Individuals, Families, Peers, Elders & Communities
Resources for Social & Emotional Wellbeing Self-Support
Community is central to the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous people.
In consultations to develop this section of the Manual, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people told us that connection to community and culture provides belonging and meaning, and can foster resilience, which helps with coping during tough times.
People also said that in a crisis they would often prefer to manage the issue by themselves, or seek support from a friend, family member or Elder, rather than accessing formal, clinical supports.
That means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need advice to assist them to manage their own wellbeing, or to support others. This can include practical strategies that may help with immediate distress, or advice on what kind of services may be able to help, and how to find them.
It is important to recognise that sometimes a mental health or wellbeing crisis may need a more urgent intervention. At the top of every page within the Manual there are links to crisis support services.
The following resources have been selected because they:
- were developed by, with and for Indigenous people
- are accessible, free to use, and do not require professional training
- have been reviewed to ensure they are current and culturally safe and appropriate.
The resources include checklists and support strategies, and multimedia resources such as videos and podcasts.
Some were produced within particular cultural contexts, or for groups including youth. These are clearly labelled.
Individuals
These resources are designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to manage their own mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
In consultation meetings for the Manual, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people told us these resources were important, but they emphasised that social and emotional wellbeing is all about connection to community, and people should always reach out for support rather than trying to manage alone.
FILTER BY TOPIC / TYPE :
- All
- ∘ Cultural Understanding & Respect ∘
- ∘ LGBTIQ+ ∘
- ∘ Promoting Resilience & Preventing Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding After Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding to Crisis ∘
- ∘ Staying Safe & Well ∘
- ∘ Support & Hope After Losing Someone ∘
- ∘ Support in Tough Times ∘
- Apps
- Book
- Checklist/Tool
- Education/Tutorial
- Information/Booklet
- Podcast
- Video
- Website/Database
This visual resources helps people recognise depression and look for help . Source: Beyondblue
Yarning about Mental Health These videos from Menzies School of Health Research, contains strength-based messages around mental health and wellbeing. It also highlights the importance of culture, family and community in maintaining good mental health and provides tools that can be used to promote wellbeing. The video was developed with First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory.
Yarn up is a safe space for First Nations young people to connect with community, hear from others, and access wellbeing resources and support. It has been co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and young First Nations people, and includes: - videos about social and emotional wellbeing and community connection - strategies for self-care when people are feeling not good - cartoons for younger kids. Many of these resources are also included individually within the Manual of Resources. Source: ReachOut Australia
This short animated video in Warlpiri language describes feelings of distress and how to offer and seek support. Source: Mental Health Association of Central Australia
Depression is a deep sadness that sticks around for weeks, months or even years. Sometimes, we don't realise that we're carrying it, or we don't yarn about it. With the right support, you can begin healing your way for a better life. Source: 13YARN
13YARN has developed a range of fact sheets to provide you with information and assistance during challenging times. Look through the fact sheets by topic and download any fact sheet that may be helpful for your situation. Source: 13YARN
This iOS app allows people to customise a safety plan for use in times of distress, with reminders of reasons to live and ways to stay safe. While the app is for use by anyone potentially at risk of suicide, Indigenous people with lived experience contributed to its design, and it can be readily configured to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community supports and images. Source: beyondblue
Illustrated poster to help people find the right words to express different feelings, and be better equipped to ask for help. Source: NPY Women’s Council
Young People
FILTER BY TOPIC / TYPE :
- All
- ∘ Cultural Understanding & Respect ∘
- ∘ LGBTIQ+ ∘
- ∘ Promoting Resilience & Preventing Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding After Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding to Crisis ∘
- ∘ Staying Safe & Well ∘
- ∘ Support & Hope After Losing Someone ∘
- ∘ Support in Tough Times ∘
- Apps
- Book
- Checklist/Tool
- Education/Tutorial
- Information/Booklet
- Podcast
- Video
- Website/Database
The Break It Down video project, with youth in North Queensland, includes original music and stories of cultural connection from five communities. All the videos are also available through the Hitnet kiosk and wifi service for remote communities which may not have regular internet access. Break It Down is a project of North Queensland Primary Health Network, with Desert Pea Media. Short film about the importance of traditional dance, music, arts and corroboree.
The Break It Down video project, with youth in North Queensland, includes original music and stories of cultural connection from five communities. All the videos are also available through the Hitnet kiosk and wifi service for remote communities which may not have regular internet access. Break It Down is a project of North Queensland Primary Health Network, with Desert Pea Media. Short film about speaking traditional language as a way of connecting with Country, culture and ancestors.
A series of videos from Yarns Heal campaign ambassadors: Ross, a cultural leader who talks about connection to country for young people Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN
The Break It Down video project, with youth in North Queensland, includes original music and stories of cultural connection from five communities. All the videos are also available through the Hitnet kiosk and wifi service for remote communities which may not have regular internet access. Break It Down is a project of North Queensland Primary Health Network, with Desert Pea Media. Music video featuring the Kuranda KDA Crew of young people from the Djabuganydji community of Kuranda.
About Country and cultural identity. Source: KidsMatter
Short film about an Aboriginal boy who is dealing with depression as a result of his cousin’s suicide, and how he finds help. Source: Mental Health First Aid Australia
This app presents two animated stories to help children and teenagers understand and respond to bullying. Source: Menzies School of Health Research Centre for Child Development and Education, with Northern Territory PHN
The Break It Down video project, with youth in North Queensland, includes original music and stories of cultural connection from five communities. All the videos are also available through the Hitnet kiosk and wifi service for remote communities which may not have regular internet access. Break It Down is a project of North Queensland Primary Health Network, with Desert Pea Media. Short film featuring a grandmother teaching her granddaughter her traditional language.
Families, Friends & Elders
These resources are intended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support others, with strategies to help people through tough times and advice about when and how to seek additional assistance.
FILTER BY TOPIC / TYPE :
- All
- ∘ Cultural Understanding & Respect ∘
- ∘ LGBTIQ+ ∘
- ∘ Promoting Resilience & Preventing Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding After Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding to Crisis ∘
- ∘ Staying Safe & Well ∘
- ∘ Support & Hope After Losing Someone ∘
- ∘ Support in Tough Times ∘
- Apps
- Book
- Checklist/Tool
- Education/Tutorial
- Information/Booklet
- Podcast
- Video
- Website/Database
This video was driven by key figures in the communities of Galiwin’ku and Milingimbi, telling the story in Djambarrpuynu of how music, dancing and singing can improve mental health for Yolgnu people by sustaining identity and resilience. Source: EG Productions commissioned by the former NT Medicare Local
Yarn up is a safe space for First Nations young people to connect with community, hear from others, and access wellbeing resources and support. It has been co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and young First Nations people, and includes: - videos about social and emotional wellbeing and community connection - strategies for self-care when people are feeling not good - cartoons for younger kids. Many of these resources are also included individually within the Manual of Resources. Source: ReachOut Australia
Short text and pictorial resource about feelings and adjustment after losing someone to suicide. Source: Yarrabah Council and community (North Queensland)
his resource describes how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may experience sorry business, grief and loss, and the types of support that may help. Source: Lifeline
This podcast series features conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their experiences, roles and achievements. It is hosted by writer and broadcaster Marlee Silva, a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman born and raised on Dharrawal country, south of Sydney. Episode 11 is Coming Out Blak, with Matika Little and Courtney Hagen, who are black, gay and proud. Connected online through their common experiences of being Aboriginal and identifying as lesbian, they have built a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+voices on Instagram @comingoutblak. In this podcast they share their own experiences, discuss the issues that matter to them and offer solidarity to people struggling with their sexual identity. Source: Marlee Silva
The Little Red Threat Book demonstrates how to respond when someone says they will take their own life unless another person does as they demand. It describes how such threats, which may feel manipulative or abusive, can result from trauma, including intergenerational trauma, grief, loss, and the experiences of poverty, racism and colonising policies and practices. It shows how those in a supporting role can create safe spaces without compromising their own safety or integrity. Source: Central Australia Life Promotion Network
The Break It Down video project, with youth in North Queensland, includes original music and stories of cultural connection from five communities. All the videos are also available through the Hitnet kiosk and wifi service for remote communities which may not have regular internet access. Break It Down is a project of North Queensland Primary Health Network, with Desert Pea Media. Music video from the Bwgcolman Mob of young people from Palm Island.
Interview with Paul Callaghan, author, consultant and proud Worimi man from Port Stephens in NSW, who shares his lived experience of depression, and discusses the importance of connection to Aboriginal culture and spirituality for his wellbeing. Source: Black Dog Institute
Communities
These resources can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community leaders and organisations to plan community-level responses that promote social and emotional wellbeing and support people in crisis.
FILTER BY TOPIC / TYPE :
- All
- ∘ Cultural Understanding & Respect ∘
- ∘ LGBTIQ+ ∘
- ∘ Promoting Resilience & Preventing Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding After Suicide ∘
- ∘ Responding to Crisis ∘
- ∘ Staying Safe & Well ∘
- ∘ Support & Hope After Losing Someone ∘
- ∘ Support in Tough Times ∘
- Apps
- Book
- Checklist/Tool
- Education/Tutorial
- Information/Booklet
- Podcast
- Video
- Website/Database
About connection and resilience. Source: Kids Matter
This evaluation framework is based on the principles described in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP). It is designed to evaluate suicide prevention activities that are already underway, and to provide guidance around evaluation while in the planning stages. Note: This 2017 resource is under review Source: Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention
This short animated video in Warlpiri language describes feelings of distress and how to offer and seek support. Source: Mental Health Association of Central Australia
Fractured: Broken Ties, Reclaimed Lives These short videos describe the effect of removal from families on the Stolen Generations, and introduces the Link-Up service to reunite families. The Fractured project engaged Indigenous young people and their communities in producing images to reflect the strengths and participation of community members in everyday life. The stories are intended to challenge discrimination and racism and their effect on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Victimised/Assimalised/Correctionalised – Howard Edwards: Howard’s memories of being removed from his family, activism for Aboriginal people in Melbourne in the 1970s and 80s, and his work in community radion.
This short animated video in Pitjantatjara language describes feelings of distress and how to offer and seek support. Source: Mental Health Association of Central Australia
The Apology
Yarning about Mental Health These videos from Menzies School of Health Research, contains strength-based messages around mental health and wellbeing. It also highlights the importance of culture, family and community in maintaining good mental health and provides tools that can be used to promote wellbeing. The video was developed with First Nations Australians in the Northern Territory.
These videos aim to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children. Each animation provides a story that highlights key messages about the day-to-day caring of Aboriginal children’s wellbeing by parents, families and communities. Source: Kids Matter