School of People Environment and Planning

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/10563

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Mental health

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Refugee resettlement and ways forward : a dissertation submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2004) Ibrahim, Hassan Haji
    New Zealand has hosted refugees since World War II and is currently one of only ten countries in the world with a refugee resettlement programme, yet little is known about the experiences and unique needs of new refugees who are culturally, racially and ethnically extremely different from New Zealand mainstream society. The focus of this research is to provide an overview of the experiences the Afghan and Somali refugees have undergone prior to resettlement in New Zealand and the hindrances to realising their dreams in New Zealand as their country of resettlement. The structure and aims of the research were guided by Alternative Development theory which focuses on eliminating injustice being done to a particular group on the basis of their race, colour, religion or gender and addressing the priority needs of people to achieve sustainable society. To achieve the research objectives, the research has applied participatory methods (individual in-depth interviews, focus groups with interactive activities and discussion and document review). The research findings indicate that resettlement is a continuum process in which the new refugees are making effort to move away from situation of under-development to a favourable situation of development worthy of decent human life. The research findings also suggest that refugee resettlement, having links with Alternative Development and Human Rights, goes beyond meeting physical needs of refugees. It also covers the restoration and sustainability of people's capabilities. Finally, the research presents practical ways to empower refugees and foster opportunities to develop their own livelihoods and integrate with structures and systems of New Zealand society.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Leveraging the Samoan Mental Health Policy for Policy Development in Niue
    (Massey University, 2019) Corcoran, Dale; Stewart-Withers, Rochelle
    Mental health is a prevalent, but often ignored area of health. Mental illness can significantly impact the mentally unwell, their families, and the wider community, yet access to proper care can be hindered by availability, ignorance, discrimination, and stigma, and result in human rights violations. This is especially true in developing countries where services may be inadequate or non-existent. Mental health policies can alleviate this situation by improving and prioritising mental health services at a national level. Based on Samoa and Niue’s similarities in terms of their mental health context and the positive analysis and evaluation of the 2006 Samoan policy, this paper concludes that the work done in Samoa is a viable choice for Niue to leverage in their future policy work. Niue would benefit from developing their mental health policy based on the precepts of South-to-South Cooperation by collaborating and sharing knowledge with their neighbour Samoa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The involvement of vulnerable children in child friendly spaces in Aceh, Indonesia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2008) MacLeod, Heather
    The negative impact of natural and man-made disasters on children is well recognized and over the years different interventions have been introduced in communities so as to address the needs of affected children during humanitarian responses. In recent years though, the rights of children in humanitarian emergencies have been addressed more intentionally than previously. This has resulted in a new type of intervention that has evolved to address the psychosocial and protection needs of children through a range of creative, informative and supportive play activities and referral services offered in disaster affected communities. The activities have been supported by a range of Non Governmental Organisations and the United Nations. Commonly called 'Child Friendly Spaces'(CFSs), these programmes are now offered in most humanitarian emergencies. Drawing on literature from a range of social sciences and an analysis of qualitative research conducted in Tsunami affected Aceh, Indonesia, this study demonstrates that Government, United Nations and NGO stakeholders' understanding and approach to CFS programmes differs in terms of definitions of key concepts. The study also identifies the challenges in defining vulnerability at a community level and discusses whether CFS programmes do offer services to the most vulnerable children.