The closure of the non-profitable organisation that offered 24-hour help to those with suicidal tendencies means the Mental Health Clinic at the Moto’otua has to fill in the gap for that service. 

Faataua Le Ola was forced to close its doors earlier this year because it could not sustain its operation due to the lack of funding. 

Since the dissolution of the lifeline service the Head of the Mental Health Clinic at Moto’otua Hospital, Seiulialii Dr. George Tuitama said patients have been referred to their department. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the only psychiatrist in Samoa said it was sad that FLO closed down.

“When it comes to suicide and self-harm cases it gets referred to us,” said Seiulialii. 

“Most of the referrals are from the Emergency and Outpatient. We have a social service as well and a church minister, and counsellor, they are the ones who see patients, and when they need more specialised help and treatment that is when it is referred to us.” 

Seiulialii pointed out that most issues with suicide and self-harm have to do with social issues, relationships, family, finances, and underlying mental conditions. 

He said while they could provide the service in the meantime there was community outreach work done by the FLO that they could not carry out. 

“The good thing with FLO was that they had a lot of community engagement. Our setting is mostly clinical engagement when they come to the hospital,” he added. 

“FLO also had a helpline and had some good programmes and it would have been good if they had received a bit more help than what they had. 

“So hopefully we don’t give up hope and hope it can restart again. 

“The idea is still there and the name, all it needs is funds. There should be funds around and it is just a matter of accessing and having transparency on usage of funds might help.” 

Another non-governmental organsation (NGO) that also offers free service to patients with mental health disorders is Goshen Trust. They said they too cannot breach the gap with service offered by FLO without funding. 

Goshen Trust Chief Executive Officer, Naomi Eshraghi said there has to be a service to provide for the prevention of suicide and it’s a major area. 

She said her team doesn’t have sufficient funds to cater for the service noting it is not only a clinical matter but also criminal. 

“We can campaign and raise awareness but not provide the service, we are not funded,” said Mrs. Eshraghi. 

Another Government ministry that made patient referrals to FLO was the Ministry of Police and given the latest development they have been uncertain of where to make referrals. 

The Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said currently they are looking at the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) to make referrals. 

Auapaau said he does hope the Government looks into the essential service provided by FLO and finds ways to ensure the 24-hour lifeline service continues its work and is made available. 

He also dismissed claims that the Ministry of Police had made it difficult to disclose official information on suicide cases when sought by the FLO. 

Auapaau said they don’t hold back information and crucial statistics that may help prevent future cases and assist non-profitable organisations that offer the service and secure funding. 

 The Chairman of the now defunct FLO, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale said the succession plan for FLO was to find people to come on board and pass it on to them. 

But sadly things didn’t work out as planned leading to the NGO being dissolved. 

Tuatagaloa added the Government could have given a bit more financial support to keep FLO in operation, he said the Government has a responsibility to monitor these things and identify where they can help.