Love and respect. This was how one participant described how they felt after completing ‘Connection before Correction’, a program developed by training organisation Insitu CT to improve social and emotional wellbeing in remote communities.
Writing these words on heart-shaped paper, the participant shared that the heart symbolised their commitment to healing both their family and community.
This year, the ‘Connection before Correction’ program was proudly sponsored by Northern Territory PHN and delivered to communities at Warruwi (Goulburn Island).
The program uses activities such as yarning circles, art workshops and sporting games to allow participants to engage in their own choice of communication and explore the wellbeing of themselves, their family and community.
Participants are given the tools to be able to have what Insitu CT facilitator Pam calls “the hard conversations”.
Pam says feedback from those who attended the training was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the program’s alignment with both personal and community needs.
“One of our participant’s explained that the program taught them the importance of building connection with family through conversation and constructive engagement before attempting to address the past,” Pam says.
“This journey of healing, they noted, starts by first looking inward and reflecting on their own actions.”
Northern Territory PHN is delighted to have funded this activity and to continue our support for mental wellbeing across the NT.
