Supporting your clients social and emotional wellbeing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander users are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
Topics such as cancer and sickness can make people feel sad, scared, uncertain or shame, so it's important health workers know:
- where we can get more information and resources about social and emotional wellbeing for our mob
- useful links or services available for our clients if they need further help with their social and emotional wellbeing.
What does social and emotional wellbeing mean to our mob?
Social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal people goes beyond the traditional Western view of mental health.
It is a holistic and interconnected view of health that includes the physical, cultural, spiritual, and social wellbeing of individuals and their communities.1
As health workers working with community, it's important to understand this idea to provide culturally safe and effective care.
Artwork pictured by Carissa Paglino, descendant of the Wanaruah nation, 2022
More information, services and resources
Here are some suggested websites with culturally tailored information and services on social and emotional wellbeing:
- Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)
Resource Centre for Social and Emotional Wellbeing - Our Mob and Cancer (Cancer Australia)
Where can I get help or support - Yarn Safe (headspace)
Information and resources - WellMob (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet)
Mind - mental health information
Remember there is also 13YARN (13 92 76)
This is a 24/7 telephone service that connects you with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Related pages
Learn more about the healthy living changes your clients can make to stay well and reduce their risk of cancer.
Learn ways to encourage your Aboriginal clients aged 50-74 to do the free bowel screening test.
Build your knowledge in how breast screening can save lives by finding and treating breast cancer early.
Learn how a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years is the best way to protect your clients aged 25-74 from cervical cancer.
Learn strategies to equip your clients in quitting tobacco smoking and vaping to prevent cancer and live healthier.
Learn more about testing for other cancers like prostate cancer and lung cancer that can affect our mob.
Access a suite of resources to support your work promoting cancer screening and early detection with your mob.
1. Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. 2020, Balit Durn Durn, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc., Melbourne
