The McGowan Government have awarded a Healthway grant of $361,915 to develop and pilot a customised version of Holyoake's DRUMBEAT program for Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley over the next three years.
DRUMBEAT is an evidence-based social and emotional learning program, using rhythm psychology and neurobiology to reconnect with ourselves and others.
The funding will help Holyoake to customise the current program for Aboriginal young people and adults, including training local Aboriginal people to deliver the program across three sites in the Kimberley region. Broome is one of the sites with two further being identified once a local working group has been established.
In 2016 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project identified DRUMBEAT as one of seven programs showing promising results for suicide prevention for Aboriginal children.
Holyoake is working with respected Aboriginal Elders, community members and local service providers to culturally adapt the DRUMBEAT materials to further increase the program's effectiveness and flexibility in delivery.
Following successful outcomes of the pilot, the program may be further delivered within other communities across the State.
As stated by Health and Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The McGowan Government are looking forward to the potential impact a culturally adapted DRUMBEAT program will have in the Kimberley region. We are committed to be a Government that listens to and works with Aboriginal people to make a real difference, particularly in the area of youth mental health.
"Customising the evidence-based DRUMBEAT program for Aboriginal young people and adults in the Kimberley will help to address mental health issues in a culturally safe and meaningful way.
"The program has proven to effectively engage with participants, build social skills, increase self-esteem and develop healthy relationships".
