Nurturing Va in ‘Movember’

Recently Merven Tait, local leader of the Parramatta Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated on a panel for “Nurturing Va.”

Nurturing Va was developed during Covid lockdown in New South Wales, Australia, by the local Pacific community to educate and support their people.

To nurture the va is to respect and maintain the sacred space, harmony and balance within relationships--the attitudes and feelings people hold for one another. The collective Pacific community’s objective is to nurture this space with facebook live discussions during Covid. 

The theme for the first part of November was “Men, it’s okay to talk.” The discussion was focused on men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancers, depression and suicide, and how men often postpone seeking help.

Bishop Tait shared that when men come to him for spiritual and pastoral care, he tries his best to listen carefully, be non-judgemental, and help the men feel safe and loved.

He said, “I will often refer them to appropriate professional help as my duty of care.” He expressed his gratitude to the many community agencies who have assisted members of his congregation during the Covid pandemic.

Dr Paniani Patu, a general practitioner in Blacktown NSW, reported that Pacific men often come to address health issues when they are critically ill, but “if they will come earlier, they can optimize their health and recovery.”

The panel topic was chosen in recognition that November is “Movember” month—an international initiative to raise awareness of men’s health issues involving growing a moustache or a “mo”.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints promotes self-reliance with courses in the areas of education, health, employment, family home production and storage, family finances, and spiritual strength.

Working together with community agencies and resources, leaders and members are taught and encouraged to care for themselves, their families and those in need.