Tevita Vungamoeahi, Project Manager for the Pacific dementia services at ATHWA, says that the previous Pacific approach to dementia was led using non-Pacific tools, but now they are moving forward with Pacific-based interventions.

“Our ‘Uloa method and model of care is based on the Tongan fishing concept. It involves every member of the family and the community and encourages everybody to work together. 

"This is important because it’s how Pacific people collaborate to lift one another up, and we believe that Pacific ways are the best ways to approach Pacific health issues and inequities."

This approach ties in well with this year's MHAW theme: "community is what we create together."  

Dr Sione Vaka, Associate Professor at the University of Waikato, has led most of the research and thinking behind the workshops, and has high hopes for what can be achieved.  

"I would like to see less stigma and discrimination and for people to feel free to access dementia services so we can live well with our Pacific families living with dementia. We have great trust that these workshops will provide positive outcomes for everyone involved", shares Dr Vaka.  

ATHWA has highlighted the importance of family connectedness and how that can support the mental health and well-being of Pacific communities. 

“Social connection is a big part of a Pacific home. For our people in these talanoa workshops with Dementia, being around others is important for their well-being. Dementia is a new concept for our Pacific families; it was once seen as a natural part of ageing for our people, but it’s not.  

"It is a real diagnosis and our gatherings provide education around this and how we can work together to best support our people who may be navigating these new pathways”, concludes Vungamoeahi. 

If you would like to keep in touch with the events and workshops that ATHWA host and offer, visit their Facebook page here.