Background: Aboriginal people and men in particular have difficulty seeking help for their mental health problems (1). Disclosing their problems or sharing it with others appears to be a major obstacle (2). When Aboriginal people who have been struggling with personal issues for a long time do seek help, health workers often do not have the time (1or more hours) to listen to their stories. This makes individuals feel frustrated and uncared for. It also increases the risk of prolonged psychological distress and suicide ideation.

Content: The presentation will describe the rationale for, the development of and the usefulness of the Jekkora Spear Group Model for the early identification of individuals showing signs of psychological distress or suicidal ideation. The model is built around a group of trained volunteers through a collaborative effort between the Social and emotional wellbeing service, the medical service and a mental health nurse.

Results: The Jekkora Spear Group model improves access to culturally appropriate support and care for those displaying signs of psychological distress in rural Aboriginal communities. It is a good example of a locally developed, replicable, culturally acceptable, problem specific and result oriented service that is both cost effective and sustainable.

Aboriginal communities on the south coast of NSW have suffered trans-generational grief, loss and trauma for over 200 years, resulting in high prevalence of social and emotional wellbeing problems. Responding effectively requires recognising history and rebuilding culture and identity, acknowledging the importance of the extended Aboriginal family and of men's and women's business. The Shoalhaven Aboriginal Mental Health Respite Care Service is a partnership between South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation (SCMSAC) which provides coordination, Oolong House Aboriginal Corporation (Oolong) which runs the men's house and Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) which runs the women's Healing House. Services respond both to the needs of those who are on their own healing journey and the families who care for them, and aim to build on strengths and promote healing. Programs include carer support groups and camps, arts, gardening, music, dance, bush walks, beach trips, bush medicines and traditional healing as well as counselling, case management, respite accommodation, education programs and referral. Informal, culturally appropriate yarning approaches and employment of local Aboriginal staff builds trust. This paper describes the Healing House program, identifies the strategies that make it culturally appropriate, and the evidence that it is effective.