Koori kids wellbeing project

• Reach:

  NSW

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Koori kids wellbeing project is a mental health promotion and suicide prevention project for Aboriginal children aged between 3 and 12 years in the rural area of Shoalhaven, New South Wales. The project is comprised of five key components including:

• cultural awareness - involves running programs in the primary school setting that focus on developing cultural identity and pride in the students;
• whole-of-school mental health promotion programs;
• counselling and psychological support for children with emotional and behavioural issues, school truancy, and/or underachievement;
• education and support for parents; and
• support and training for Aboriginal education officers and other staff focusing on topics such as child mental health and Aboriginal mental health.

The Koori kids wellbeing project is well received by those who participate in the project. It is an in-demand project that sees up to 200 children per week and the children often forge a strong relationship with the staff members, regarding them as an adult they can trust.

Contacts

South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation
51-53 Berry Street
Nowra NSW 2541
PO Box 548
Nowra NSW 2541
Ph: (02) 4428 6666 or (02) 4428 6629
Fax: (02) 4428 6602
Email: larry@southcoastams.org.au or tim@southcoastams.org.au

Links

• View information: Koori kids wellbeing project
• View website: LIFE: suicide prevention in Australia
• View website: South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation