New publications provide insights into the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information. Have a question? 📩 info@aihw.gov.au
The Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Clearinghouse has released 5 new papers today. Either written by or developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) experts, researchers, and community leaders, these papers provide evidence-based insights into the social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention needs of First Nations people.
Together, the publications highlight the importance of culturally informed, strengths-based approaches and outline opportunities to improve policy, service delivery, and outcomes. Key themes include the value of community-led solutions, the impacts of systemic racism, the importance of culturally safe evaluation practices, and the centrality of culture and connection to wellbeing.
Flourishing in later life: promoting older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ mental health and suicide prevention
This paper explores what it means to flourish in later life for First Nations people, with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. It highlights the value of strengths-based, culturally informed approaches and outlines opportunities to improve service delivery, policy, and outcomes for older First Nations people.
Authors: Chontel G. , Shirley Godwin , Kylie Radford and Donna Stanley
Preventing suicides of First Nations people
This paper examines suicide among First Nations people and the importance of culturally grounded, community-led prevention. It highlights the need for strengths-based, locally relevant approaches that restore culture, empower communities, and centre First Nations leadership. It also examines gaps in evidence and key drivers of long-term change.
Authors: Pat Dudgeon , Joan Chan , Georgiana Cheuk, Tjalaminu Mia, Julie Robotham , AIHW
Relationship between systemic anti-Indigenous racism and social and emotional wellbeing and mental health: recent national and international evidence, policy and programs
Drawing on recent national and international evidence, this paper examines the ways systemic racism impacts the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations peoples. It identifies effective policy and program responses and highlights opportunities to improve outcomes through culturally safe, strengths-based approaches.
Authors: Tom Calma, Tanja 💫 Hirvonen MPsych(Clinical) and Abigail Bray
Indigenous evaluation: best practices for social and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention
This paper reviews Australian literature on Indigenous evaluation in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. It highlights best practices, challenges, and the need for culturally safe, community-led approaches. Emphasising Indigenous governance and data sovereignty, it calls for evaluations that are empowering, independent, and grounded in lived experience.
Authors: Tom Calma, Rama Agung-Igusti , Tony Kiessler , Rod Little, MAICD , Rod Reeve and Kate Derry
Themes in contemporary Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention research – an analysis of the Research and evaluation register
This analysis of the Clearinghouse’s Research and Evaluation Register highlights common themes in recent research, including the importance of cultural safety, community connection and First Nations-led approaches. These findings offer insights to inform more effective, culturally grounded policies and programs.
Author: AIHW
Leilani Darwin , Roz Walker , Kathleen Clapham , Dr Clinton Schultz , Rachel Fishlock , Fadwa Al-Yaman
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Gamilaraay yinaar (woman). Living on Wiradjuri Country. Working from Gadigal Country. Senior Researcher @ Neuroscience Research Australia | PhD, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing
2moNeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia)
* Building SaysLife * Helping Leaders Prevent and Manage People Wellbeing Risks in Their Organizations * Thought Leader in People & Wellbeing Risk Management * Mompreneur *
2moThank you for sharing. Mental Health and wellbeing is not just a western 1st world issue. 🙏
Research Fellow, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, School of Indigenous Studies, UWA
3moSome very good papers in this release. 👏🏾💖
Research Fellow, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, School of Indigenous Studies, UWA
3moAinslie WalkerCailin Lucken. Can we also promote these wonderful papers? 💖