Aboriginal people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from a new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van, which was officially launched as part of National Reconciliation Week.
This is the first Aboriginal mental health van service being delivered by NSW Health and is the result of a $176,000 investment by the Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Van will travel around Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) which covers the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples, making it easier for Aboriginal people to access mental health care and support.
It will provide culturally safe mental health, wellbeing and healing support, information and resources to Aboriginal people in their own communities, as well as delivering other health services based on need in the community.
Co-designed with Aboriginal people to create a welcoming and culturally safe space, this innovative model will assist the Local Health District to build stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities while reducing stigma about health care and mental health services.
The van’s eye-catching exterior features elements of the artwork, Garadyigan (Dharawal word, meaning Healer) created specifically for ISLHD by local Aboriginal artist, Jasmine Sarin.
