Social and emotional wellbeing and mental health policy and resources

The Healing Foundation

A national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families (website)

Health in Culture – National Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Policy Concordance

Developed by NATSILMH, the Policy Concordance cross references documents as diverse as the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s Mental Health Social and Emotional Wellbeing, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration, among many others. It sets out clearly what is required of Australian governments, Primary Health Networks and the mental health system overall to improve the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and prevent suicide.

National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023

The Framework provides a dedicated focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. It sets out a comprehensive and culturally appropriate stepped care model that is equally applicable to both Indigenous specific and mainstream health services.

The Framework has been designed to complement the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and provide a social and emotional wellbeing and mental health complement to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2012-2023. It therefore forms an essential component of the national response to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia will develop an implementation component for the Framework over 2020 – 2021.

Working Together Book - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice

The 2nd edition of this key reference work is intended for staff and students and all health practitioners working in areas that support Indigenous mental health and wellbeing. It examines issues across the life course, with a greater focus on children and young people; the significant impacts of mental health in the justice system; the cultural determinants of social and emotional wellbeing and intellectual and developmental disabilities. It includes holisitic models of care, as well as interdisciplinary and inter-professional approaches and working with carers.

Balit Murrup: Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing framework (Victoria)

The vision of Balit Murrup is to support Victorian Aboriginal people, families and communities to achieve and sustain the highest attainable standard of social emotional wellbeing and mental health. Balit Murrup’s objective is to reduce the health gap attributed to suicide, mental illness and psychological distress between Aboriginal Victorians and the general population. The strategy is a companion document to

Korin Korin Balit-Djak: Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Strategic Plan 2017–2027

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan 2016–18

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan 2016–18 (this Action Plan) aims to improve social and emotional wellbeing. It defines social and emotional wellbeing, based on consultation with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders, as being resilient, being and feeling culturally safe, having and realising aspirations and being satisfied with life.

Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (2017)

he overarching national mental health and suicide prevention blueprint for reform over 2017-2022. See also its implementation component.

Productivity Commission Draft Report Mental Health Overview & Recommendations October 2019

The Inquiry examined the effect of mental health on people’s ability to participate in and prosper in the community and workplace, and the effects of mental health challenges on the economy. It will look at how governments across Australia, employers, professional and community groups in healthcare, education, employment, social services, housing and justice can contribute to improving mental health for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. The final report will be released in 2020.

E‐Mental Health Strategy for Australia (2012)

This Strategy aims to support the development of a mature e-mental health care system, offering high quality services to consumers and carers.