Wellbeing
Strengthening social and emotional wellbeing by addressing alcohol and other drug use, Tackling Indigenous Smoking, and supporting suicide prevention through targeted programs and support.
Our Wellbeing programs strengthen social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by addressing alcohol and other drug use, reducing smoking through the Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Vaping initiative, and supporting suicide prevention through targeted programs and support in South Australia.
The program is delivered through three key areas: Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Tackling Indigenous Smoking, and Suicide Prevention. We work closely with stakeholders to develop best-practice approaches, advocate for the essential role of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health (ACCH) sector, and ensure our members have the guidance and support needed to effectively respond to substance use and social and emotional wellbeing challenges.
The AOD Program supports our Members to prevent, identify, and manage alcohol and other drug use disorders, providing training, resources, and culturally safe care. It strengthens referral pathways, harm reduction, and Community prevention initiatives, while fostering collaboration to improve AOD services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Program is a well-established, health promotion initiative focused on reducing tobacco and vaping use among First Nations communities. Its core objective is to help close the gap in health outcomes by addressing smoking and vaping, the two most significant risk factors for chronic disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Suicide Prevention program supports Our Members in suicide prevention through awareness, early intervention, crisis management, and aftercare. It strengthens pathways between community-controlled, mainstream, and acute care services, ensuring culturally safe support for individuals at risk, their families, and communities.
Culture Care Connect brings together key streams of suicide prevention planning, coordination & activity across the network regions; including raising awareness, early intervention, crisis management and Aftercare Services. The program aims to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and suicide prevention outcomes. Ensureing we are building evidence and understanding through working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and those with lived experience. The programs supports a culturally appropriate mental health system workforce and provides early intervention measures that contribute to improved social and emotional wellbeing outcomes.
This campaign is a reminder that there are resources out there to help you. AHCSA worked with Member Services to deliver materials specific to their region.
Pirku-Itya is a Kaurna word meaning ‘for community’ and SA Water’s partnership program is focused on grassroots community events and projects run by not for profit organisations that contribute to reconciliation in South Australia.
Applications close: Monday 31 July 2026
Applications are now open for the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health’s 2026 Innovation Seed Funding Grants. These grants support practical projects that improve how care is delivered for people with intellectual disability.
Applications close: Monday 13 July 2026
In November 2024 the South Australian State Government announced its Drought Support Package to assist farmers and communities impacted by drought. Funding has been allocated to a Mental Health Drought Response Strategy Package, delivering actions and initiatives to boost community resilience and support the mental health of those in dry and drought affected areas.
Applications close: Monday 11 May 2026
