Counselling & Emotional Wellbeing

Yarning is a therapeutic approach that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in ways that respect and strengthen cultural identity, connections, and community values. It recognises that health and wellbeing are holistic—encompassing mind, body, spirit, family, community, culture, and Country.

What is Social & Emotional Wellbeing?

The Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Team supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be experiencing grief, loss, trauma, or other challenges affecting mental health and wellbeing.

Our SEWB Counsellors provide culturally informed counselling and education, with a focus on supporting those impacted by intergenerational trauma and the past policies of forced removal.

The program works in partnership with services such as the Link-Up Program & Wakai Waian Healing, offering wraparound support that promotes healing, resilience, and self-determination.

SEWB is central to holistic healing, emphasising connection to:

  • Body (physical health)
  • Mind and Emotions (counselling support)
  • Family and Kinship (reuniting and strengthening relationships)
  • Community (community guidance and support)
  • Culture (learning and participating in traditions)
  • Country (reconnecting with traditional lands)
  • Spirituality and Ancestors (honouring cultural and personal beliefs)

Counselling Supports

Our SEWB Counsellors play an important role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on their healing journeys.  Those affected by intergenerational trauma and the past policies of forced removal, they can provide support for challenges that are affecting your mental health.

They provide confidential and professional counselling for individuals and families, while also working alongside other health services and agencies to ensure coordinated care. Through co-case management, SEWB Counsellors help address a wide range of needs, supporting clients to reconnect with their health, culture, and identity.

The SEWB service also works closely with programs such as Link-Up, which supports people to reconnect with Country, lost family members, and cultural roots.

To access the SEWB Support: 

  1. Visit & chat to your Doctor: they can organise a referral to our services.
  2. Self Refer: just fill in our online contact form and we will be in touch.
  3. Intake and Assessment: A Care Coordinator will contact you to schedule an intake assessment. This meeting will ensure we are a good fit to support you.
  4. Contact Us Directly: If you have any issues with self referral, please call our SEWB team at 0418 786 531  / Free Call 1800 224 700 (press#3) or email – sewb@bidgerdii.org for further assistance.
  5. Transport is available for eligible clients to attend Wellness Hub Programs & Services.

Want to yarn about any of our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!

Psychology Supports

Sometimes you may need additional support.

Our Psychologists work alongside SEWB Counsellors, to provide care that is holistic, culturally informed, and connected to Country, family, and culture.

Working in a culturally respectful way, Psychologists collaborate closely with SEWB Counsellors and other services to provide care. They can also assist with assessments, care planning, and practical strategies to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and overall mental health.

If you require further assistance, SEWB Counsellors can refer you to our trusted psychology service. We are proud partners with Wakai Waian Healing, a local First Nations–focused service offering culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented psychology supports.

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!  

Cultural Connection

Men’s Group

  • Our Men’s Group is a space for men to come together, have a yarn, support each other, and take part in activities that build strength, culture, and community

Women’s Group 

  • Our Women’s Group provides a safe and supportive space for women to connect, share experiences, and access culturally appropriate health and wellbeing activities

Journey to Wellness Healing Camps

  • Healing Camps provide a safe space for Aboriginal & Torres Straits peoples to participate in culturally-based healing programs. Participants reconnect with their culture, strengthen their identify and build positive support systems.  Healing Camps assist in addressing the impacts of intergenerational trauma, and promote social and emotional wellbeing.
  • These camps are often led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and incorporate traditional practices, storytelling, and connection to Country.
  • Healing Camps are held for: Women, Men & Kin
Nurturing Spirits Program (Blackwater)

The Nurturing Spirits Program caters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and family’s within the Central Queensland Region.

  • The program aims to deliver social and emotional well-being services through a culturally-adaptive program that respects and integrates traditional practices.

Trips to Country 

Enjoy time on Darumbal, Gaangalu (Mt Morgan) & Ghungulu (Blackwater) Country. 

  • It’s a special time to reconnect with cultural traditions, absorb new landscapes, yarn and share stories.  Over the day, reconnect with cultural activities, learn new ways and recharge your spirit.  It is a time for all community to come together.

Yarning Circle 

  • Throughout the year, the SEWB Team provides a culturally safe yarning circle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to come together, collaborate, and communicate.
  • Yarning circles offer an opportunity to learn, share, and pass on knowledge and stories. They provide a space for community members to connect, support one another, and strengthen cultural and social ties.

How to attend Cultural Activities:

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!  

Emotional Support Team

Meet Our Emotional Support Team — Peaches & Willow!

Since our RU OK? Day event in 2023, Peaches and Willow have been volunteering at the Wellness Hub, spreading calm and comfort wherever they go.

It’s well known that animals can sense our emotions and help us relax during challenging times. Simply patting a dog can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure — and these two certainly know how to make everyone smile with their unconditional love!

To say they’re popular is an understatement! Both girls are Cavoodles, which means they’re hypoallergenic, gentle, and oh-so-cuddly.

Their amazing mum Annie (our ITC Coordinator) kindly shares them with us — though she does miss out on the love while they’re busy supporting the team at the Hub.

You’ll find Peaches and Willow in on Thursdays, ready to offer comfort and connection to staff and clients alike. When they’re not on duty, they’ll be snoozing in their beds, playing ball, or enjoying cuddles from the team.

Because sometimes, the best kind of therapy comes with a wagging tail!

Link-Up for Reconnection

Link-Up Support

The SEWB program can connect you with the Link-Up Program, which provides support for:

  • Reuniting with family

  • Returning to Country

  • Honouring cultural and spiritual practices

Support is also available through the National Redress.

 

How to Access Our Support

To access SEWB support:

  1. Complete a SEWB Referral Form: Either self-referral or your doctor can complete the referral form. 
  2. What to include? A brief reason for the referral.
  3. Intake and Assessment: A Care Coordinator will contact you to schedule an intake assessment. This meeting will ensure we are a good fit to support you.
  4. Contact Us Directly: If you have any issues with self referral, please call our SEWB team at 0418 786 531  / Free Call 1800 224 700 (press#3) or email – sewb@bidgerdii.org for further assistance.
  5. Transport is available for eligible clients to attend Wellness Hub Programs & Services.

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!

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