ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Richmond Wellbeing acknowledges the land on which we stand is Nyoongar country. We pay our respects to Nyoongar Elders past and present, acknowledging them as the holders of wisdom and culture, and extend our respect to all Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
Do you feel sad or broken inside?
We all have good days and bad days. But, if you’re feeling very sad or lonely, if you don’t enjoy things you used to or are finding it hard to think, or you just know that something isn’t right inside, you don’t have to feel this way. With the right help, most people can heal and feel good inside.
Research shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience some wellbeing problems more than non-Aboriginal Australians. Over 30% of Aboriginal people suffer from some form of psychological distress; compared to 20% of other Australians. This is a flow on effect from issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as
- Loss of land
- Loss of culture and not knowing where you’ve come from
- Services that are not culturally appropriate
- Impacts of the Stolen Generations and removal of children
- Discrimination
Good wellbeing and health in you and your community can lead to big changes in other areas, like reducing high rates of substance abuse and imprisonment.
Connect to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry and community
There are many different supports out there to help you feel strong and get well. You can:
- Seek help to strengthen your spirit
- Keep in touch with family, friends and community
- Talk to someone you know and trust
- See a doctor, health worker or counsellor
Leaders at Richmond Wellbeing have been working alongside Nyoongar Elders, Uncle Albert and Aunty Irene McNamara, as part of the Looking Forward Project to provide culturally appropriate and safe wellbeing services to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Part of this holistic approach includes the NDIS, a scheme where you can access funding for a list of supports specific to your needs, that will help you live a good life. Our Aboriginal NDIS team will help you understand the process and paperwork to get you the support you need. Our community services offer support to feel strong while keeping connected to and living in your community. We also provide supported accommodation services, where you will work towards good wellbeing in a supportive and understanding environment.
Richmond Wellbeing work in culturally appropriate ways, supporting community leaders to spread important information and improve wellbeing across Western Australia. Ask us how we can work with you towards strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
