Supported by COORDINARE, the Koori Kids Wellbeing program, Strong Foundations, is an early intervention program that provides culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing support and education to Aboriginal children and their families. The program aims to promote help-seeking behaviour and help students build resilience.

The Strong Foundations program is held weekly during the school term and is inclusive of a school-based group program, counselling and school holiday activities. As a part of the well-being program, students participate in a variety of activities such as:

• yarning circles (group discussion)
• mental health literacy
• arts and craft
• Aboriginal culture activities
• physical wellbeing
• team-building
• cooking
• individual counselling

Strong Foundations also run school holiday programs throughout the year, for Aboriginal students in years 3-6, who are in the Strong Foundations program. Currently, seven primary schools are participating in the program including Jervis Bay, Cambewarra, Bomaderry, Culburra, Nowra-East, St Michaels and Sanctuary Point.

Earlier this year, Strong Foundations held a School Holiday program at the Lady Denman Huskisson for kids in the Strong Foundations program and the Aboriginal Child and Mentoring program Jerrinja. The kids enjoyed cultural yarns with Uncle Raymond Timbery learning about artefacts, local knowledge and history. The kids also enjoyed a local bush tucker walk and had fun painting boomerangs. 

(Local Aboriginal students at the Strong Foundations January School Holiday Program.)

If you would like to find out more about the program and how to get your child or school involved please contact (02) 4448 0200 or visit the Strong Foundations website.