Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Support
GV Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our services stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and we celebrate the strength, culture and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are receiving care in our services.
GV Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are here to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities across the Goulburn Valley. We understand that wellbeing is about the whole person – connection to family and kin, community, culture, Country and spirit – and that healing is strongest when it is culturally safe and led by community.
Our aim is to provide care that is respectful, welcoming and free from racism, where you and your family feel safe, heard and understood.
What is social and emotional wellbeing?
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a holistic way of understanding health that comes from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
It recognises that a person’s wellbeing is connected to:
- family, kinship and community
- connection to Country and land
- culture, identity and spirituality
- ancestry and Elders
- body and mind.
When these connections are strong, people are more likely to feel well. When they are disrupted – through grief, loss, trauma, racism or the ongoing impacts of colonisation – wellbeing can be affected.
Our support recognises the whole person and works to strengthen these connections as part of healing and recovery.
Who is this support for?
This support is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are using, or thinking about using, GV Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
We welcome and support:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages
- families, kin, carers and community members
- people staying in our inpatient unit or receiving community-based mental health care.
You can identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or both, and you are welcome here.
What support is available?
We provide culturally safe support alongside your mental health care. This may include:
- emotional, social and cultural support from an Aboriginal Liaison Officer
- a dedicated Mental Health Aboriginal Liaison Officer who supports people using our mental health services
- support that respects and includes your family, kin and community
- help to understand your care, your rights and your choices
- advocacy to make sure your voice is heard
- support to connect with cultural, spiritual and community supports
- links to Aboriginal community-controlled services, including Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.
Care is provided in partnership with you – recognising your strengths, your culture and what matters most to you.
What does the Aboriginal Liaison Officer do?
Our Aboriginal Liaison Officers provide emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families.
They can help by:
- advocating for your needs
- attending appointments with you
- liaising with community services and helping with some referrals
- helping you understand and plan your discharge with your treating team
- helping you find your way around the health service
- working across GV Health to make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally safe care.
GV Health also has a Mental Health Aboriginal Liaison Officer who provides this support specifically for people using our mental health services and their families.
What is the Minya Barmah Room?
The Minya Barmah Room is a welcoming space at GV Health where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcome to come for a yarn, a cuppa, or just to sit.
It is a friendly, culturally safe place where our Aboriginal Liaison Officers are based. An Aboriginal Liaison Officer is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
If you would like to visit or access this support, you can ask a nursing staff member in your treatment unit, or call (03) 5832 2322.
How do you work with family, kin and community?
We know that family, kin, Elders and community are central to wellbeing and healing.
With your consent, we can:
- include your family, kin and important people in your care
- welcome the involvement of Elders and community members
- respect cultural roles, responsibilities and ways of doing things
- work in ways that keep family and community connected during your care
- support your family and carers with information and connection to services.
Your privacy, consent and choices are always respected.
How do you work with Rumbalara and community organisations?
GV Health works in partnership with Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Goulburn Valley.
This partnership helps make sure care is coordinated and culturally safe across services, including mental health. With your consent, we can help connect you with Rumbalara and other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations for ongoing culturally appropriate support.
How do I access this support?
Access to mental health services across the region is arranged through a central Mental Health Triage service:
Mental Health Triage
1300 369 005
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When you call, a trained mental health clinician will talk with you, offer advice and help work out what support is needed.
If you are already receiving care at GV Health and would like to connect with an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, you can ask a staff member in your unit or call (03) 5832 2322.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Resources and useful links
13YARN
Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters. Call or text.
13 92 76
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative
Health, wellbeing and community services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Goulburn Valley
Brother to Brother
24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men
1800 435 799
WellMob
Online social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Yarning SafeNStrong
Free and confidential counselling and crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities (VAHS)
1800 959 563
https://www.vahs.org.au/yarning-safenstrong/
Head to Health
Free advice and connection to mental health services
1800 595 212
https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
Beyond Blue
Mental health information and support
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention
13 11 14
What if I need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 now.
For urgent mental health advice or support, call: GV Health Mental Health Triage
1300 369 005
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
You can also contact:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
If you need an interpreter, let staff know and one can be arranged.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Service
Monash Street
Shepparton, 3630
Beta Street
Seymour, 3660
- CONTACT
- REFERRALS
For referrals please contact Mental Health triage 1300 369 005