Counselling and wellbeing program

• Reach:

  QLD

• Focus area:

  Mainstream with Indigenous content

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Queensland (Qld) offers a Counselling and wellbeing program based in Cairns. This program was first implemented in 1996, and has since grown to include a team of health workers and professionals. The program delivers training, education, and mental health promotion services to primary health care clinics and other support services. It also aims to develop a culturally competent workforce that includes Indigenous professionals.

The program is now available in 13 locations in the Cape York area of Qld, including remote communities. Members of the Counselling and wellbeing program team visit remote locations on a fortnightly basis, and use telephone and video-conferencing support to provide consultation and advice. Indigenous community capacity building and workforce development are also a part of the program, to help build on existing community strengths and create social support networks for community members 'at risk' - for example, of mental health issues, self-harm, alcohol or other drug use, or coming into contact with the justice system.

Abstract adapted from Royal Flying Doctor Service

Contacts

Cairns Base
Royal Flying Doctor Street
General Aviation Cairns Airport
Aeroglen QLD 4870
Medical and emergency 24 hour number: 07 4040 0500
Telephone: 07 4040 0444
Facsimile: 07 4040 0199
Email: rfds_cns@rfdsqld.com.au

Related publications

Osborne B (2007)

Welfare reform, courts and healing: restoring the justice? The RFDS Counselling and Wellbeing program.

Paper presented at the National Indigenous Justice CEO Forum. 21-22 November 2007, Brisbane

• Links
• View abstract: Welfare reform, courts and healing: restoring the justice? The RFDS Counselling and Wellbeing program
• View conference presentation: Welfare reform, courts and healing: restoring the justice? The RFDS Counselling and Wellbeing program (PDF - 5.5 MB)
• View website: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse

Links

• View publication: Royal Flying Doctor Service Counselling and wellbeing program - Welfare reform, courts and healing: restoring the justice?
• View information: Royal Flying Doctor Service - Mental health services
• View information: Royal Flying Doctor Service - Queensland primary health care services
• View website: Royal Flying Doctor Service