Projects and campaigns
Beyond Blue has developed and funded a range o projects in partnership with First Nations Peoples communities and organisations. A selection of these projects are listed below.
Invisible Discriminator
Several studies have demonstrated a link between experiences of racism and poorer mental health among First Nations Peoples, including a greater risk of developing depression and anxiety, substance use and attempted suicide.
Beyond Blue's national anti-discrimination campaign, Invisible Discriminator, highlights the impact of racism on the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Peoples.
Stories for Keeping Strong
From 2013 to 2015 Beyond Blue worked with Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and Alive and Kicking Goals: Young Aboriginal Women’s Suicide Prevention Program to produce culturally appropriate digital stories to support mental health literacy.
The objectives of the project was to equip people to recognise, talk about and help family and community members to eek professional support if experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
See the digital stories here:
Hitnet
In 2013 Beyond Blue launched three short videos, including Stories for Keeping Strong, via Hitnet community hubs for First Nations Peoples across Australia. Hitnet is a national network of community hubs, with interactive touchscreen kiosks and WiFi access for mobile devices, in First Nations Peoples communities.
Hitnet brings information and services to the hardest to reach people in the world, providing access to trusted, culturally relevant health information that empowers communities to live healthy lives. There are five videos that are now available: raising awareness of anxiety and depression, highlighting signs and symptoms, and providing culturally-appropriate information about healing and support. Check out the 'Keeping Strong' channel on the Hitnet Community Hub.