25 AUGUST, 2023: Prioritising community, collaboration, evidence and impact: These are the themes driving two presentations among the important lineup at the upcoming Gayaa Dhuwi Annual Conference.
The Gayaa Dhuwi Annual Conference will take place across August 29-30 with the theme “Ways Forward”, reflecting on the progress made since the 1995 Ways Forward Report and critically examining the gaps that still exist, exploring innovative approaches and solutions for the future. LivingWorks is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the Conference.
Tegan Schefe, proud Bidjara and Kamilaroi woman and National Indigenous Training Manager at LivingWorks, is preparing to present on the impacts of LivingWorks Indigenous ASIST and safeYARN suicide intervention skills training programs.
Tegan said, “Resourcing communities with skills is key if we are going to reduce suicide rates.
We know there are many Indigenous-led health and community organisations make a real difference in community, and to be able to upskill this workforce in suicide intervention skills that are led by mob and true to the way we do culture, is part of addressing a missing middle in Indigenous suicide prevention.”
LivingWorks Indigenous ASIST (I-ASIST) and safeYARN training programs are led by and were codesigned with Indigenous leadership and communities. Listed in the CBPATSISP Best Practice Directory and accredited by Suicide Prevention Australia, the Australian Psychological Society and others, the training was co-created by Euahlayi and Kooma woman, Professor Maree Toombs of the University of Sydney.
Professor Toombs will be presenting on Day 2 of the conference, titled “Evaluating Impact: Measuring Outcomes in Indigenous Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing”. Drawing upon her expertise in Indigenous health research and evaluation, Professor Toombs will provide insights into effective evaluation strategies that honour the unique needs and cultural context of Indigenous communities.
Alongside Professor Toombs, Tegan leads the strategic development and delivery of the LivingWorks Indigenous suicide prevention programs and said the success they’re seeing in the community is promising as the LivingWorks Indigenous Trainer Networks looks to grow.
“We already have Indigenous Trainers on the ground delivering skills training to communities including Yuendumu, Cherbourg and across The Pilbara. Right now, we want to grow this network of Trainers so every region in every state has access to skills training to help keep our mob safe.
“Our next LivingWorks Indigenous ASIST Training For Trainers in February 2024 will be a critical growth milestone, and I look forward to connecting with colleagues in the coming weeks from across Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to invite a conversation of upskilling workers in communities to become a part of the LivingWorks Trainer network,” Tegan said.
Learn more:
Learn more about LivingWorks Indigenous suicide prevention skills training at: https://www.livingworks.com.au/I-ASIST.
Meet the team:
