New guide supports Aboriginal young people who self-harm

A new guide led by young Aboriginal people in Western Australia has been released as a supporting resource for self-harm.

The guide, which was co-developed under the guidance of an Aboriginal expert advisory group, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health workers, elders and Aboriginal families and communities in Western Australia, provides practical information to support identification of warning signs and understanding of factors that may influence self-harm in First Nations young people.

Design and development of the guide was supported by The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) and Orygen, both organisations leading in the space of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention.

A participatory action research approach has allowed the content of this guide to reflect the needs of Western Australian communities to support and prevent self-harm in First Nations youth. The guide includes content that supports individual and community recovery and resilience, and the tools to support social and emotional wellbeing.