Aboriginal health service, Maari Ma Health is preparing to look at the level and causes of 'psychological distress' affecting First Nation people living in the far west of New South Wales.
The research project has been designed to help their staff understand the causes of violence and how best to help First Nations people deal with trauma and grief in order to heal.
Program manager Justin Files says it was important to listen to the community and to build a specific support service which meets the individual needs of First Nations people.
According to a 2008 Australian Bureau of Statistic report, nearly one-third of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over had experienced high/very high levels of psychological distress. The result is more than twice the rate of mainstream Australians.
Image supplied: Justin File – Program Manager, Maari Ma Health