Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre to provide mental health support to Aboriginal youth in Fitzroy

Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in the Fitzroy Valley will receive $835,000 to provide culturally adapted support to improve the mental health and well-being of young Aboriginal people.

The model, informed by extensive research and Aboriginal input, will offer opportunities for cultural connection and create an environment for young people to heal and be supported in achieving their goals.

The service will combine cultural and clinical expertise and provide practical support, cognitive disorder assessments, and youth-led activities to foster empowerment and cultural connection.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said connecting vulnerable young people with services that consider the unique cultural, linguistic and geographic context of the Kimberley region was important to protecting and promoting social and emotional wellbeing.

“We know that a high proportion of young people living in the Fitzroy Valley experience neurodevelopmental impairment and early life trauma,” she said.

“As a result, too many young people in our community are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.”

The service is expected to be operational in 2023.