We Care, a community not-for-profit organisation focusing on the provision of trauma informed care, has been provided $66,000 in funding by nib foundation to run the innovative Yarn Up Connecting Countries program.
The program aims to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, between 18 and 35 years of age, who are a population at increased risk of suicide in Australia.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indigenous people are twice as likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous people, with men in the 18-35 age group at the highest risk.
The Yarn Up Connecting Countries program will be conducted with the support of Miyumba, with the men participating in activities that build a stronger connection to self, community, culture, and country.
The Yarn Up Connecting Countries program will run in Newcastle, Maitland and Port Stephens across the year and will involve participation in culturally based activities on the lands of the Wonnarua, Worimi, and Awabakal people.
The program will include activities such as, collecting traditional items, hunting, and gathering, in a socially and culturally inclusive setting. There is no cost to participate in the program.
Director of We Care, Todd Heard said a consultation by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health2 found there was a need for these types of programs amongst the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“Essentially, the consultation found that there was a greater need for mental health and suicide prevention programs within our community with a strong focus on community connectedness and cultural pride,” Todd said.
“Through the delivery of this program we hope to provide a solid support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and help to strengthen their pride as an Aboriginal person, to reduce the risk of suicide in the community.
“We’re extremely grateful to nib foundation for their support of this program.”
nib foundation Executive Officer, Amy Tribe, said that it’s programs like these, delivered in a culturally appropriate setting, that are critical to helping achieve long-term emotional and social wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Programs that strengthen cultural connections and safety are a vital part of supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“We Care’s program is an example of this, as it’s designed and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men for men across the lands of Wonnarua, Worimi, and Awabakal people.
“By supporting this program, we hope Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in the community feel more supported and connected,” she concluded.
Registration for the program is available via the We Care website.
IMAGE | Yarn Up Connecting Countries program facilitators outside We Care headquarters.
