Empowering Access
Stream 1 (Empowering Access) is focused on establishing social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) as a paradigm of health that can be applied in both mainstream and Aboriginal community-controlled service delivery and programs.
This stream is working to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and mainstream mental health services, by building an evidence base of what works for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are a part of the solution and we aim to empower communities and services to better meet their own needs, by asking:
- What are the barriers and enablers to accessing mental health and SEWB services?
- What elements need to be in place to promote SEWB and mental health for individuals, families, and communities
Key Projects
Research activities will focus on defining and building evidence and models that successfully implement the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing. These include the following research and programs:
Inform government responses to ensure evidence-based and culturally-informed strategies for protecting and promoting the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Read more via: TIMHWB.org.au/publications/
Working with NACCHO and GDPSA, the TIMHWB team will host national SEWB Gatherings to inform a blue print for SEWB. This work will include the renewal and implementation of the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing.
Aim: This research will develop and support the implementation of a Kimberley Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) MH&SEWB service model that is aligned and responsive to community needs.
Objectives:
- Identify and explore current services offered by Kimberley ACCHS as they relate to MH&SEWB,
- Use community-based participatory approaches to develop a culturally secure needs-based MH&SEWB service model for Kimberley ACCHS,
- Progress and support the implementation of the service model across the Kimberley ACCHS,
- Evaluate the process, outputs, and outcomes of the SEWB model following its development and implementation.
This research partnership will be building bridges to improve Aboriginal youth mental health and wellbeing, and is a part of an evolving program led by Chief Investigator, Dr Michael Wright
Project conducted in partnership with Western NSW PHN and Impact Co.
National Empowerment Project
Program of research conducted in partnership with Langford Aboriginal Association (LAA). The CSEWB program was piloted in Queensland and Perth. The KELP program in the Kimberley is another program that was developed from the National Empowerment Project. These projects are currently also being delivered in prisons, and are looking to be extended to youth.
The work in Stream 1 (Empowering Access) will help to inform culturally responsive (Stream 2) and culturally safe (Stream 3) service systems and programs.
Working together, we will ensure that the social and emotional wellbeing paradigm is an essential part of policy, research, education, and service systems.
Goals
1. Effective SEWB models, principles and protocols established through consultation, pilot, and evaluation data,
2. Community engagement and policy advocacy to inform, translate, and implement evidence base,
3. International knowledge exchange to inform and empower Indigenous peoples across the globe.
These goals are the stepping stones to create sustainable improvement to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
- Establish the SEWB framework as a paradigm through our research on what works,
- Inform the implementation of the National Strategic SEWB&MH Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
- Establish and strengthen National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB&MH networks through regular national SEWB Gatherings,
- Develop SEWB models of care and programs for both community-controlled health and mainstream mental health services
