Sustainable Personal Development for Aboriginal Men

1. Project Profile

Project Name(s)	Sustainable Personal Development for Aboriginal Men
Funded Organisation	Centacare Catholic Family Services Country SA (formerly Centacare Catholic Family Services - Port Pirie Diocese)
Geographical Area	Local
State/Territory	South Australia
Approach(es)	Selected
Individual/Group	Individual
LIFE Action Areas	Improving the evidence base and understanding of suicide prevention Building individual resilience and the capacity for self-help Improving community strength, resilience and capacity in suicide prevention Taking a coordinated approach to suicide prevention Providing targeted suicide prevention activities Implementing standards and quality in suicide prevention
Target Groups	Men Indigenous populations Rural and remote communities Whole of community

2. Project Description

The objective of the Program was to develop culturally appropriate personal development training modules for delivery in local Aboriginal communities. The project focuses on at risk Aboriginal males aged 18-45 years, with the intention of helping them to effectively manage challenging life situations through culturally appropriate personal development resources and training modules.

The aim of the project is to provide support to those who are identified in the health and social service system as at imminent risk, and to provide suicide prevention training that will enhance individual resilience and the capacity for self-help.

3. Activities

Key activities undertaken by the project are:

• Building positive networks with remote Aboriginal communities and providing ongoing training
• Collaborating with other health and community service organisations to ensure duplication is reduced and resources are shared
• Undertaking a mapping exercise of existing services and potential partnerships across the North and West of South Australia
• Assisting Aboriginal males to develop a sense of belonging to community and land. e.g. 3-day male Healing Camp; Bush Outings
• Working with Aboriginal youth recognised in the Justice and social service system, e.g. providing education around life skills/suicide prevention training to enable them to gain self esteem; collaborating with other agencies (Families SA, local schools, Child Adolescent and Mental Health, Courts) to present on wellness and good health, drug prevention and gambling awareness; providing support to Aboriginal youth in the community
• Involvement with Aboriginal and health service groups e.g. promoting importance of education around culturally appropriate grief and loss; presenting educative packages for those experiencing grief and loss as a result from suicide or suicide ideation; working collaboratively with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for Port Augusta and with the Project Advisory group Top of page

4. Funding

• Round 1
  • NSPP funding
    • 2006/07 - $365,500
    • 2007/08 - $170,000
    • 2008/09 - $247,000
  • % project funding - 100%
• Round 2
  • NSPP funding
    • 2009/10 - $309,136
    • 2010/11 - $323,365
  • % project funding - 100%
• Round 3
  • NSPP funding
    • 2011/12 - $321,943
    • 2012/13 - $327,738
  • % project funding - 100%

5. Staffing

• Round 1 (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 1
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 1
• Round 2 (2009/10, 2010/11)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 1
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 1
• Round 3 (2011/12, 2012/13)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 1
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 1