Our
Kaupapa
The solution to reducing self harm in our community resides within our own people. Tuhono is about providing the space for our people to connect.
We at Tuhono have a vision for an Aotearoa without suicide. Our mission is to combat the isolation experienced by those in need, that they can find meaning and a life worth living through connection with others.
Tūhono (to join, attach, bond, or connect), is an action word can be associated bringing things together, and for us means about bringing people together in meaningful relationships. From the words Tu (stand) and Hono (crowd), it also signifies standing together with those in need.
By engaging volunteers with lived experience in our community to support others, we can minimise barriers to engagement for those in need as we cultivate a community that our people will feel understood in.
Our volunteers are known as Hoa Haere, that translates to 'friend along journey' which is a perfect example of our peer approach that promotes equality and invites openness in a judgement-free environment.
Through equipping our Hoa Haere with knowledge and providing supervision, we are fostering more resilient communities in Aotearoa, having the ability to respond to needs arising within their own people.
With a the primary point of contact as a text/messaging interface, we can utilise a mode of communication that is intuitive and presents the least obstacle for people reaching out for support.
Providing our service online and through the use of IT, we have the capacity to mobilise an army of volunteers that can match the demand for care and support of those suffering distress in our community.
Through IT we are able to monitor for safety, and guide relationships so that both the Hoa Haere and Whaiora (person seeking wellness) are uplifted through the experience.
Our logo shows that within the connection between the Hoa Haere and Whaiora is a safe space where growth and potential resides.