WellMob is a digital library of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) resources developed by and for First Nations Australians. Designed for frontline health and wellbeing workers, the WellMob website is also open to community members, and very easy to navigate. The resources are freely available 24/7, culturally relevant, strengths-based and incorporate a holistic approach to common health and wellbeing matters. This is in contrast to the usual mainstream mental health approach which can be more diagnostically and medically focussed with an emphasis on individual pathology and deficits.
Audience members will learn why the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework is important, and how it can be easily utilised when working with Australian First Nations individual clients, families and communities.
First Nations workers in other western (colonised) countries have applauded the WellMob website concept, ease of use and simplicity of design. Results from a recent website user survey confirm the ease of navigation, cultural appropriateness and perceived value for clients. Many praised its excellent layout, presentation and wide variety of resources, suited to various needs.
Resources are grouped under common wellbeing issues: Mind, Body, Our Mob, Culture, Keeping Safe (including cyber safety) and Healing. In addition, there are numerous resources under the Training Resources tab, especially useful for non-Indigenous workers who want to enhance their understanding and skills for working with First Nations people. Recognising the additional challenges in being an Indigenous worker in health and wellbeing contexts, there is also a self-care portal which includes resources for workplace wellbeing.
The WellMob website is relevant for workers in many contexts: mental and physical health, alcohol and other drugs settings, child protection and out of home care (foster care), child and family health, parenting, youth, men's and women's business, gender identity, disability, and aging and the elderly.
Delegates will learn how and why the website was established how it is managed, how it selects resources, and how it keeps workforce up to date through social media, digital newsletters, advertising and other targeted promotional campaigns. The WellMob team is constantly reviewing how to make the resources more easily available to workers.
With the growing recognition of the value of digital tools in mental health, psychology, the social sciences, as well as in training and education, the design of technology and tools must be inclusive of the needs of First Nations peoples, respectful and culturally safe. This presentation shows how.