‘It’s Us, Or Maybe No One’: Yarning With Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workers From the Kimberley Region of Western Australia

Abstract

Objective Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) describes the holistic model of health and wellbeing advocated for by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This research explored the experiences of Aboriginal peoples employed in SEWB service delivery to identify enablers, challenges, and requirements of growing a sustainable, and empowered SEWB workforce. Methods We used a yarning methodology with seven Aboriginal SEWB workers located at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Results Three key SEWB service delivery themes were identified: 1) Role of cultural identity; 2) Barriers and enablers of SEWB service provision; 3) Building the future of the SEWB workforce. Lessons Learned SEWB services, as delivered by Aboriginal peoples within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, have great potential to comprehensively meet the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal peoples and communities. To optimally undertake their role, Aboriginal SEWB staff need to: have a clear understanding of their role; good relationships within their workplace; relevant sector knowledge; a strong sense of cultural safety within the workplace; and access to meaningful professional development. Understanding the barriers and enablers experienced by SEWB staff provides a platform to meaningfully develop the future Aboriginal SEWB workforce, and delivery of SEWB services.