Meet Imoa and Amelia Setefano, recipients of the Puna Pūtea Social Action Grant, champions of 'E taua tagata uma! - Everyone has value! Mana Tagata!'
Imoa, drawing from his own lived experience with bipolar disorder, understands the stigma surrounding negative perceptions of mental distress in our society. Hence the creation of his grant project, E taua tagata uma! - Everyone has value! Mana Tagata! This was led by Imoa and his wife Amelia Setefano where they held impactful talanoa sessions on mental distress within ten Pacific church groups across Aotearoa.
Inspiring their communities to openly discuss mental distress, combat discrimination, and share stories, Amelia and Imoa Setefano’s goal was to transform mindsets, debunk myths, promote inclusivity, and end judgment and discrimination against individuals living with mental distress.
At these sessions, individuals living with mental distress bravely shared their personal journeys, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address such important topics and hoping for more in the future. The involvement of ministers and pastors from the churches was significant; they welcomed the programme as a platform for young voices to be heard and for discussions on these issues within a safe environment.
We sat down with Imoa Setefano to delve into their journey with the Nōku te Ao Puna Pūtea Social Action Grant.
