The power of deep listening and connection

When an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person reaches out in their time of need, having a person who they can connect with in a culturally safe and sensitive way can make all the difference to their wellbeing.

Connecting Mob to Mob can save lives.

This deep connection and knowing lies at the heart of 13YARN (13 92 76) where Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters connect culturally and create a space of safety, from the moment they pick up the phone.

When on the phones, help seekers are supported by cultural knowing and spiritual safety measures, which ensures that when someone reaches out to 13Yarn, they find understanding without having to explain their cultural context first.

“When people are ringing through to other services, they often have to explain their culture, their community responsibilities, their connection to land and the responsibilities within family before they can get the help they need,” shares Lisa Roff, Team Leader at 13YARN.

“But when you connect with 13YARN, that understanding is already there because Mob understand Mob.”

This intrinsic cultural understanding shapes every aspect of the service which enables a holistic and grassroots approach to cultural care.

Lisa explains how even the language used is carefully considered:

“There is no word in any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island language that means ‘suicide’. If we talk about it, we use different language like ‘Go to Dreamtime’ or ‘Go Walkabout’.”

The suicide rate among Indigenous adults is more than double that of non-Indigenous Australians, and suicide remains the leading cause of death among Aboriginal children (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

Behind these alarming statistics are families, communities, and stories that need to be taken into consideration with deep cultural humility, compassion and sensitivity.

Available 24/7, 13YARN uplifts Australia’s network of crisis support, working alongside existing local services to strengthen the community of care that reaches across our nation.

The service works collaboratively with community organisations and other crisis support services, creating bridges of understanding that help ensure no one faces their struggles alone.

Behind the scenes, programs like Lifeline Queensland’s ‘Our Mob’ are training Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters, ensuring culturally safe support remains available wherever and whenever it’s needed.

‘Our Mob’ is a program dedicated to increasing First Nations representation on Lifeline’s crisis support network. Not only does this increase representation on 13 11 14 but it facilitates cultural learnings throughout the entirety of Lifeline.

“When Mob reach out, just having a familiar presence can save a life” says Lisa.

Because when someone chooses to reach out, having someone truly listen can make all the difference. Made possible through dedicated funding, including a supporting trust, 13YARN stands as a vital pillar in Australia’s crisis support landscape.