Exciting proposals pitched at the inaugural Aboriginal Youth Mental Health Pitch competition.

A culturally safe space for Aboriginal children to develop strong mental health, a program to educate Aboriginal young people on oral healthcare and a parenting program for Aboriginal grandmothers reconnecting with their children have been awarded funding from Sydney Local Health District.    

District and community services supporting Aboriginal youth mental health pitched proposals for their share of $50,000 in funding at the District's inaugural Aboriginal Youth Mental Health Pitch competition in December.     

Andrew McDonald, Director of Mental Health, said the pitch initiative stemmed from extensive consultation with Aboriginal young people, community organisations and health services about how the District could better support mental health outcomes for Aboriginal young people.     

"We know that historical and socio-economic factors continue to impact the Aboriginal community and that Aboriginal people have a unique understanding about what is needed from our services to provide culturally appropriate and safe support," he said.    

"This initiative is about finding ways for our services and the community to work together to improve mental health and wellbeing for Aboriginal young people, and we're excited about how the projects we are funding can bridge the gap."    

The District's Drug Health Service, Sydney Dental Hospital and Oral Health Services, Alexandria Park Community School, the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, and The Settlement at the University of Sydney were awarded funding for their proposals.     

Gabrielle Close-Roberts, an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Sydney Dental Hospital, will lead an initiative to educate and support young Aboriginal people in caring for their oral health in collaboration with community partner organisations.    

"Oral health can have a significant impact on the overall health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal young people, including their mental health, starting from a young age and as an ongoing, contributing factor," she said.  

"The project embodies an innovative approach to oral health and cultural education, utilising yarning circles to empower Aboriginal youth, bridge knowledge gaps, and enhance their connection to holistic wellbeing."   

It recognises the links between oral health and broader health concerns like heart disease, diabetes and obesity and seeks to encourage meaningful conversations about the importance of maintaining good oral health to support overall wellbeing.    

It aims to reduce the incidence of dental disease and improve oral health outcomes, measured by dental health data before and after its implementation.     

"Together, we will codesign an integrated oral health education and culturally safe program designed to empower Aboriginal youth to manage their wellbeing proactively," Gabrielle said.     

"The goal is to enhance health outcomes and reinforce cultural connections, promoting self-esteem, confidence, and a stronger connection to cultural traditions and the wisdom of Elders."   

Funding for the Alexandria Park Community School pitch will go towards a support initiative for its students while The Settlement at the University of Sydney is working with the Inner Sydney High School to support its students. The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence initiative will provide a safe space for young people to gather socially and access wellbeing information and support.  

Ricky Lyons, Deputy Director of the District's Aboriginal Health Unit, was among the judging panel for the pitch proposals and said District services, the Aboriginal community and community organisations had collaborated to develop and propose innovative solutions to addressing health gaps.   

"By working together in partnership with our local Aboriginal communities, we are combining Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practice with the expertise of our healthcare professionals to find better solutions to supporting our young people and improving mental health outcomes," he said.