LeVa LifeKeepers Training Suicide Prevention Training

On the 20th of March 2026, I had the privilege of attending the LifeKeepers Suicide Prevention Training at Tāmaki Community Church, where the day ran from 8:30am to 5:00pm and was guided by facilitators Jordan Makea and Sophina Vilisoni-Heather, whose passion for the kaupapa and depth of knowledge could be felt throughout the entire experience.

From the very beginning, the space felt welcoming and grounded in connection, especially as we opened and closed with karakia, which brought everyone together as one and created a strong sense of kotahitanga. Jordan and Sophina created an environment where no answer felt wrong and where every voice was valued, making it easier for people to participate openly and honestly. It was genuinely inspiring to see so many different perspectives, lived experiences, and whakaaro being shared in one room, especially when hard questions were asked and answered in ways that felt transparent and thoughtful.

The LifeKeepers Aotearoa training focused on building our confidence and ability to recognise when someone may be at risk and how to support them safely, while also teaching us how to talk responsibly about suicide, understand both risk and protective factors, recognise warning signs, and have open and courageous conversations, including the importance of asking directly about suicide rather than avoiding it, as well as how to respond in a way that connects people to the right supports.

The structure of the day was clearly well thought out, with a booklet provided to guide us through the learning and a range of interactive activities and group work that helped bring everything to life, and through these shared moments it honestly felt like a group of strangers quickly became a supportive community, all there with the same intention of learning how to better care for others and strengthen the wellbeing of our whānau and communities.

During our breaks, kai was prepared for us, which created space not only to rest but also to feed both the body and the mind, especially when engaging with kaupapa that require emotional presence and care, reminding us that supporting others begins with also looking after ourselves.

I walked away from this experience feeling far more knowledgeable and aware, having learnt things that I had never really thought about before but now feel like they will stay with me forever, and I am genuinely grateful to have been part of a space that encouraged learning and reflection in such a beautiful way.

I would truly encourage anyone who is interested, especially those involved in community or working alongside others, to take part in LifeKeepers training because it is not only informative but also empowering, helping you show up for the people around you with more understanding, confidence, and aroha!

- Ika Ograbek (The HEART Movement Student Placement)