‘Wellah planted a good seed’: How an online health and wellbeing program supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose

With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place throughout Australia in 2021, Aboriginal-led Clothing The Gaps Foundation (CTGF) delivered a 6-week health and wellbeing program known as Wellah Together Online. The aim of the program was to strengthen the healthy lifestyle choices, resilience and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Three staff members from Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative participated to consider the feasibility of other organisations offering similar programs. Wellah Together was evaluated by an Aboriginal-led team at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in collaboration with CTGF and Goolum Goolum. The evaluation aimed to (i) investigate the impact of the program; (ii) identify core elements of success; and (iii) provide guidance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations interested in developing similar programs.

Methods

The evaluation was a multi-method study including surveys and yarning circles. This paper reports on findings from the qualitative data collected through yarning circles with program participants, CTGF and Goolum Goolum staff.

Main findings

Forty-six people participated in the program; of these, 34 participated in the evaluation. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the benefits of taking part in Wellah Together Online. These included: (i) increased knowledge and motivation in relation to health and wellbeing; (ii) increased social connection at a difficult time; and (iii) a stronger sense of cultural identity and belonging. Core elements of program success identified in the research were: (i) create an affirming and power-equal environment; (ii) deliver health education through active participation and fun; (iii) build engagement throughout the program; and (iv) centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and leadership. Considerations for other organisations included: (i) planning for diversity; (ii) the availability of existing resources; and (iii) the mode of delivery (online vs. in-person). Based on the findings, the evaluation team generated seven themes to support understanding of the underlying principles and approach of the program. These themes highlight the necessity of engaging with issues of cultural connection, identity and healing in designing health and wellbeing programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Principal conclusions

The findings of the evaluation highlight the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-designed programs in strengthening the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at all times, including times of social upheaval.