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
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
This fact sheet aims to provide a basic understanding of psychotic illnesses, recognising what it looks and feels like, and offering coping strategies within our different cultural contexts. Source: 13YARN
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.
Grief is an emotional response to loss, which might include the death of a loved one, loss of health, ending of a relationship, loss of a job, or a loss of cultural connection, such as moving off country. It is important to acknowledge and express those feelings without judgement. Source: 13YARN
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
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
Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people describe how racism affects them. Source: Headspace
In this video, Nicky Newley describes her experiences with art and its role in her recovery through difficult times. The video is part of a suicide prevention campaign for LGBTIQ+ community members in Brisbane. Source: Yarns Heal - funded by Brisbane North PHN
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. Music video featuring the Bowen Connection group of Juru and South Sea Islander young people in the Bowen region.
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.
About tradition and cultural identity. Source: KidsMatter
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
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 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
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
Educational resources for secondary students (Years 10 to 12), developed around the three-part SBS documentary The Australian Wars, which describes the history of conflicts as Indigenous people resisted colonisation. Source: Blackfella Films, SBS Learn and Culture is Life
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
A free-to-use online mapping tool that works to help people and communities in Western Australia to access health services, including social and emotional wellbeing services, as close as possible to family, home and Country. Source: Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia
This short film describes simple ways for Aboriginal Health Workers to look after themselves, including strategies to sustain and enjoy working in Aboriginal health so they can continue to support their communities. Source: VACCHO/beyondblue
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
This is a collection of conversation guides, posters and video stories under the headline: “Ask Your Mob, In Your Way, R U OK?” Sign up with an email address and phone number to get immediate access to all the downloads, which support people to have conversations with family members, friends and others who may be struggling. Source: RUOK
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
Grief is an emotional response to loss, which might include the death of a loved one, loss of health, ending of a relationship, loss of a job, or a loss of cultural connection, such as moving off country. It is important to acknowledge and express those feelings without judgement. Source: 13YARN
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.
Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people describe how racism affects them. Source: Headspace
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
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
Short video describing the concept of social and emotional wellbeing. Source: KidsMatter
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
Nathan Sutherland - one of only two hundred psychologists in Australia who identify as Aboriginal - talks about how to seek support from friends, family, community and healthcare professionals. Source: Desert Pea Media/WNSWPHN
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.
This planning tool is based on the principles described in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP). It shows how communities can plan and lead suicide prevention projects, using essential criteria for success. Note: This 2017 resource is under review Source: Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention
This animated short video provides advice about supporting someone in distress, including how to check in with them after a crisis has passed and when to consider referring them to formal services and supports. Source: Central Australia Life Promotion Network
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