Maali’s Journey provides support to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers with children in their care and are leaving or have left violent partners, by providing counselling and other supports, prioritising the needs of the Stolen Generations. Working with clients across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs).

This program aims to support strong, healthy, and resilient individuals. Families and communities, which in turn may enhance pathways to education and employment and reduce substance abuse, violence, and contact with the criminal justice system.

Maali’s Journey provides:

• Counsel and support for clients, particularly in regard to issues of grief, loss, trauma, identity and connection support.
• Counsel and support for clients in regard to other issues impacting on their wellbeing.
• Support groups.
• Court support and advocacy.
• Support access to cultural healing practices and healers.
• Appropriate referral to other related or professional support services.

Maali’s Journey is guided by relevant guidelines and frameworks, including but not limited to the:

• National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017- 2023 (with a focus on contributing to outcomes in Action Area 2 – Promote Wellness and Action Area 3 – Build Capacity and Resilience in Peoples and Groups at risk). Further information: National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023 | National Indigenous Australians Agency (niaa.gov.au)
• Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026. Further information: cultural_respect_framework_1december2016_1.pdf (wordpress.com)