliaki says they hope to create intimate connections with the Pacific community, providing an environment where they can understand people’s needs, and it’s easier for people to ask for help.

“What we really want to do is help people understand that each particular issue that they’ve got, there is a potential solution.”

He hopes the segment encourages people to check in with each other and have meaningful conversations.

“It’s good to stop and talk; my key message is to pay particular attention to one another. It’s good to stop and have a conversation with each other particularly during difficult times.”