Reflections and Learnings From the Aboriginal Family Support Program Five Years on From Implementation
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:10 PM |
Overview
David Shakespeare, Nicola Iannantuoni and Tara Ellis, Cyrenian House
Speaker
Tara Ellis
Senior Counsellor/Youth Counsellor/Educator
North Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service
Reflections and Learnings From the Aboriginal Family Support Program Five Years on From Implementation
Biography
Tara Ellis, a proud Nunga woman with ties to South Australia, resides on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja (Country) in Perth, WA. With over 10 years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, Tara began her journey as a volunteer while studying at university, driven by a passion for supporting young people and the Aboriginal community. For more than eight years, Tara has been a dedicated member of Cyrenian House at the North Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service (NMCADS). In her role as Senior Counsellor and Youth Counsellor, Tara works closely with Young People and Aboriginal women and leads various programs, including the Gambling Group and Brain Training Group, alongside providing one-on-one counselling. Tara also plays a key leadership role, supervising staff, students, and volunteers, and supporting the Clinical Coordinator and manager with operational tasks and meetings. Her commitment and expertise continue to make a positive impact in the AOD field.
David Shakespeare
Senior Aboriginal Family Support Worker
Cyrenian House
Reflections and learnings from the Aboriginal Family Support Program five years on from implementation.
Abstract
The Aboriginal Family Support Program (AFSP) provides a culturally safe, assertive outreach based program for Aboriginal men experiencing alcohol and other drug issues. The program provides an integrated evidence based response to problematic substance use and mental health issues. This program is made possible via funding from the WA Primary Health Alliance. The programs success since its inception five years ago has continued to grow, with countless remarkable consumer journeys supported.
The program offers a range of services including counselling and mentoring, supporting and advocating for consumers, and organising activities and engagement opportunities for consumers. The program also offers liaising and advocating on behalf of consumers with key stakeholders such as healthcare, legal and financial services. The AFSP worker also mentors and coaches the consumers by role modelling and sharing his own lived experience and recovery journey.
Additionally, the worker helps in identifying, developing and maintaining hobbies and interests which is a crucial part of establishing routine and structure in consumers’ lives which supports their recovery.
Having an indigenous worker provide services to Aboriginal consumers results in the delivery of a culturally responsive and inclusive service. This cultural safety has contributed to better consumer engagement. Consequently, better engagement of consumers creates ripple effects within their communities and motivates friends and family of current consumers to also access support from the program.
The AFSP worker engages extensively with local indigenous Elders from the community to help guide his practice in supporting consumers in a culturally appropriate way. The program focuses on involving program consumers in key Aboriginal events to promote inclusive communities and increased cultural awareness and connection.
In this presentation we will focus on the learnings, achievements, and outcomes five years post implementation of the program. We will also explore some consumer stories and recovery journeys from this program.
The program offers a range of services including counselling and mentoring, supporting and advocating for consumers, and organising activities and engagement opportunities for consumers. The program also offers liaising and advocating on behalf of consumers with key stakeholders such as healthcare, legal and financial services. The AFSP worker also mentors and coaches the consumers by role modelling and sharing his own lived experience and recovery journey.
Additionally, the worker helps in identifying, developing and maintaining hobbies and interests which is a crucial part of establishing routine and structure in consumers’ lives which supports their recovery.
Having an indigenous worker provide services to Aboriginal consumers results in the delivery of a culturally responsive and inclusive service. This cultural safety has contributed to better consumer engagement. Consequently, better engagement of consumers creates ripple effects within their communities and motivates friends and family of current consumers to also access support from the program.
The AFSP worker engages extensively with local indigenous Elders from the community to help guide his practice in supporting consumers in a culturally appropriate way. The program focuses on involving program consumers in key Aboriginal events to promote inclusive communities and increased cultural awareness and connection.
In this presentation we will focus on the learnings, achievements, and outcomes five years post implementation of the program. We will also explore some consumer stories and recovery journeys from this program.
Biography
David is a proud Aboriginal man born on Wajuk Country with ancestors from Bundjalung Country. David comes from a Lived Experience background in addition to completing a range of training and study in the AOD sector and the Strong Spirit Strong Mind programs. David has a passion for supporting and mentoring Aboriginal men facing AOD issues and supporting connection to culture. David is a role model for young Aboriginal workers and has made a profound impact on the cultural security and cultural connection within our services.
