ReachOut Australia has today launched a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which outlines the actions we’ll take to contribute to reconciliation and make our organisation a culturally aware and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Jono Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut Australia, said ‘We recognise the importance of addressing the impacts of colonisation. The national apology was a significant step in the reconciliation process that should be recognised, celebrated and built upon.’
Every month, more than 2000 young people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander visit ReachOut.com. Suicide rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males are more than twice the rate for other Australian males, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females are almost twice the rate for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian females. Suicide is particularly high in adolescence to the early adult years.
‘Mental illness and suicide are urgent issues for young Australians who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. We’re committed to reducing the substantial mental health inequalities that exist between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians,’ added Jono.
The development of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was sparked by the ReachOut values – particularly responsibility and inclusiveness.
‘Our values are incredibly important to us, and they drove us to create this plan and recognise and improve our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With our RAP we hope to contribute to reconciliation by fostering greater relationships, demonstrating respect, and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our workplace and in our service,’ added Jono.
As part of our reconciliation journey, ReachOut seeks to:
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May until 3 June 2016. To learn more about the actions we’ll take to contribute to reconciliation, read the ReachOut Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
Jono Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut Australia, said ‘We recognise the importance of addressing the impacts of colonisation. The national apology was a significant step in the reconciliation process that should be recognised, celebrated and built upon.’
Every month, more than 2000 young people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander visit ReachOut.com. Suicide rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males are more than twice the rate for other Australian males, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females are almost twice the rate for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian females. Suicide is particularly high in adolescence to the early adult years.
‘Mental illness and suicide are urgent issues for young Australians who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. We’re committed to reducing the substantial mental health inequalities that exist between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians,’ added Jono.
The development of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was sparked by the ReachOut values – particularly responsibility and inclusiveness.
‘Our values are incredibly important to us, and they drove us to create this plan and recognise and improve our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With our RAP we hope to contribute to reconciliation by fostering greater relationships, demonstrating respect, and providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our workplace and in our service,’ added Jono.
As part of our reconciliation journey, ReachOut seeks to:
- Increase cultural competency of ReachOut staff by increasing our knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contemporary issues.
- Develop a more nuanced understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ conceptualisation of social and emotional wellbeing.
- Use our increased knowledge and understanding in our organisation and services so they are more culturally appropriate and therefore potentially engaging and helpful to more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May until 3 June 2016. To learn more about the actions we’ll take to contribute to reconciliation, read the ReachOut Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
