NT Police learn about MHACA’s Suicide Bereavement Service during February and March 2016

Around 55 Northern Territory Police Officers attended mandatory information sessions about MHACA’s StandBy Response service over a period of five weeks in Alice Springs recently. Sessions were supported by MHACA staff talking about mental health first aid, StandBy Response team members sharing their experiences and Headspace School Support providing additional information about their role in suicide postvention when a young person is involved.

The majority of police officers had no previous training in suicide prevention, suicide intervention or suicide postvention. Their knowledge about suicide came mostly from experience on the job and some personal experience.

They were hugely grateful for the opportunity to learn about the StandBy Response Service and felt that their awareness of the needs of people bereaved by suicide had increased as a result of the training.

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

20 hours ago

Trigger warning: this post contains information on domestic, family and sexual violence and could cause distress.

#16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are disproportionately impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV). In the Northern Territory, the victimisation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is 18 times higher than in other parts of Australia, with domestic violence related assaults occurring at three times the national average.

The drivers of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women include:
• Ongoing impacts of colonisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities
• Ongoing impacts of colonisation for non-Indigenous people and society
• The gendered drivers
o Condoning violence against women
o Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
o Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity
o Male peer relations and culture of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control

By challenging harmful myths and understanding the drivers of DFSV for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we can work together to create meaningful change and build safer, stronger communities.

For more information go to www.ourwatch.org.au/preventing-violence/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-women

If you are feeling unsafe or would like to talk with someone you can call:

Sexual Assault Referral Centre - SARC (Free, confidential support services to people who have been sexually assaulted) Office hours and 24/7 crisis support phone: 8955 4500

WoSSCA (Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia) (Crisis accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic or family violence) 24/7 phone support: 8952 6075

1800RESPECT (National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service). 24/7 phone support: 1800 737 732

13YARN (Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). 24/7 phone support: 13 92 76

In case of an emergency call 000. ... See MoreSee Less

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

2 days ago

A big congratulations to MHACA's Craft and Music Connection groups for being recognised by the Alice Springs Town Council for their outstanding work in the mental health sector as part of the International Day of People with Disability Mayoral Awards.

Both groups have been running at MHACA's Drop-in Centre for many years providing a therapeutic and supportive space where participants can connect, create, and learn from one another. These groups offer participants the opportunity to express themselves through art while promoting mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Well done team! ... See MoreSee Less