Preventative Mental Health, Cultural Competency & On Country Experience
This 6 week program combines our Preventative Mental Health Workshop Series and our ‘On Country Experience’ – trips to
Eastern Maar Victoria or Central Australia Outback. The courses are also delivered with the assistance of the Koorie Heritage Trust.
As unique as it is powerful, this program is designed to combine our Positive Mental Health (PMH) objectives with our Indigenous/Non-indigenous Connection and ‘Closing the Gap’ objectives. Validated by Positive Psychology evidence based best-practice and thought leaders in the space, the program has been co-created with respected Indigenous leaders of the communities we work with.
An immersive experience, the trip will inspire personal change within both non-indigenous and Indigenous men, while developing fertile ground for ongoing sustainable connection and reconciliation between Indigenous and white Australia.
In order to deliver Positive Mental Health outcomes for all involved, programming has been co-created in close partnerships with Elders and leaders of Aboriginal communities. Outcomes for Aboriginal communities will be measured and reported in order to ensure mutual benefits, maximum efficacy and continuous improvement. Likewise, ROI for donors, sponsor and grant providers will be measured and reported.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Total duration: 6 weeks
Delivery method: Online, Face-to-face, Experiential
WORKSHOP 1
The Power of Connection - Connecting with Anyone
When it comes to our wellbeing, other people matter; learn the power of authentic and meaningful connection. Founded on an evidence-based ‘Positive Psychology’ framework.
Partner Organisation: The Wellbeing Lab
Delivery: Online
Duration: 2 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 2
Aboriginal Cultural Competency & Building Aboriginal Cultural Safety in 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.
Partner Organisation: Koorie Heritage Trust (Indigenous organisation)
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.
Partner Organisation: The Wellbeing Lab
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.
Partner Organisation: YARN Australia (Indigenous organisation)
Delivery: Online
Duration: 2 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 5
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
Partner Organisation: Life Again / Easter Maar Corp / Mentoring Men
Delivery: Online
Duration: 1.5 hours
Pillar/s: Connection, Storytelling, Giving Back
WORKSHOP 6
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 identified programs (through Be Collective)Cross cultural knowledge exchange and emotional support through a structured Indigenous and non-Indigenous mentoring program
- Identify and facilitate employment pathways for indigenous men
- Ongoing Indigenous-led community engagement to support ‘Closing the Gap’ initiatives and promote connections
A remarkable program - Life Again - is successfully helping to restore life to the emotional desert that can encircle men as the question ‘what now’ looms. Life Again strips away all the macho hubris that men accumulate, like barnacles, and resources small groups of men to share short adventures into timelessness. Jaw-dropping sites of eternal natural beauty stand easily beside days with hardened outback characters, and campfire evenings with aboriginal men of spirit and wisdom. In but a few short days, meaning is restored to lives again. Last year, I found life again. It restored a tiring soul. I would do it again in a heartbeat. John Agar - OAM, MBBS, FRACP, FRCP (Lond) Conjoint Clinical Professor of Medicine (Nephrology)
I have known Gareth for over 6 years now and during that time he has brought many men - and younger men - to the Outback. His commitment to connecting our Aboriginal communities to men from the cities of Australia has been outstanding. He has a deep understanding of how men function and has immersed himself in my culture as well. Gareth respects our land and our people and we respect him. He has become part of our broader family. We welcome him “On Country” and love rolling out the swag for him and having the benefit of his experience around the campfire and under the stars. John Liddle - Traditional Owner and former Director of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
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Contact
Studio
28 Thistlewaite St
South Melbourne 3205