6-week Positive Mental Health& On-Country Experience
This program has been designed to combine our Positive Mental Health objectives with our Indigenous/Non-Indigenous Connection and ‘Closing the Gap’ objectives. Validated by Positive Psychology and evidence based best-practices through thought leaders in the space; and co-created with respected Indigenous leaders of the communities we work with.
RATIONALE
Life Again’s ‘Positive Mental Health & On Country Experience’ program is an innovative itinerary of powerful workshops and an experiential learning. This program powerfully combines a Positive Psychology (preventative/positive mental health) model with Aboriginal cultural education, connection, and knowledge exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous men.
Positive Psychology is an evidence-based approach that supports Life Again’s preventative and positive mental health approach. It focuses on developing positive emotion, engagement, relationships/connection, meaning/purpose, accomplishments, and contribution aligning with Life Again’s pillars of Connection, Storytelling and Giving Back.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Total duration: 6 weeks
Delivery method: Online, Face-to-face, Experiential
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES / OUTCOMES
To combine Life Again’s Positive Mental Health (PMH) objectives with our Indigenous/Non-indigenous Connection/Reconciliation objectives as validated by respected Indigenous leaders and mental health thought leaders in the space.
To make a positive difference to the mental health of those who participate in our programs (using Life Again’s Process of Change LA-POC model) and also those within the Indigenous communities we connect with; while concurrently affecting positive (Indigenous-led) change towards ‘Closing the Gap’.
It will be a ground-breaking program/immersive trip/experience which will have many psychological and social benefits and serve as the foundation for developing ongoing sustainable connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Sustained and embedded programming through pathway programs will follow on from the experience i.e. mentoring opportunities, volunteering, employment pathways and ongoing Indigenous-led community engagement.
To inspire personal change and create fertile ground for connection and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia.
Positive Mental Health psychometrics will be measured and reported to communicate ROI for organisations to determine efficacy and to strengthen Life Again’s value proposition.
Outcomes for Aboriginal communities will be measured and reported to ensure efficacy and to communicate ROI for donors, sponsor and grant providers.
The program/experience will be co-created in close partnerships with Elders/leaders of indigenous communities to deliver PMH outcomes for all involved.
Through powerful, evidence based experiential processes we will facilitate during the experiences or ‘trips’ people will be supported to connect with themselves, others and nature in powerful and meaningful ways – an experience some may never have had.
Connection is a key pillar and should be embedded in the program delivery and outcomes.
Storytelling will be key to everything we do and to empower participants to connect with and tell their own stories.
Giving back opportunities will be presented with simple pathways provided for both white and Indigenous men to enrol in ‘Giving Back’ programs.
1. INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP SERIES
Duration: 4 Weeks (1x workshop per week)
Deliver a series of powerful and targeted Positive Mental Health (based on Positive Psychology evidence-based model) workshops and Aboriginal cultural awareness training, online and within the workplace, over a four-week period.
Workshops will be delivered by key partner organisations and will be aligned with Life Again’s pillars of Connection, Storytelling & Giving Back.
WORKSHOP 1
The Power of Connection -Connecting with Anyone
When it comes to our wellbeing, other people matter. In this session we learn the power of authentic and meaningful connection.
Delivery: Online
Duration: 2 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 2
Aboriginal Cultural Competency &Building Aboriginal Cultural Safetyin the Workplace for Organisations
Develop awareness of the strengths of Aboriginal culture, identity and people and assist in making the connection and understanding the impact of colonisation and past policy for Aboriginal people today.
Delivery: Online
Duration: 3 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 3
Building Psychological Safety
Create safety in your connections and learn how to communicate honestly, openly and compassionately with each other about even the most difficult topics.
Delivery: Online
Duration: 2 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 4
Storytelling Workshop
Become an intentional Storyteller in your life, your projects and your workplace. Through our guidance you will be provided with a personalised experience; developing skills and understanding for how to build trust, connection, understanding and respect with all peoples.
Delivery: Online
Duration: 2 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
2. ON-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Locations: Western Victoria and Central Australia options available.
Duration: 2.5 / 7 day trip options.
Indigenous communities (men) to host non-Indigenous men On-Country for an immersive experience of Indigenous culture, values, history and connection to Country through various activities including
- Cultural competency and awareness conversations (learning about Aboriginal culture and facing the past – in a powerful and constructive way)
- Sharing/Yarn/ Storytelling circles
- Dreamtime Stories and spiritual connection with the land workshops
- Visiting Sacred sites and understanding significance
- Bush tucker, cooking
- Bush medicine
- Aboriginal Art
- Developing mentoring relationships
3. Integration & ‘Giving Back / Engagement’ Pathways Workshop Series
Duration: 2 Weeks (1x workshop per week)
Deliver a series of powerful and targeted integration positive mental health workshops, education or activities, along with Aboriginal cultural awareness training (timeframe to be determined based on uptake 4-12 weeks – online, in nature and within the workplace)
WORKSHOP 1
Integration of On-Countryexperience (yarning circle)
Check-in, reflection insights, storytelling and identification of opportunities for growth and to ‘Close the Gap’
Delivery: Online
Duration: 1.5 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 2
Sustained Positive Change & Closing The Gap – Giving Back/Volunteering And Building a Mentor Relationship Community Engagement and Mentoring Pathways Workshop
Training session Presentation of volunteering/contribution opportunities – Give Back & Get Involved – connecting men with opportunities to support the Eastern Maar community.
Delivery: Online
Duration: 1.5 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
4. Ongoing Community Engagement programmes
Enrol and engage participants in ongoing programmes to support sustained positive outcomes in the mental health of participants (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) and Aboriginal community Including (but not limited to)
- Volunteering with Aboriginal organisation partners
- Cross cultural knowledge exchange
- Identify and facilitate employment pathways for Indigenous people
- Ongoing Indigenous-led community engagement to support ‘Closing the Gap’ initiatives and promote connections
Delivery: Online/face-to-face
Duration: Various
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
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Contact
Studio
28 Thistlewaite St
South Melbourne 3205