Wellbeing and cultural awareness resources
This list of wellbeing and cultural awareness resources were collated to provide support and further information, largely for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may experience distress or a strong response due to some of the difficult concepts and themes in the artworks and the broader exhibition.
These resources have been compiled from individual sources as well as existing listings and have a focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing. They are not exhaustive, but are a useful starting point for those wanting to know more, who might need some extra support or would like to pass on these support structures to others
Black Dog Institute:
A directory of free social and emotional wellbeing support and services made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Good Yarn Guidelines:
The Good Yarn Guidelines were co-developed by some of Australia’s leading First Nations mental health groups, including the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA), Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention, as well as mental health research institute the Black Dog Institute and Everymind, the organisation that developed the Mindframe guidelines for safe and accurate media reporting of suicide.
Deadly Story
Deadly Story is a great online portal and resource that aims to support Aboriginal children and young people to grow in their knowledge of who they are, where they belong, where they come from, what they do, what they believe and what symbolises Aboriginal culture to them. It is a great way to learn about family finding, genograms, as well as having educational and employment resources.
Cultural awareness for students developed by AGSA:
Art is the ideal platform to explore our shared histories, cultures and achievements and provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is diverse. Therefore, if you are only ever highlighting one art form, such as bark painting or dot painting, you are placing limitations on your students' cultural awareness and understanding.
WellMob
WellMob brings together online resources made by and for our mob. Here you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, social media, and online counselling all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
https://www.naccho.org.au/
NACCHO provides advice and guidance to the Australian Government on policy and budget matters and advocates for community-developed solutions that contribute to the quality of life and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Gayaa Dhuwi Proud Spirit Australia (GDPSA)
https://www.gayaadhuwi.org.au/
Established in late March 2020, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention national leadership body.
Yarn Safe - Headspace
headspace is your space to yarn safe. headspace can help you or a friend with any problems you have with; physical health, mental health and wellbeing, stress and pressure, relationships, alcohol and drugs.
Head to Health
The Head to Health website pools together hundreds of Australian mental health resources and services, and points you to the ones most helpful to your situation.
Transforming Indigenous Mental Health & Wellbeing
Bringing cultural ways and healing into mental health and wellbeing systems to better serve the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
The Lowitja Institute
A national community-controlled health and wellbeing research institute, providing tools and guides on issues including cultural safety and culturally safe evaluation.
AIATSIS Guides and resources
https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/guides-and-resources
AIATSIShave a range of resources, databases, indexes, finding aids and reading lists to help you with your research and to find information in the AIATSIS Collection.
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
SNAICC has various resources including guides for building genuine partnerships and working with families. SNAICC also has reports and publications of relevance.
Cultural Safety in Trauma-Informed Practice from a First Nations Perspective -
The Seedling Group
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-13138-7
A book that offers insights for professionals working with First Nations communities on how to conduct culturally safe and trauma-informed practice with First Nations peoples in Australia. It explores psychological trauma and healing, and the clinical and cultural implications of the impacts of colonisation, through a First Nations lens.