New Indigenous Self-Help Tool Kit

Release date: 23 May 2007

To coincide with National Sorry Day, the Lifeline Information Service in conjunction with the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service will be releasing a new self-help tool kit on Saturday 26 May, entitled “Coping with Sorrow, Loss & Grief.”

This tool kit has been produced as the latest in a series of indigenous specific self-help materials, which address the need for mental health information, particularly with regards to issues such as depression, suicide prevention, and dealing with grief.

Lifeline Australia CEO, Dawn Smith, highlights the need for tailored self-help information: “Tool kits such as this allow people seeking help for either themselves or someone they know, to access mental health information quickly, easily and at no cost.” "This is the third tool kit that Lifeline has been involved in developing which is aimed at our Indigenous population. When producing self-help materials it is important for us to consider that each audience is different and that mental health issues do vary across cultures, locations and other demographics,” said Ms. Smith.

This new resource will provide helpful information for Aboriginal people experiencing sorrow, loss and grief, whether it be related to the death of a loved one, the loss of something significant in their life, or from the loss of family or community connections.

Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service CEO, Rodger Williams acknowledges the importance of mental health resources aimed at the Indigenous community in Australia. “This resource is a positive step towards addressing a number of unresolved issues of grief that are dominant in many Aboriginal communities. It is also a great example of what can be achieved through a partnership between Indigenous and mainstream organisations.”

On Tuesday 29 May, the Illawarra Aboriginal Medial Service will be marking Sorry Day with a celebration of Indigenous strength. In the spirit of healing, this day will also be used to mark the release of this new self-help tool kit.

“Community members affected by past child removal policies will be coming together at Jamberoo Lodge in the South Coast area, to acknowledge their past, recognise their strengths and build towards healing for the future,” said Mr. Williams.

The tool kit for Coping with Sorrow, Loss & Grief can be accessed by contacting the Lifeline Information Service on 1300 13 11 14 during business hours or by visiting the Lifeline website at www.lifeline.org.au/infoservice

Media Contact: Enita Hampton (ph: 02 6215 9406 or 0434378939)