This paper summarises the evidence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of a range of diverse programs that address social and emotional wellbeing. It also looks at what the success factors were for participants in these programs. Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a holistic concept that is the foundation for mental and physical health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It recognises the importance of connection to Country, culture, spirituality and ancestry.

The paper provides some considerations for practitioners and other professionals working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health and social and emotional wellbeing. These general considerations may be applied to a variety of health, social and wellbeing programs and services.

The resource is based on an updated systematic review of the research evidence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of SEWB programs. 

Key messages

• Improving non-Indigenous services and organisations’ engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is critical to helping address the ongoing social, economic and health inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• A key aspect of improving service responses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB models and integrating them into practice.
• The research evidence, from the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, highlights the importance of designing and delivering SEWB programs that are:
  • culturally safe
  • holistic
  • take a strengths-based approach.
• Program activities that contribute to positive SEWB include:
  • arts-based programs
  • connection to culture activities
  • activities that provide opportunities for yarning/storytelling, mentoring from Elders or other community members and skills building.