Social and emotional wellbeing (Aboriginal people)

What is available? 

Primary Health Tasmania has worked with seven organisations with strong connections to local Aboriginal communities to co-design services aimed at building resilience and empowering people to have a role in managing their mental health. 

Commissioned providers offer: 

  • training and workshops to build the mental health literacy of Aboriginal community members  
  • suicide prevention workshops 
  • healing and cultural activities 
  • mental health first aid courses 
  • on country experiences. 

Who is eligible? 

These services are for Aboriginal people and people providing services to Aboriginal communities.

Where is it available?

These services are available statewide, with the following providers operating in each region (see below for contact details):

  • South
    • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Aboriginal Health Service - Hobart (across the south)
    • Karadi Aboriginal Corporation (Brighton, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough (Kingston))
    • South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (Huon Valley and Kingborough local government areas)
  • North 
    • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Aboriginal Health Service - Launceston (across the north)
    • Cape Barren Island Aboriginal Association
    • Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc 
  • North west 
    • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Aboriginal Health Service - Burnie (across the north west)
    • Rural Health Tasmania - No.34 Aboriginal Health Service (across the north west)
    • Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (Circular Head local government area).

Not all services are physically delivered in every local community, but eligible people in the areas indicated have access to the services either face-to-face or through other means such as phone support. Speak to the service providers (below) for more information.

Who can make a referral? 

Access to services can be through self-referral, GPs, other health services, families and carers and community services. 

What is the IAR level of care? (information for health professionals)

This is an Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Level of Care 1 (self-management) and 2 (low intensity) service. More information about IAR is available here.  

How much does it cost? 

These services are free to eligible people where service capacity exists. 

I need help now. Where should I go?

Please note: Primary Health Tasmania does not deliver health services or crisis/emergency support. 

Your regular doctor should always be your first point of call if you need medical or mental health care.

  • In an emergency, call Triple 0 (000) for Ambulance, Fire or Police
  • For information about health services open at night, public holidays and weekends, go to: www.tasaftershours.com or call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

The following helplines are also available for urgent assistance:

  • Access Mental Health (Tasmanian Government) 1800 332 388
  • Lifeline Crisis Help 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselling (after hours) 1800 811 994
  • Poison Information Centre 13 11 26.

Who provides the service?

  • Cape Barren Island Aboriginal Association
    Contact:
    Annette.P@cbiaa.org.au
    Phone:
    03 6359 3531 or 03 6359 3533
  • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Aboriginal Health Service - Burnie
    Contact:
    burnie@tacinc.com.au
    Phone:
    03 6436 4100
    Fax:
    03 6431 8363
  • Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC)
    Contact:
    reception@chac.com.au
    Phone:
    03 6452 1287
    Fax:
    03 6415 4700
  • Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc (FIAAI)
    Contact:
    info@fiaai.org.au
    Phone:
    03 6359 3532
    Fax:
    03 6359 3562
  • Rural Health Tasmania - No 34 Aboriginal Health Service - Ulverstone
    Phone:
    6417 6080
  • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Aboriginal Health Service - Launceston
    Contact:
    launceston@tacinc.com.au
    Phone:
    03 6332 3800
  • South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation
    Phone:
    03 6295 0004
  • Karadi Aboriginal Corporation
    Contact:
    info@karadi.org.au
    Phone:
    03 6272 3511
  • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
    Contact:
    hobart@tacinc.com.au
    Phone:
    03 6234 0700