Individuals, Families and Communities – Manual of Resources for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention

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.

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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.

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13YARN Depression in Mob Fact Sheet

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

Yarn Up

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

Rock Bottom

Will Hill talks about his experience of reaching out to Elders, finding strength in culture, and recovering from depression and thoughts of suicide. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN

Social and Emotional Wellbeing Postcards

A collection of inspirational postcards for printing, that describe elements of social and emotional wellbeing. Source: Evolve Therapeutic Services

Yarns Heal: Tiahni – Youth Ambassador

A series of videos from Yarns Heal campaign ambassadors: Tiahni, youth ambassador, talks about family, community and empowerment Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN

The Art of Distraction

Payten Thorne talks about the role of creativity - photography and drawing - in supporting her wellbeing. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN

Keeping Strong

This visual resources helps people recognise depression and look for help . Source: Beyondblue

Feeling Sad or Worried – English

This short animated video describes feelings of distress and how to offer and seek support. Source: Mental Health Association of Central Australia

Young People

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Yarns Heal: Ross – Senior Cultural Leader

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

Bila Galari

George’s goal is to provide the kids of his community with direction, while emphasising cultural wisdom and respect for Country, to prevent them from going down the tough path that he has walked before. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN

380 Crew: River to the Sea

Desert Pea Media – Music Videos Desert Pea Media works with Indigenous young people in regional and remote areas, using storytelling and audio-visual media to promote social and cultural dialogue, responding to issues including intergenerational trauma, suicide, unemployment and incarceration. An anthem for the people of the Yaegl Nation in northern NSW, about respecting culture and tradition, recognising the impacts of history, and working together to heal.

Malkarri

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.

Yarn Up

Yarns Heal: Taz – LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl & Brotherboy Ambassador

A series of videos from Yarns Heal campaign ambassadors: Taz, LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy ambassador, talks about the community support he experienced on coming out at age 17 Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN

My Grandfather

About tradition and cultural identity. Source: KidsMatter

First Nations Bedtime Stories

Short videos of Elders telling traditional stories for young children, intended to promote and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Source: Common Ground

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.

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Yarns Heal: Tania – Lived Experience Storyteller and Art Therapist

A series of videos from Yarns Heal campaign ambassadors: Tania, lived experience storyteller and art therapist, talks about the role of art, Country and community connection in coming through mental health challenges Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN

When someone takes their own life, What Next?

A resource for people who have lost someone to suicide, covering practical and financial issues and well as psychological adjustment, and inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Source: WA Mental Health Commission

My Grandfather

About tradition and cultural identity. Source: KidsMatter

Relationship break-up and social and emotional wellbeing

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people describe how racism affects them. Source: Headspace

Your Time

Uncle Les Coe yarns with young people about reconnecting with their cultural roots to grow proud and strong. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN

Supporting young Aboriginal people who self-harm: A guide for families and communities

Orygen partnered with The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP), which led the co-design process with community using a participatory action research approach. This guide looks at early warning signs of self-harm, factors that may influence young First Nations people to self-harm, and how to get help, including managing a crisis and injuries. Young Aboriginal people in Western Australia co-developed the guide with an Aboriginal expert advisory group, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health workers, local Elders, and Aboriginal families and communities from across the state. While the guide was co-developed by, and for, Aboriginal people in Western Australia, it may be broadly applicable to First Nations families and communities right across the country.

The Coroner’s Court and the Koori community

Short resource describing the role of the coroner, including after a suicide. The resource covers identification, autopsy, funeral planning, death certification and Aboriginal family liaison. While it relates to Victoria, most content is general in nature and relevant in other states. Source: Coroner’s Court Victoria

The Aunties

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 Djabuganydji Elders describing the history of colonisation, child removal and trauma in their community, and their strength in supporting each other and Djabuganydji youth.

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.

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Our Healing, Our Future, shaping strategies with our young people

This 1.5 hour webinar brought together young people and experts to discuss lived experience of Intergenerational Trauma and strategies for creating positive intergenerational change. Speakers include: Professor Helen Milroy, a leader in Indigenous mental health and trauma Tonii Skeen, youth advocate Karlie Stewart, youth advocate · Joel Wenitong, community mentor

The Real World

Desert Pea Media – Music Videos Desert Pea Media works with Indigenous young people in regional and remote areas, using storytelling and audio-visual media to promote social and cultural dialogue, responding to issues including intergenerational trauma, suicide, unemployment and incarceration. Hip hop anthem celebrating the resilience and strength of the Wiradjuri People from the Central West of NSW, addressing issues including The Stolen Generations, racism, family violence, grief and trauma. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN