Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Program acknowledges the Traditional custodians of the land upon which our health service is built, and pays our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing support is available across the age range via the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer (KMHLO) for young people under 25 years and for those 26 and over through the Mental Health Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team.

We provide a confidential, culturally appropriate service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander consumers and their families accessing any Eastern Health Mental Health Programs.  This includes cultural support and advocacy provided by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff.

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Program works in partnership with:

• Eastern Health Aboriginal Liaison Officers
• The Aboriginal Health Team 
• Eastern Health Mental Health Services
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing support is available to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander person linked in with the Mental health and Wellbeing Program who may be facing some challenges in their lives which may be having an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

The Aboriginal Lived Experience Peer Support Worker uses the Intentional Peer Support framework to provide Culturally Appropriate Peer Support for the people currently using any of the five mental health inpatient units at Eastern Health as well as their families/carers. Much of the work is listening to, connecting with, and being guided by what’s important to the person.

“My role focuses on showing that there is a Light at the end of the tunnel for Mob to be able to get through their mental health recovery. I am here to help Mob alongside the Social and Emotional Wellbeing team to help Mob strive with their recovery”

We are unable to take referrals from members of the public, however in the case of mental health emergency or for advice, please call the Eastern Health 24/7 mental health triage on 1300 721 927. For other emergencies please call 000.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this service, please have a yarn with the service already providing support who may contact us  [email protected]