Health promotion resources

Information on relevant health promotion resources is collected here, including details of videos, brochures, catalogues, posters, flipcharts, fact sheets and CD-ROMs (where available).

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Health promotion resources

Indigenous

2008

Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing web resource and yarning place (2008)
Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing - share your info - brochure and CD-rom
Perth: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing - share your info [CD-ROM and brochure]

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has developed some promotional resources for the Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing web resource and yarning place. These resources include:

  • A brochure, briefly summarising the Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing web resource and yarning place
  • A CD-rom, containing a copy of the web resource and yarning place. The CD-rom enables people without an internet connection to view most of the content of the web resource offline. This CD-rom also includes an introduction on how the web resource and yarning place are best used.

Both the brochure and the CD-rom are available free of charge from the HealthInfoNet . If you require copies of the brochure or the CD-rom to spread the word about the Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing web resource and yarning place, please contact the HealthInfoNet.

  • Contact details:
    • Ineke Krom, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley WA 6050, ph: (08) 9370 6470, fax: (08) 9370 6022, email: i.krom@ecu.edu.au

MHFA Training and Research Program (2008)
Mental Health First Aid guidelines for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Melbourne : ORYGEN Research Centre

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course was originally developed  in 2002, following the model successfully applied to conventional first aid. This course trains members of the public to give early help to people developing a mental disorder (including depression and related disorders) and to give assistance in mental health crisis situations (such as assisting someone who is suicidal), and has been found successful in improving knowledge about mental health, and confidence in helping those developing a mental disorder or suffering mental health crises. The original material however was deemed inappropriate for particular cultural groups who have different ways of understanding health and mental illness. For this reason, national, culturally appropriate guidelines for the provision of MHFA to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were developed.

The guidelines aim to provide a consensus on how to approach MHFA for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a way that is culturally appropriate and mindful of their concept of health and wellbeing. The research involved the development of a survey, which included first aid action statements gleaned from a systematic search of lay and medical literatures. A panel of Indigenous experts in Aboriginal mental health, was then recruited to rate the action statements. Items that were rated as either essential or important, were endorsed as MHFA actions and used to draft the guideline documents.

View guidelines: cultural considerations (PDF - 194KB)
View guidelines: depression (PDF - 220KB)
View guidelines: psychosis (PDF - 215KB)
View guidelines: suicide (PDF - 239KB)

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

2007

Rural Health Education Foundation (2007)
Indigenous mental health: an interview with Professor Ernest Hunter - interview broadcast
Deakin, ACT: Rural Health Education Foundation

This is a 16-minute studio interview with Professor Ernest Hunter, by Dr Norman Swan. They discus the serious challenges facing Indigenous mental health in Australia. Professor Hunter stresses the importance to provide culturally appropriate opportunities and means for Indigenous children to be able to build their capacity to negotiate with wider society. The interview can be downloaded, or purchased on DVD or VHS video.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit (2007)
Indigenous perinatal mental health resources
Subiaco, WA: WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit, Women and Newborn Health Service, Department of Health

Indigenous perinatal mental health resourcesIndigenous perinatal mental health resourcesIndigenous perinatal mental health resourcesIndigenous perinatal mental health resources

The WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit of the Women and Newborn Health Service at King Edward Hospital in Western Australia has developed a range of resources to address perinatal mental health issues. The resources reflect the emotional experiences of Indigenous women and their families within their cultural context, and include:

Boodjarri business: yarning about feelings after baby - DVD
This DVD features two WA Indigenous women who have experienced depression during the perinatal period (i.e., during pregnancy and after the baby is born). The women speak openly about their depression and offer advice for other mothers who might be struggling. This DVD also provides information on symptoms, risk factors, treatment and getting help.

Boodjarri business: working with Aboriginal mums, babies and families - DVD
This DVD provides information for health professionals about cultural considerations and engaging with Indigenous women and families who may be experiencing perinatal mental health issues. The information is provided by a range of Indigenous clinicians who work with families in the community.

Social and emotional wellbeing when you have a new baby – pamphlet series
‘Mum's Guide' and ‘Dad's Guide' are two pamphlets developed for new parents. The brochures explain the different emotions a new mother or father can have when a baby is born, and provide some hints on how to get help.

Boodjarri business: maternal mental health resource for Aboriginal health workers - booklet
This 36 page booklet has been designed to accompany training for Aboriginal health workers and other health professionals who work with Indigenous families in the community. It provides definitions of key perinatal mental health issues, symptoms, risk factors, the impact on families and suggestions of ways to help women and their families.

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2005

MindMatters (2005)
Community matters - DVD and handbook
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing

The Community matters: stories in diversity DVD and handbook, were launched in March 2005 by MindMatters, a mental health promotion program for secondary schools. The DVD and handbook focus on key issues related to Indigenous students' health, wellbeing, and diversity, including: optimism and resilience; connectedness; trust and safety; empathy and respect; and help seeking. There are six sections in the DVD, four of which include films based on real life stories from Australian schools: The Wiltja story; The Iwantja Indulka Anangu story; Renee's story and Shandy's story. The two remaining sections are Perspectives -which discusses the themes of loss and grief; trust and safety; and student empowerment - and The big picture - which details people's views and experiences on aspects of diversity and a whole school approach to student and staff health and wellbeing. The handbook aims to stimulate discussion of each of the sections of the DVD.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention (2005)
Feeling winyarn - brochure
Perth: Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention

This information brochure was produced for Aboriginal youth, by Aboriginal youth in conjunction with mental health experts. The content includes reference to drug and alcohol issues. It offers youth-friendly advice and information on the value of seeking help and where to go.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention (2005)
Aboriginal people working together to prevent suicide and self harm - booklet
Perth: Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention

This booklet has been designed for family and friends concerned about or supporting someone who is at risk of suicide or self harm. The booklet provides important information for identifying:

  • life situations that may result in risky behaviour
  • risky behaviour
  • risky thoughts and feelings
  • ways that friends or family can help
  • ways to offer support
  • sources for seeking help

The booklet also offers valuable cultural advice on 'looking after each other', and 'who we are and why we're important to our community'.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

  • For further information:
  • Contact details:

    Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, PO Box 855, West Perth WA 6872, ph: (08) 9489 7717, fax: (08) 9489 7700, email: mcsp@ichr.uwa.edu.au, website: http://www.mcsp.org.au/

Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service (2005)
Family violence in the Nyoongar community - booklets
East Perth, WA: Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service

The Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service aims to offer Aboriginal people an autonomous, culturally-specific community based counselling and referral service to heal Aboriginal people who have been affected by family violence and sexual abuse. The service has produced a series of resources offering specific advice and information about family violence and abuse. Titles in the booklet series are:

  • Family violence in the Nyoongar community
  • The right to be free from violence - discussion booklet for men
  • The right to be free from violence - exercise booklet for men
  • Yorgum child sexual abuse treatment service booklet
  • Positive parenting for dads
  • Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service pamphlet

The booklets provide simple-to-understand information in a culturally-specific way, and are accompanied by colourful Indigenous artworks. A list of support contact numbers is also provided on the back of each booklet for easy reference.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

2004

Lifeline South Coast (2004)
'Help when you're feeling down' - leaflet
Deakin: Lifeline Australia

This leaflet has been produced by Lifeline’s Just ask e for the Shoalhaven and Illawarra Aboriginal communities. It provides information about what the symptoms of depression are, together with a 'tool kit', describing things you can do to improve your mood. This includes (among others): see a doctor, talk to someone, eat well, get exercise.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Menzies School of Health Research (2004)
Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative - resource series
Darwin: Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative

The Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative (AIMHI) is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded project that aims to improve outcomes for people with chronic mental illness.

The AIMHI project is currently operational in North Queensland and the Northern Territory. It aims to introduce multilevel initiatives including: best practice guidelines in primary care; targeted and universal prevention and health promotion strategies; and training for remote service providers and Indigenous mental health workers. The Northern Territory project is based at the Menzies School of Health Research, and is being conducted in close collaboration with Tiwi Island mental health workers, in order to develop and trial a relapse prevention package.

The following resources have been developed by the Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative for the Indigenous population:

  • Mental problem story [A4 flip chart]
  • Sad hearted [CD]
  • What keeps us strong?[A4 information sheet]
  • Worries which can take away our strength [A4 information sheet]
  • What is mania? [information sheet]
  • What is psychosis? [information sheet]
  • What is depression? [information sheet]
  • Making change? Yaka worries! [A5 flip chart]
  • 5 minute therapy? - no worries! [A5 flip chart]

The health promotion resources are laminated for durability and are suitable for use in health care settings by health workers and other health professionals. The resources are currently undergoing evaluation and, as part of the three-year project, AIMHI is seeking to engage communities in the development of their own community-specific resources.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

New South Wales Aboriginal Vascular Health Program (2004)
Aboriginal patient education cardiovascular resources
Sydney: NSW Health

Developed by the New South Wales Aboriginal Vascular Health Program, this series of thirteen pamphlets relate to a range of issues associated with vascular health including:

  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cholesterol
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Stroke

Each of the pamphlets is in simple, easy-to-read language, and has been designed as a patient education resource for use with Aboriginal patients and communities.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

  • For further information about the pamphlets contact:
    • Liz McEntyre, Program Manager, Aboriginal Vascular Health Program, Chronic Care Unit, NSW Health, LMB 961, North Sydney NSW 2059, ph: (02) 9391 9853, fax: (02) 9391 9556, email: lmcen@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.
  • To obtain copies of the pamphlets contact:

New South Wales Aboriginal Vascular Health Program (2004)
Aboriginal patient education cardiovascular resources
Sydney: NSW Health

Developed by the New South Wales Aboriginal Vascular Health Program, this series of thirteen pamphlets relate to a range of issues associated with vascular health including:

  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cholesterol
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Stroke

Each of the pamphlets is in simple, easy-to-read language, and has been designed as a patient education resource for use with Aboriginal patients and communities.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

2003

Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (2003)
Grief and trauma - leaflet series.
Kent Town: Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council

These brochures have been developed to help people deal with grief. The brochures were initially developed by the Rainbow Project - Helping with Grief and Trauma, and has been redesigned by the Indigenous Substance Misuse Health Promotion Unit.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Lifeline Australia (2003)
Just ask - Aboriginal suicide prevention information resource - leaflet
Wollongong: Lifeline Australia Inc

This resource has been produced by Lifeline's Just ask for the Shoalhaven and Illawarra Aboriginal communities. It provides information about what warning signs for suicidal behaviour are, and what to do when you think that someone you know may be feeling suicidal.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

2002

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) (2002)
How safe is your family? - pamphlet
North Fitzroy, Victoria: SNAICC

This pamphlet was produced by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC). It explains what family violence and child abuse is, and outlines the various acts that constitute violent behaviour. The pamphlet focuses specifically on abuse of children, and gives examples to help parents determine whether their children have been abused in some way.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Vibe Australia (2002)
Aunt Wendy's mob - growing up strong
Darlinghurst: Deadly Sounds.

Sick of 'Hey Diddle Diddle'? This CD, produced by Vibe Australia, is packed full of Koori kids' stories put to music. The stories are educational and based on Indigenous culture with the cover showing photos of Aboriginal children.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

2001

Clark SJ, Hillman SD, Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, eds. (2001)
Information and support pack for those bereaved by suicide or other sudden death.
Perth: Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research

The development of this information and support pack was informed by a Consumer Reference Group, a group of people bereaved by suicide. Chapters include: practical matters, grieving Aboriginal way, information about relevant books, websites and support services, early grief and mourning, emotions during bereavement, helping children with grief, and information for teenagers

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

  • For further information:
  • Contact details:
    • Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, PO Box 855, West Perth WA 6872, ph: (08) 9489 7717, fax: (08) 9489 7700, email: mcsp@ichr.uwa.edu.au, website: http://www.mcsp.org.au/

Victorian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Officers, Farnan C (2001)
STEP manual: an educational resource for those working with Indigenous, refugee and same sex attracted young people
Melbourne: STEP Project, National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy

This manual is intended to assist professionals to promote the mental health and well being of marginalised young people, as a means of reducing their potential risk for suicide. The manual and associated training has been developed under a holistic public health model that ensures a multifaceted approach, addressing a range of determinants of health (the social, emotional and environmental factors).

The manual is intended to promote professional competence in health, welfare and educational professionals working with young people from the identified groups who are at high risk for suicide. These population groups are Indigenous, refugee and same sex attracted young people.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

No date

Streetwize Communications
Comics discussing relevant topics
Redfern, NSW: Streetwize Communications

Streetwize Communications is a national not for profit social communications agency specialising in researching and communicating social issues to young people, Indigenous communities and people of a culturally and linguistically diverse background and other hard to reach groups.

Some publications below are specifically for Indigenous youth, whereas others are aimed at young people in general.

Publications include:

  • Enough is enough!/It's not right! - how to identify family violence and what to do if you experience it
  • Talk to yaself!/Blak 'n blues! - info about depression
  • It's not our way! - deals with family violence
  • Getting on track - for Aboriginal drug users and their family
  • No shame, no blame! - for Indigenous carers and families affected by alcohol and drugs
  • Something on my mind! - the impact of mental illness can have on family life
  • Dealin' with it/Kickin' the blues! - info about depression
  • On the edge! - for and about young people with dual diagnosis
  • Mental illness - some useful information

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

General

Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project (2006)
Reporting suicide and mental illness: a Mindframe resource for media professionals.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing

The printed resource and website provide practical advice and information to support the work of media professionals. The information aims to inform responsible and appropriate reporting of mental illness and suicide. This in turn can reduce harm and copycat behaviour; reduce the stigma experienced by people who live with a mental illness; and increase community understanding of these issues.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) and The Mental Health Services Conference Inc. of Australia and New Zealand (TheMHS) (2005)
Feeling Good - booklet
Canberra: National Drug Strategy

This booklet answers frequently asked questions about alcohol, drugs and mental health.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

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Last updated: 26 May, 2008