Overview
Kulchafi delivers Cultural services in healing, business, education and training based on a Reconciliatory Framework and set within an Aboriginal Terms of Reference.
Cultural Responsiveness for Mental Health Services is a 4-hour, self-paced e-learning activity with real-life scenarios/vignettes, that draw on your own lived experiences or situations you have witnessed to support the development and maintenance of a culturally safe workplace/organisational environment.
The aim of this training is for participants to:
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recognise and respond to the historic and social issues that continue to impact Indigenous peoples,
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understand differences between the two World Views of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,
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enable and empower Indigenous staff and clients to share their World Views and cultural nuances that may be a barrier to effective communication,
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have an awareness of, and respect for, the complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society today,
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support the delivery of services effectively and respectfully when working with Indigenous peoples, and
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be open-minded and flexible in their attitudes and beliefs towards Indigenous peoples.
Through established partnerships with Indigenous Elders and Traditional Owners, in addition to consultation with Indigenous Health Practitioners who interact directly with mental health professionals to support patients around medications, counselling and treatments, Kultchafi has developed a mental health-specific Cultural Safety training designed to empower individuals and organisations. Specifically, the value of yarning in the medical environment has gained momentum over the past decades, with a 2005 program “Yarning for Better Health” identifying the benefits of culturally responsive conversation in improving Indigenous peoples’ health outcomes.
In addition, a 2019 survey conducted by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health team, showed that providing cultural safety and awareness training to everyone involved in the Medical Model created a more inclusive environment for Indigenous patients. Kultchafi identified that a key link in Australia’s Medical Model chain was the role of mental health services and their staff in providing clear, culturally responsive services to Indigenous patients/customers. Cultural responsiveness, within the Aboriginal Terms of Reference Framework, was identified as the core element of closing the gap between Cultural Awareness and delivering and maintaining true Cultural Safety.
This activity requires participants to problem-solve, apply new knowledge around differences in World Views, power differentials, lateral violence and cultural nuances. The assessment includes multiple-choice questions, reflections, provision of feedback, and a final assessment.
Level of Learning
Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.
APS CPD-Approved
This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.