Across the globe, children and youth represent hope, optimism and the promise of positive change for a brighter future. However, with the mental health of young people in steady decline, especially in recent years (https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/6/mental-health-young-australians-dealing-public-health-crisis#10), it has never been a more important time to support the mental wellbeing of our future generations.
Creating a society where our young people can flourish is particularly important for our First Nations children and youth. While the majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, a significant number of young people continue to face ongoing challenges stemming from colonisation and its effects.
Every year, Aboriginal Children’s Day is a time to celebrate the strengths and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in their lives. This year’s theme, “Little Voices, Loud Futures”, raises awareness for children’s bright futures and the potential for their voices to pave a new path for our nation. It reminds us that keeping young people safe and well will help grow our next generation of strong leaders.
The team at WellMob have created a new range of invaluable resources to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people, providing a short cut the the very best resources on range of common wellbeing issues including cultural identity for children and youth.
Cultural Identity Resources for Children
Download WellMob’s Resource Sheet on ‘Cultural Identity Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’ here to find resources offering information and ideas that can help strengthen children’s connection to culture and community.
A website enabling access to a free digital library of books written by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal children of all reading levels. There is also a shop with books for purchase.
The Dreamtime Story of the Barrimirndi
An animation video about caring for Country and the importance of protecting our rivers.
A video that tells the story of young Benny who has a disability and feels left out from going bush with the other young fullas. His grandfather notices his sadness and takes Benny out bush to learn about the land and culture.
An online TV program for kids that has 20 animated video stories in some tranditional languages of Central Australia with English sub-titles.
An interactive map that has information about over 780 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Click on a Country and it take you to the language resource of that place where local people share knowledge, stories, and language of country.
Dreamy: Sleep Stories from first nations storytellers
A podcast app consisting of a collection of sleep stories created by First Nations storytellers. These stories are grounded in connection to Country and provide listeners with a sense of calm that may help with sleep difficulties.
A video where Lenny Cubby share a story about how Doomadgee people can follow the ‘strong cycles’ of culture in their life.
Cultural Identity Resources for Young People
Download WellMob’s Resource Sheet on ‘Cultural Identity Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People’ here to find resources offering information and ideas that can help strengthen young people’s connection to culture and community.
A webpage of resources for young people on mental health and wellbeing, stress and pressure, relationships and alcohol and drugs.
Young Rapper Sonboy on his music and his self-confidence
A video of Rapper, Sonboy, talking about how he grew up in Redfern and the tough situations he found himself in.
Ask Us Anything: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A video that explores if it is ever OK to ask someone how Aboriginal they are?
A practical top sheet exploring cultural identity designed for Indigenous university students.
Connecting to your culture and identity
A video of young people sharing stories about the importance of connecting to culture and identity.
An interactive map that has information about over 780 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Click on a Country and it take you to the language resource of that place where local people share knowledge, stories, and language of country.
A website about weather and climate knowledge from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups across Australia.
Crisis Services
13YARN
13 92 76
Australia’s first Indigenous-led crisis hotline providing 24/7 telephone support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
24hr phone and real-time web-based crisis support for youth (5-25 yrs), as well as a range of evidence-based information sheets and articles for issues relevant to youth.
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
24hr phone and online counselling for people at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide. Registration required for online counselling.
Lifeline
13 11 14
A crisis support and suicide prevention phone and online chat service.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
24hr telephone, online and email counselling for people going through a tough time.
Apps
Sleep Ninja
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/sleep-ninja/
Available on App Store and Google Play
Free app helping young people develop good, healthy sleep habits. It has 6 lessons co-designed with young people to help prepare for a good night’s rest.
AMIhi-Y app
https://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Resources/AIMhi-Y_App/
Avaulable on App Store and Google Play
An app to support the wellbeing of young people aged 12-25, to reduce risk of stress and suicide. It is recommended for use in collaboration with a support service or person.
HitNet App
An app providing a range of health and social wellbeing videos for people in regional and remote communities. You can download videos on your phone or device when you have internet connection and then watch them later offline.
Online Programs
MindSpot
Mood Mechanic Course
https://www.mindspot.org.au/course/mood-mechanic/
An online program for stress, worry, anxiety and depression in people aged 18-25.
THIS WAY UP
Teen Worry and Sadness Program
https://thiswayup.org.au/programs/teen-worry-and-sadness-program/
Online, self-guided CBT program for teens transitioning into adulthood. Own clinician assisted option available.
BITEBACK
Online activities, psychoeducation and positive psychology aiming to promote wellbeing and resilience in young people (12-25 yrs).
Find more culturally safe resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and youth at https://wellmob.org.au/e-health-topics/our-mob/young-people/
About the author
