Vikram's life has been one of navigating love, loss, and an unyielding pursuit of hope. Born and raised in Singapore, his heart was intertwined with his family, especially his beloved mum, who imparted values of resilience and compassion. Vikram's world shattered at the age of 12 when his mother passed away, leaving him feeling lost in a society that rarely discussed mental health. Amidst more heartaches, including the loss of his father at the age of 21, Vikram was reminded that life is short, and every moment with loved ones is precious.

In search of a new beginning, Vikram found himself drawn to Aotearoa, enticed by the prospect of a community that embraced open conversations about emotional and mental well-being. New Zealand provided a place where he could confront his pain and grapple with his profound loss. 

Vikram's message is powerful in its simplicity: "It's okay not to feel okay. Seek help, embrace your journey, and treasure every moment, for your strength emerges from the challenges you face."

Need Support? findahelpline.com



Transcribed Audio

Vikram's life has been one of navigating love, loss, and an unyielding pursuit of hope. Born and raised in Singapore, his heart was intertwined with his family, especially his beloved mum, who imparted values of resilience and compassion. Vikram's world shattered at the age of 12 when his mother passed away, leaving him feeling lost in a society that rarely discussed mental health. Amidst more heartaches, including the loss of his father at the age of 21, Vikram was reminded that life is short, and every moment with loved ones is precious.
In search of a new beginning, Vikram found himself drawn to Aotearoa, enticed by the prospect of a community that embraced open conversations about emotional and mental well-being. New Zealand provided a place where he could confront his pain and grapple with his profound loss. 
Vikram's message is powerful in its simplicity: "It's okay not to feel okay. Seek help, embrace your journey, and treasure every moment, for your strength emerges from the challenges you face."
Need Support? <a href="findahelpline.com">findahelpline.com</a> 
<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0519/8512/1449/files/Behind_the_Smile_Transcribed_Audio_Vikram_Selvaraj.pdf?v=1712711909">Transcribed Audio</a>

It's not weak to speak. Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora spends a moment with Kiwis who have experienced mental health challenges, digging deeper into their own lived experience, whilst highlighting the tools and lessons they've learned along the way.

This podcast has been created to empower, inspire and remind you that you are not alone in your fight. 

Find out more at https://www.thevoicesofhope.org/

It's not weak to speak. Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora spends a moment with Kiwis who have experienced mental health challenges, digging deeper into their own lived experience, whilst highlighting the tools and lessons they've learned along the way.
This podcast has been created to empower, inspire and remind you that you are not alone in your fight.&nbsp;
Find out more at <a href="https://www.thevoicesofhope.org/">https://www.thevoicesofhope.org/</a>

Voices of Hope: A Moment With...

Behind the Smile - Vikram

Peleti's life embodies a powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of healing not only himself but others. Through challenging personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his brother to suicide, Peleti has become a leader of hope and change. 

Coming from a traditional Samoan background, Peleti witnessed a community grappling with his brother’s tragic loss in different ways, from indifference to blame, all shadowed by the church's silence.

Peleti dreams of a cultural shift, urging families to break the cycle of silence and embrace therapy and open conversations about trauma. He envisions a world where healing starts at home, where anyone, regardless of their struggles, finds the courage to seek inner peace.

Need Support? findahelpline.com

Transcribed Audio

Peleti's life embodies a powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of healing not only himself but others. Through challenging personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his brother to suicide, Peleti has become a leader of hope and change. 
Coming from a traditional Samoan background, Peleti witnessed a community grappling with his brother’s tragic loss in different ways, from indifference to blame, all shadowed by the church's silence.
Peleti dreams of a cultural shift, urging families to break the cycle of silence and embrace therapy and open conversations about trauma. He envisions a world where healing starts at home, where anyone, regardless of their struggles, finds the courage to seek inner peace.
Need Support? <a href="findahelpline.com">findahelpline.com</a>
<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0519/8512/1449/files/Behind_the_Smile_Transcribed_Audio_Peleti_Oli.pdf?v=1712711909">Transcribed Audio</a>

Behind the Smile - Peleti Oli

Originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vira’s journey to Aotearoa as an asylum seeker marked a radical shift from a communal, family-centric upbringing to a society starkly different in its individualistic values. Accompanied by her elder sister and mother upon arrival in New Zealand, her father joined them later in her adolescence. 

Vira vividly recalls her mother's struggles, enduring biases in the workforce and facing societal prejudices while she, as a child, faced racial discrimination in school. These experiences left lasting impressions, fueling Vira's determination to create awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by migrants and refugees.

Through her experiences, Vira emphasises the significance of vulnerability and seeking support. She encourages others to lean on their communities, share their experiences, and understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Grateful for her family's unwavering support, especially her mother's influential role, Vira stands as an inspiration, urging others to confront challenges with resilience and optimism, knowing that brighter days await.

Need Support? findahelpline.com

Transcribed Audio

Originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vira’s journey to Aotearoa as an asylum seeker marked a radical shift from a communal, family-centric upbringing to a society starkly different in its individualistic values. Accompanied by her elder sister and mother upon arrival in New Zealand, her father joined them later in her adolescence. 
Vira vividly recalls her mother's struggles, enduring biases in the workforce and facing societal prejudices while she, as a child, faced racial discrimination in school. These experiences left lasting impressions, fueling Vira's determination to create awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
Through her experiences, Vira emphasises the significance of vulnerability and seeking support. She encourages others to lean on their communities, share their experiences, and understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Grateful for her family's unwavering support, especially her mother's influential role, Vira stands as an inspiration, urging others to confront challenges with resilience and optimism, knowing that brighter days await.
Need Support? <a href="findahelpline.com">findahelpline.com</a>
<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0519/8512/1449/files/Behind_the_Smile_Transcribed_Audio_Vira_Paky.pdf?v=1712711909">Transcribed Audio</a>

Behind the Smile - Vira

Before anything else, Rachel is a loving mum and partner, a social worker, a DJ and a champion for social justice. Rachel describes her upbringing as “colourful and challenging”. Rachel faced adversities that shaped her life,  including experiences of sexual violence and the onset of a methamphetamine addiction at the remarkably young age of fourteen. She fell into a world of substance abuse and found solace among a group of individuals sharing similar traumas. The path led her through crime, toxic relationships and entrenched in a dangerous lifestyle. As she embarked on her journey of healing, Rachel underwent rehab and therapy, emphasising the importance of self-love and personal responsibility in the healing process. 

Her story is an anthem to activism and community service, a profound reminder of the human capacity to heal from trauma and use it to create meaningful change for both ourselves and others.

Need Support? findahelpline.com



Transcribed Audio

Before anything else, Rachel is a loving mum and partner, a social worker, a DJ and a champion for social justice. Rachel describes her upbringing as “colourful and challenging”. Rachel faced adversities that shaped her life,  including experiences of sexual violence and the onset of a methamphetamine addiction at the remarkably young age of fourteen. She fell into a world of substance abuse and found solace among a group of individuals sharing similar traumas. The path led her through crime, toxic relationships and entrenched in a dangerous lifestyle. As she embarked on her journey of healing, Rachel underwent rehab and therapy, emphasising the importance of self-love and personal responsibility in the healing process. 
Her story is an anthem to activism and community service, a profound reminder of the human capacity to heal from trauma and use it to create meaningful change for both ourselves and others.
Need Support? <a href="findahelpline.com">findahelpline.com</a> 
<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0519/8512/1449/files/Behind_the_Smile_Transcribed_Audio_Rachel_Taane.pdf?v=1712711909">Transcribed Audio</a>

Behind the Smile - Vikram

Voices of Hope: A Moment With...

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