The Aroha Approach

31/07/2024

31/07/2024

After giving three Aroha Approach talks I stopped and rewrote it. I was labouring the idea that mental illness and suicidal thinking are not the same thing but people got that really quickly. What they really wanted to know is how to support people who are distressed and possibly mentioning su***de but do not meet the mental health criteria for intervention. Many are now using the word to indicate distress without any current plan or desire to end their lives. I had always thought that there was a plethora of information out there and had no wish to add to the pile. However, once I decided to build a collection of resources I could not find any that suited my message. There were plenty for crisis, su***de and safety but these are disempowering, negative words. Those that talked of self-esteem, self-determination, happiness and harmony were like text books that you need to study even before you take the first step. They seemed to suggest the person take themselves out of the community and fix themselves. The quote below sums up what was missing.

"Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone." – Lisa Olivera

So I wrote sacred trees. It contains similar information found in "crisis plans" but with empowering words. The first step is to sit down with the person who is struggling and go through the self care steps TOGETHER. The steps are laid out like a map so the person can see it is a journey. All the steps are based in science and best practice. Once the person has written their individualised strategy they can enter it onto an app and keep it with them. WE DO NOT SAY "HERE IS AN APP GO WORK IT OUT". The steps encourage integration not separation from the community.

The resources and APP are called Sacred Trees. A Sacred Tree is any person place thing, activity or custom that helps bring you peace. Sacred Trees do not have all your answers but they have some information to help. That is why we say "glean and gather" information that helps you like jewels in a computer game.

I am paying for these resources because I don't want to make money a barrier. I have set up Sacred trees a charitable enterprise and use The Gift Collective to receive donations provide receipts and watch to see the money is used for the purpose it was given.

I do need help so if you want to give a little follow this link https://opencollective.com/sacred-trees . Sacred trees and the Aroha Approach are developed and delivered by Engaging Communities Limited NZBN 9429050006922. Details can be found at www.EngagingCommunites.co.nz

21/02/2024

Su***de is a difficult discussion and with over 600 deaths a year in New Zealand there is hardly a person or a family that has not been touched by this tragedy. Therefore we must approach this topic with reverence and respect. At the same time, we must face this taniwha and tame it with logical approaches.

Whether as an ambulance officer, corrections officer, or su***de prevention coordinator I have spent a lifetime working with people in crisis. My experiences and study have taught me the importance of community. Belonging, being seen, loved, and appreciated are the most protective factors for life's trials and adversities.

I watch with fear as the value of community is progressively undermined. Engaging Communities is my contribution to the restoration of the community. The Aroha Approach is one activity to support this objective.

03/01/2024

The body works best when all the parts work well together. The brain works best when all its parts work together. Great Life Limited Personal Training and Mental Coaching. (64) 0224580339

03/01/2024

The words and images represent my connection with some beautiful young men and women whose stories changed me.

03/01/2024

The Aroha Approach is a 90-minute su***de prevention talk for workplaces, sports clubs, and other communities. We present simple practical ways to identify risk and create an environment where people can feel safe and heal. It is based on the numerous studies that show social support is the most powerful protection against becoming overwhelmed by stress and trauma.
Su***de prevention usually focuses on how we identify people at risk and fix the person within the skin. Sadly, unless they feel they need to be fixed, deserve to be fixed, want to be fixed, and believe they can be fixed we are likely going to spend a lot of energy for little advantage. If we focus only on fixing the person, we become distracted from grappling with how the community supports healing or maintains discomfort. The presenter, David Cairns, is known for his ability to explain complex information in very practical terms. The Aroha Approach is a holistic approach showing how cultural, spiritual, and social connections impact brain biology.

0224580339
www.engagingcommunities.co.nz