Published on Monday, 28 June 2021 at 10:24:24 AM
Youth suicide prevention workshop with community members at Desert Blue Connect
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have distinct Indigenous cultural values, strengths, and differences. Therefore, it is important that culturally appropriate resources and support are available to improve access to culturally safe services and create positive health outcomes.
GRAMS has partnered with the Centre for Best Practice in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) to help develop culturally appropriate self-help resources for Aboriginal families and communities to support young people who are involved in self-harm and suicidal behaviours.
Professor Pat Dudgeon (CBPATSISP Director) and Senior Research Fellow, Roz Walker have conducted workshops across Western Australia to help develop a resource that includes cultural appropriate information.
“We are now presenting the draft resource developed from the consultations to families, community members and young people in the Kimberley, Mid West, South West and Perth metropolitan areas,” said Mrs Walker.
“GRAMS assisted us in recruiting community members and young people to participate in focus groups, contribute their ideas and help us adapt the existing resource to be culturally appropriate.”
“It was great to hear the voice of community and young people regarding why young people self-harm and what support they and their families need.”
Professor Pat Dudgeon said the resource observes mental health from an Aboriginal perspective and is adapted to respect the cultural context.
“The resource uses empowering language to focus on strengthening mental health rather than coping with mental health,” said Professor Dungeon.
“The content is much clearer and straightforward, helping parents and carers identify suicidal behaviours in youth and what they can do to help support young people and their social and emotional wellbeing.”
GRAMS Deadly Cru Youth Community Engagement Officer Levi Thorne said the workshops looked at the unique experiences and needs of Aboriginal youth.
“It is important that the voices of our young people are heard, and they are included in the design of the resources to tackle Indigenous youth suicide,” said Mr Thorne.
“We need to get rid of the stigma of mental health and support parents and carers of young people who may be at risk of suicide.”
GRAMS will support the dissemination and translation of the suicide prevention resources developed, assisting Aboriginal families to easily access mental health services and resources that are culturally appropriate. Once finalised, the resource will be available for Aboriginal families through emergency departments, mental health services, Aboriginal Medical Services including GRAMS.
To learn more about our Youth services, head to our Deadly Cru page:
https://www.grams.asn.au/geraldton/deadly-cru.aspx
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