TLS Indigenous Consultancy

09/09/2026

WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY | 10 SEPTEMBER 🖤

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, having safe, culturally meaningful yarns about su***de matters.

Talking about su***de creates an opportunity to listen, to understand, to connect and to keep mob safe.

I had the privilege of facilitating an I-ASIST workshop in Dunwich this year with MMEIC, bringing community members together to build the skills and confidence to have these important conversations.

I asked participants what it means to have yarns about su***de in our communities — and their words say it best.

Listen to one our participants Pekeri Ruska!

While these conversations can seem uncomfortable and difficult, avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the thoughts of su***de go away.

Sometimes, a simple “How are you?” can open the door.

Sometimes, sitting beside someone and having a yarn is where connection begins.

And sometimes, knowing how to listen and respond can make all the difference.

We need to keep having these yarns, we need to keep building our skills to have these yarns and we need to keep looking out for one another.

Su***de prevention is everyone’s business.

If you or someone you know needs support, you don’t have to face it alone.

📞 13YARN — 13 92 76
A 24/7 crisis support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters.

📞 Lifeline — 13 11 14
Available 24/7 for anyone needing support.

If there is immediate danger, call 000.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention IndigenousSu***dePrevention AboriginalAndTorresStraitIslanderCommunities HaveTheYarn Connection SEWB SocialAndEmotionalWellbeing

28/08/2026

22/07/2026

✨ LIVE WEBINAR | "Exploring Cultural Perspectives of Mental Health & Wellbeing"

🌿 Culture shapes how we understand mental health, wellbeing and healing. Join us for the first webinar in the Grounded Care Webinar Series as we explore culturally responsive approaches to supporting diverse communities.

Featuring:

👉🏾 Dr Heena Akbar – Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland, specialising in culturally responsive health, health equity, and partnerships with Pacific, First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

👉🏾 Tegan Schefe – Proud Bidjara and Kamilaroi woman, Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia and Managing Director of TLS Indigenous Consultancy, with expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander su***de prevention and community-led approaches to social and emotional wellbeing.

🎙️ Facilitated by Daniel Samuta, National Programs Coordinator, educaid.

📅 30 July 2026
🕐 1:00–2:00pm AEST
💻 Free | Online

What the session aims to cover:
• How culture influences mental health and wellbeing
• Different understandings of healing across communities
• Practical strategies for culturally responsive practice
• Reflections on strengthening services for diverse communities

Whether you're a clinician, community worker, leader or anyone working alongside culturally diverse communities, this session will provide practical insights to strengthen your practice.

🎥 Can't attend live? Register anyway- all registrants will receive access to the webinar recording after the session.

🔗 Register now:
https: https://forms.office.com/r/x5daFjQcwg

[This webinar is proudly delivered as part of Grounded Care, Educaid Australia's culturally responsive workforce wellbeing initiative, supported by – Western Sydney PHN.]

22/05/2026

My week began in Perth and ended in Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. Feeling humble to work with amazing people with the Centre of Best Practice showcasing the 2-day Training. Feeling privileged to share knowledge and experience through the I-ASIST program in Dunwich thanks to Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation. Even better to have family in the workshop which made it even more special - we was remembering when we were just kids back home in Charleville to now all adults and have our own families. Congratulations to Lockie for delivering his first workshop back in his home Island. And as always great to work with Wayne.

21/05/2026

Great to be part of this article on Social and Emotional Wellbeing for Survivors and Worforce with

01/05/2026

This is why this work matters 👇🏾👇🏾

A participant from a recent I-ASIST workshop shared that the training gave them confidence — confidence to ask directly about su***de, confidence to step in, and confidence to know they can actually help save a life.

Before the training, their responses showed uncertainty. After just two and a half days, that shifted to strong agreement across the board that they now feel ready, willing and able to intervene.

That’s not just “good feedback.” That’s real, measurable change in someone’s ability to respond when it matters most.

But just as important as what is delivered is how it’s delivered.

I-ASIST training is delivered by Indigenous Trainers creating culturally safe spaces. It allows our mob to yarn openly about su***de — in a room full of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — without shame, without judgement, and with shared understanding.

That kind of space can’t be replicated through mainstream delivery alone.

It’s in those spaces that our mob feel seen, that truth is spoken, and it’s also in those spaces that healing and skill-building happen side by side.

This is exactly why we need greater investment from government and funding bodies towards Indigenous owned businesses like TLS Indigenous Consultancy who has been leading in delivering I-ASIST and safeYARN workshops through partnering with local ACCHOs and ACCOs.

In communities experiencing high rates of su***de, compounded by ongoing grief and loss, we don’t just need awareness — we need practical, life-saving skills delivered in ways that are culturally grounded and community-led.

When people are equipped to:

🟢 Ask directly about su***de

🟤 Recognise the signs

🟣 Stay present in hard conversations

🔵 Support someone to safety

And when that learning happens in culturally safe, Indigenous-led environments — we strengthen not just individuals, but whole communities.

This feedback is a reminder that su***de intervention skills training works. When it’s done right, it builds confidence, builds capacity, and saves lives.

The question isn’t whether we should invest in this work. It’s why we aren’t investing more, especially where it’s needed most.
***de

28/04/2026

10/04/2026

Reciprocity has been on my mind lately and this is just a reflection of how I've seen it and not seen it.

Not everyone who says they’re in your corner will show up when it counts. Some people will make time for you—consistently, without conditions. Others will only reach out when it suits them, when it’s convenient, or when they need something. Some are just busy and forget to return your call.

I’m learning to notice the differences!

If you are someone who checks in, who holds space, who shows up for others without being asked twice. It's important you remember, you can step back from those relationships that feel one-sided. Because it is also about you looking after your social and emotional wellbeing.

Who we surround ourselves with impacts how we feel, how we heal, and how we carry ourselves. When relationships lack reciprocity, it can be draining—emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.

Self-care isn’t always about rest or time away. Sometimes, it’s about boundaries. It’s about choosing who gets access to your time, your energy, and your story. Reciprocity isn’t about keeping score and if someone owes you one or did you a favor - it's about energy, respect, and mutual care.

A quiet reminder:
🟪Pay attention to who makes time for you, and who only finds time when it works for them.
🟦Protect your energy. Value your time. And invest in the relationships that invest in you.

If you are someone who believes in reciprocity and have been on both sides, this might be a reminder to slow down and make time for those who make time for you.