Our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Acknowledgement

Beyond Blue acknowledges the Land on which our head office is based has deep connections to peoples and cultures across the Eastern Kulin Nation. As such we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this area, the Wurundjeri Peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. As an organisation with national reach, we extend our respect to all Elders and First Nations Peoples across Australia.

Beyond Blue recognises that much needs to be done to address depression, anxiety, suicide and related drug and alcohol issues in First Nations Peoples communities.

Over time and across Australia, generations of First Nations Peoples have experienced trauma, grief and loss. Psychological distress is high among First Nations Peoples and this is worsened by ongoing social and health factors.

Beyond Blue works to address discriminatory behaviour and equip First Nations Peoples with the knowledge and skills to maintain their own social emotional wellbeing. This includes recognising signs in people close to them, in order to prevent the development of a mental health condition.

In consultation with First Nations Peoples communities, Beyond Blue has developed a range of research, information, education and support strategies to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Peoples.

Read Beyond Blue's position on social and emotional wellbeing for First Nations Peoples.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) supports our journey to learn more about the world’s oldest continuing culture and assists us in creating a culturally safe organisation.

Read more
Statement on the Voice to Parliament

Beyond Blue wholeheartedly supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Find out more

Sometimes the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety can be seen as 'just the way' you, a friend or family member are. This is not always the case. If you or someone you know are feeling broken and sad inside for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing depression. Depression can affect you, your family and your community.

Reducing the impact of depression and anxiety among First Nations communities is a priority for Beyond Blue. A range of research, information, education and support strategies have been developed and will continue to be developed in consultation with First Nations communities and organisations.

Helpful contacts for First Nations Peoples



National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory.

Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH)

Comprehensive list of Aboriginal health services in each state and territory.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Information about Indigenous health, including detailed overviews of specific health topics.

Counselling Online

Free online counselling service where you can communicate with a professional counsellor about your own alcohol and drug use, or if you are concerned about a family member, relative or friend.

WellMob

Online resources to help support the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services by state:

Australian Capital Territory, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (AHS): http://www.winnunga.org.au/

New South Wales, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (AH&MRC): http://www.ahmrc.org.au/  

Northern Territory, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT): https://www.amsant.org.au/about-us-new/

Queensland, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC): http://www.qaihc.com.au/about/our-members

South Australia, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia: http://ahcsa.org.au/members-overview/members-directory/

Tasmania, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc.: http://tacinc.com.au/

Victoria, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. (VACCHO): http://www.vaccho.org.au/ 

Western Australia, The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) http://www.ahcwa.org.au/#!member-locations/cnwb

 

Find out more about our work

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.

Resources

Beyond Blue offers a free catalogue of resources for First Nations Peoples, their partners, families and friends, and for health professionals who work in mental health.