As experiences of racism and violence both online and in person continue to increase for First Nations people in the lead up to the referendum, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Chief Executive Officer, Pat Turner, a Gudanji-Arrente woman and Senior Advisor on the Voice to Parliament, flagged concern about the adverse consequences of the debate within communities.
In an effort to address the concern, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) together with the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have joined forces to create an online portal of helpful health resources. The project has also received funding from Department of Health and Aged Care.
"We are witnessing first-hand the adverse consequences of this debate within our communities, manifesting as heightened psychological distress, an increased demand for assistance, and a rise in the utilisation of social and emotional wellbeing and mental health services," Ms Turner said.
"The resources we've developed are not the answer but are critical tools to help keep our Community safe and well".
First Nations people, organisations and communities now have access to an extensive online portal, complete with essential resources for supporting and reducing social and emotional harms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the period prior and post the Voice referendum.
"We are proud to partner with NACCHO to provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during this nation defining referendum," HealthInfoNet Director Professor Neil Drew said.
"National debates of this kind can involve difficult and challenging conversations and it is important that we care for ourselves and others during and after the referendum campaign."
The portal also contains new Pause, Breathe, Connect wellbeing resources developed by The Healing Foundation, which provides advice as to how to manage disinformation or misinformation.
Building Connection, Strength and Resilience are at the heart of these resources, which comprise of factsheets, support websites, apps, posters, videos and other critical tools.
The portal also contains the Well-being for Mob fact sheets that were prepared by the Australian National University's Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Well-being.
"These resources have tools and tips on managing stress for self, family and community and managing increased misinformation," Healing Foundation acting CEO Shannan Dobson said.
"As well as managing challenging conversations and ways to stay safe. While these resources are for the current heightened racism, they are useful tools for our mob for general wellbeing."
All experts in the field of wellbeing and mental health are urging community members to reach out to Aboriginal community controlled health organisations for assistance.
Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) can be found by area on the HealthInfoNet website.
Help can also be sought from 13 Yarn (13 92 76), Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799), Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids helpline (1800 55 1800) for those feeling stressed, not sleeping well or have increased anxiety due to the referendum debate.
