A Learning Guide for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

In 2008, the Central North Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) approached the Institute to collaboratively develop a learning guide to enhance their response to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The aim is to improve the way mental health services work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is being achieved by:

• Reviewing current systems
• Strengthening relationships with consumers and communities
• Supporting practice reflection within teams.

This project focuses on supporting cultural and practical change within the organisation by naming staff current skills and evolving practice through a process of reflection and sharing experience and knowledge.

A core group of staff and trainers developed initial ideas that are being taken out to an ever widening circle of staff for critique and action. Issues are intended to be continuously discussed, shared, reflected upon and developed over time in an ongoing process. Rather than being instructed in 'correct' ways to respond, workers draw on their current skills and extend them through direct relationships with Aboriginal colleagues, consumers and service provision experience.

Strong, ongoing leadership for this process is a core element of the learning and CNAHS are looking at ways to embed these learning practices into ordinary service structures and operations. It is a gradual, 'ripple' effect to reach all parts of the organisation, with issues being taken up spontaneously within administrative, clinical, management and policy contexts. This innovative project is still underway with staff enthusiastically interacting and committing their time.

For more information

Please call the Institute on (08) 8245 8100.