The impact of the breakdown of Indigenous knowledge systems and undermining of the traditional role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men has resulted in our men suffering. The symptoms of this include poor physical, social and emotional wellbeing, low self-esteem, poverty and unemployment, substance misuse, family and community violence, sexual abuse, offending, incarceration and suicide.
We are seeing really positive results in many of areas that show that remarkable things can be achieved when you work in partnership with communities. For example our men’s healing projects have over 150 men participating regularly in healing work that is impacting positively on their families and communities.
Our men’s healing work has been implemented in several remote Northern Territory communities and the Torres Strait.
Over the sites, in conjunction with local organisations, this project is strengthening men through cultural, educational and therapeutic healing activities; assisting men to increase confidence and capacity to gain meaningful employment, and overcome issues such as family and domestic violence, incarceration, and poor health and wellbeing.
In Wurrumiyanga, where the program has been running the longest, there has been a 50 percent drop in the number of men registered with the NT Department of Correctional Services. It has also led to a drop in violence and women have reported feeling safer both in their homes and within the community.
The Healing Foundation currently funds the following Men’s projects.
