Aboriginal Elders in Perth are working with mainstream mental health service leaders to improve mental health services for their community.
The Looking Forward research project, which I lead, has enabled mental health service providers in Perth and Nyoongar Elders to be active partners in a steady and sustained engagement process. In this part of the project, four elders worked with one mental health service leader for eight years to pass on this knowledge and transform the way his service treats Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.
Our latest research paper, published as a case study in the journal Social Sciences, shows how Perth-based mental health services are now becoming more culturally informed and responsive, with Aboriginal people more likely to feel acknowledged, respected and safer when accessing services.
