First Nations Australians are facing a lot of stress, experiencing increased racism in the lead up to the Voice to Parliament referendum. Spare a thought for First Nations Australians when you consider the mainstream media coverage. There has been allot of discussion around increased incidents of racism, bigotry and ridicule experienced by First Nations people in this critical time of Australia’s constitutional history. The impacts on people’s health and wellbeing are likely to continue to play out whatever the outcome of the referendum.
How can we prepare to better support First Nations people?
It’s important for practitioners and educators to think about how the referendum is impacting on their First Nations clients and community. We all have a role to call out racism and to support those affected by it. Its another stressor for many First Nations people on top of other complex trauma they may carry, despite how resilient they may be.
No matter what your role is, we can practice culturally safe care and support those affected by racism and referendum stress. There are some great online resources we can refer our First Nations clients and families to that may help them to respond to and manage the impacts of racism and practice self-care in the lead up to and beyond the referendum.
We can also ensure that we are informed using reputable sources of information about what the referendum is about and how it can help close the gap for First Nations Australia in health, education and justice settings.
WellMob have developed a series of Resource Sheets for Workers, highlighting the best online resources on a range of Social and Emotional Wellbeing topics to make it easy for you to refer them to your First Nations clients and families.
Self-care during the referendum
Practical tips and resources for self-care during the Voice to Parliament Referendum.
Three resources sheets on the best resources for strengthening connection to culture and to help in discussing issues around cultural identity. There is one for adults, one of young people and another for children.
Understanding the impact of colonisation
Showcasing high-quality resources to build further awareness of the impact of colonisation and the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma and racism, and how service delivery needs to take this into account.
Get started with some online resources
Racism has many far-reaching impacts on mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Online resources can help First Nations People stay strong and find support when experiencing discrimination, prejudice, or racist behaviour. The resources below can also help non-Indigenous workers better understand the experiences of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and learn more ways to support their social and emotional wellbeing.
First Nations online safety resources
eSafety Commissioner
A website with tips on how to keep safe online, what to do if you experience abuse, harassment or racism online. Includes video stories from mob about their online experiences.
The Healing Foundation
A collection of factsheets to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with information and tips on coping with racism. Each factsheet provides information on the impacts of racism and offers tips on how to deal with difficult situations by taking a step back and feeling strong again by connecting with Country, culture and community.
Support for First Nations young people
Headspace
30-minute videos for community suggesting self-care tips during the Voice to Parliament Referendum, or anytime when you may be feeling stressed. The videos offer recommendations for reducing cultural load, maintaining strong relationships and a healthy mind, and stepping back from the news cycle.
italk Studios
Short animated videos about discrimination. Stories show people at a nightclub, a petrol station and a store. It’s in English, Arrernte, Kriol, Murrninh-Patha, Pitjantjatjara, Walpiri, Yolngu Matha and Tiwi.
Connecting to Wellbeing – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories – Noel
Neami National
A short video about how racism can affect your wellbeing and how connection with culture can help keep Mob strong and healthy.
Ask us anything: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
University of Sydney
A 20-minute video showing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people answering questions from and ‘audience’ on common myths, misunderstandings and racist stereotyping.
A podcast series about mental, physical and family health including yarns about community programs to help mob stay healthy. The host, Dr Danielle Arabena, yarns with community leaders about various health and medicine topics including mental health, Elders working in healthcare, domestic violence, working in prisons, and family health and wellness.
Want to know more?
Enrol for Black Dog Institute’s upcoming webinar with WellMob to learn more about what social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how it might impact on clinical practice.
When: Tuesday October 24th, 12:30pm and 6pm (AEDT)
Registration requires an accreditation number or existing Black Dog Institute Health Professionals Resource & Education Hub account.
Enrol for Black Dog Institute’s upcoming webinar with WellMob to learn more about using social and emotional wellbeing tools found on the WellMob website with First Nations Peoples
When: Thursday November 23rd, 1pm and 8pm (AEDT)
Registration requires an accreditation number or existing Black Dog Institute Health Professionals Resource & Education Hub account.
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