‘In broad terms, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is the foundation for physical and mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a holistic concept which results from a network of relationships between individuals, family, Kin and Community. It also recognises the importance of connection to Land, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and how these affect the individual.’1
Our SEWB resources provide guidance on having child-centred conversations about child and family connections and problems, while considering contexts, and the concerns, hopes and strengths and knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families bring to the discussion.
Courses
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Improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners
This course uses a positive, strengths-based, ‘hope-inspired’ focus to support the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners with children and families. It encourages practitioners to take a ‘whole child’ perspective – looking at hopes, aspirations, strengths, stories of connections to family, kinship, Country and culture – as well as family histories of problems, challenges and trauma.
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Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children: A framework for understanding
For non-Indigenous practitioners
This course assists non-Indigenous practitioners to develop the skills and understanding to build genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. Based on the narratives and lived-experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it provides practice tips, stories and reflections for enhancing engagement with families, while benefitting those who complete it personally and professionally.
Resources
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Video
The whole Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child
Are you curious about what social and emotional wellbeing means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children? Emerging Minds has worked with communities across Australia to create 'The whole Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child'. This video offers a glimpse into the deep connections First Nations Peoples have to Country, culture, spirituality, family and community. -
Guide
Improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Emerging Minds and Healing FoundationIn partnership with the Healing Foundation, these resources have been developed to improve social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. -
Research paper
Living on the Edge: Social and emotional wellbeing and risk and protective factors for serious psychological distress among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal HealthThis discussion paper has been prepared to generate discussion around the determinants of Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing and to provide a range of recommendations for addressing the current gap in social and emotional wellbeing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The report identifies a number of strengths and protective factors. Includes a discussion of the trauma and grief issues that Indigenous people are experiencing. -
Fact sheet
Frameworks for understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to health
Emerging MindsNon-Indigenous practitioners who embrace these elements are more likely to develop the knowledge they need to form genuine partnerships with Aboriginal children, families and communities. -
Webinar
Online and digital approaches to support wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsCo-produced with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA), this webinar discusses online and digital methods to support the social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. -
Webinar
Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through a collaborative community approach webinar
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsThe webinar panel, made up of Bill Wilson, Dana Shen and Ruth Tulloch, discussed their extensive work with non-Indigenous services and Aboriginal communities to find ways to address this gap. -
Practitioners Podcast
Weaving Indigenous wisdom into wellbeing
Professor Helen MilroyRuntime00:30:24Released15/4/24![]()
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Practitioners Podcast
Culturally informed trauma-integrated healing practice – part 1
Judy and Caroline AtkinsonRuntime00:42:45Released24/5/20![]()
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Practitioners Podcast
Culturally informed trauma-integrated healing practice – part 2
Judy and Caroline AtkinsonRuntime00:41:14Released24/5/20![]()
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Practitioners Podcast
Mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Lou Turner and Nancy JeffreyRuntime00:20:18Released27/5/22![]()
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Practitioners Podcast
Narrative therapy with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Bill Wilson and Chris DolmanRuntime00:27:51Released5/9/21![]()
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Practitioners Podcast
Equine therapy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Juli CoffinRuntime00:28:53Released29/4/22![]()
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Fact sheet
Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children living with disability
Emerging MindsThis series of tip sheets has been co-designed with Aboriginal families, who have generously provided their intergenerational wisdom to help other families and children. It is primarily designed for non-Indigenous workers supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families where a child is living with disability. -
Fact sheet
The starting point: Investment in relationships
Emerging MindsRelationships and connections are central to any engagement within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. -
Fact sheet
Seeking knowledge and being curious
Emerging MindsWhilst many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are willing to share knowledge about their culture and history, it is important for you to take responsibility for your own learning if you want to build a genuine understanding of First Nations cultures. -
Fact sheet
Being seen and investing something of ourselves
Emerging MindsConnecting with Community wherever possible, through attending existing services or community events will give you the best opportunity to get to know Community and to be known. -
Fact sheet
Being uncomfortable as a non-Indigenous practitioner
Emerging MindsWorking with different cultural groups can be challenging. Whilst you should always feel safe in your practice, there will be times when you may feel uncomfortable, and it is important to remember that this is both normal and OK. -
Fact sheet
Taking time
Emerging MindsOn a deeper level, non-Indigenous practitioners are unintentionally part of a system that has left deep, lasting scars and wariness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s contact with government and community services. This barrier is complex, difficult to navigate and takes time to overcome. -
Fact sheet
Making a stand and advocating
Emerging MindsAdvocacy when working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community takes on a different dimension. It is not just in the workplace; it is a belief about social justice. You will at times be required to make a choice about what you will stand for and what you will challenge in our community. -
Fact sheet
Maintaining hope and celebrating
Emerging MindsIt is really important that where you are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in roles that deal with the harder social and emotional issues, you are always looking for the strengths, hopes and wonders these individuals and communities have to offer.
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- Commonwealth of Australia. (2017). National strategic framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, 2017-2023. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, p. 6.