Mental Health
Background –In Aboriginal culture mental health is not individualistic, but rather a collective consciousness of families and communities. Mental health is not considered separate from physical health, culture or spirituality but rather part of a bigger picture that forms the Aboriginal holistic view of health.
The AH&MRC operates within this framework, working to improve Aboriginal mental health through initiatives in workforce wellbeing and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB). The AH&MRC will also be offering mental health training through our Little Bay Campus.
The AH&MRC Mental Health Program delivers a range of activities including:
- Convening annual state-wide Aboriginal Mental Health Forums, to promote networking amongst mental health champions; and build skills and confidence of the ACCHS workforce, Aboriginal mental health professionals, community members and mainstream services
- Hosting an ACCHS sector advisory group for the AH&MRC mental health programs
- Assisting local groups to develop information and support initiatives based on their identified priorities
- Provision of regular communication on mental health resources, updated information, resources and workforce upskilling opportunities
- Collecting and sharing examples of successful Aboriginal-targeted mental health initiatives
- Providing cultural expertise and relevant community consultation, as well as input and advice to key stakeholders around mental health