The National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research (NCATSIWR) at the Australian National University has conducted Aboriginal-led research on the mental health impact of the Voice to Parliament Referendum.
The research indicates First Nations peoples may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, increased racism, re-traumatisation, as well as pressure to educate others, especially non-Indigenous Australians, about the Referendum.
To support the health sector to respond to the mental health needs of First Nations peoples, the university has published evidence-based factsheets that summarise the research findings and provide links to relevant information and supports. These factsheets have been tailored to the following audiences:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
- non-Indigenous people,
- service providers supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
- organisations,
- the education sector.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support worker. For mental health support, see your local ACCHO, AMS, GP, or Social and Emotional Wellbeing service. See here for more information and links.
