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
Young People
Families, Friends & Elders
Communities

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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Always was, always will be our stories

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

Healing Our Way

These podcasts include young people in conversations about healing, addressing intergenerational trauma, identity and confronting racism. Source: Healing Foundation

Social and Emotional Wellbeing Postcards

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

Yarning about Mental Health – Burarra

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

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

Yarns Heal: Steven Oliver – Campaign Ambassador

A series of videos from Yarns Heal campaign ambassadors: Actor and comedian Steven Oliver, who talks about self-acceptance especially during dark times Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN

Yarn-safe – Strong and Healthy Relationships

This fact sheet describes what good relationships look like, and how to seek support when things don’t go well. Source: Headspace

13YARN Domestic and Family Violence Fact Sheet

Our mob has strong community values and places great emphasis on care, respect, and love, but sometimes things can go wrong. Struggling with domestic violence? There is always a hand stretched out for you. Source: 13YARN

Young People

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The Mob: Speak with Me

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. Song from Kamilaroi people in western NSW about the mental health challenges of living in two worlds, and an invitation to come together with respect and inclusion.

Iron Range Danger Gang

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 youth from the Kuku Ya'u community on the East Coast of Cape York.

Salty Plum

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. High-energy humorous tour of Palm Island and its culture and history, hosted by a local Bwgcolman teenager.

Aka (Grandmother)

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.

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

Time Will Tell

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.

Thank You

About connection and resilience. Source: Kids Matter

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

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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Relationship break-up and social and emotional wellbeing

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

Dear Son

Dear Son shares letters written by Indigenous men about life, masculinity, love, culture and racism. Along with his own prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayor invited 12 contributors, including Joe Williams, Stan Grant and Troy Cassar-Daley, to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, in a book that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander manhood. Source: Hardie Grant Publishing

Iron Range Danger Gang

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 youth from the Kuku Ya'u community on the East Coast of Cape York.

Suicide in schools: information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

This fact sheet gives advice to families when there has been a suicide at school, including how their child might react, how to support them and how to seek help for individuals and communities. Source: headspace

Yarn-safe – Stress and Pressure

This fact sheet looks at the stresses young people experience – including school, work and family stresses – and gives advice about seeking help. Source: Headspace

Keeping Everyone Safe – English language

This animated short video accompanies the Little Red Threat Book, and provides advice for when someone threatens to end their life to get something they want. Source: Central Australia Life Promotion Network

Finding Our Way Back

This detailed resource gives information and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people after a suicide attempt. Source: beyondblue

Social and Emotional Wellbeing Postcards

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

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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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.

Aboriginal Perspectives on Wellbeing

Short video describing the concept of social and emotional wellbeing. Source: KidsMatter

The Battle

Sam describes overcoming mental illness as a battle that requires determination to avoid negative thought cycles. He talks about the value of exercise, diet, discipline, communication and relaxation in achieving “the greatest victory that any of us can achieve in our lifetime”. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN

Yarning about Mental Health – Burarra

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.

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

Time Will Tell

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.

Feeling Sad or Worried – Arrernte

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

Yarning about suicide prevention in our community

This short resource gives advice about how to start an inclusive conversation in a community about preventing suicide. Source: Everymind

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