Stronger You, Stronger Mob

The Stronger You, Stronger Mob Campaign aims to:

• Increase awareness of social and emotional well-being and promote strategies that support young people, families and communities to gain and maintain their optimal level of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).
• The campaign also aims to prevent the early uptake of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) for young people in our community.

The campaign seeks to help our mob address some of the issues we face in a culturally secure way by promoting cultural and Aboriginal ways of working into all aspects of the health and mental health sectors. 

The term SEWB is the preferred term as it refers to the physical wellbeing of the individual and also the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community. 

SEWB describes a holistic concept that involves a network of relationships between young people, their family and community. SEWB recognises the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality and ancestry and how it affects us mob. SEWB has a bunch of different areas to keep in mind, these are:

• Connection to Country
• Connection to Mind and Emotions
• Connection to Body
• Connection to Culture
• Connection to Community
• Connection to Family and Kinship and;
• Connection to Spirit, Spirituality and Ancestors

When we feel disconnected from one or more of these areas it can cause us to feel sad or angry and hurt our inner spirit. 

There are heaps of ways to help feel strong and maintain a strong inner spirit. To find out more keep reading this page.

There are heaps of ways you can feel stronger or help mob feel stronger. We're all different and there's no pressure! If something doesn't work, take the time to explore what works for you!

• Mind and Emotions:
  Sometimes our emotions can feel all over the place and we can feel down. Taking care of yourself is important:
  
  - Take time to destress if you're feeling overwhelmed
  - Talk to someone you trust or having a yarn with family member
  - Relax and take breaks or have to time to yourself, listen to music, read a book or do a mindfulness exercise
  
  
  
• Body:
  Exercise can help us feel better physically and mentally. More than just hitting the gym you can hike or just kick the footy around with some mates:
  
  - Go for a walk with a mate or your dog
  - Join a sports team or go swimming
  - Set routines and goals like dedicated time to self-care or meal planning and get plenty of rest
  
  
  
• Family and Kinship:
  Being with family isn't always easy but when you feel safe to, it's important to share connections with your family and mob. When things get tough it's good to yarn about it with people you trust:
  
  - Yarn with your family about what's bothering you
  - Do an activity you enjoy together like, fishing, art, cooking or playing music
  - Organise time for mob to come together over a meal and catch up
  
  
  

• Country:
  Spending time on Country, when you can, helps us reduce stress and improve our moods. Connecting with and being on Country keeps our spirit strong:
  
  - Visit country if you don't live on Country
  - Go camping with family, be around nature
  - Hike bush trails or go swimming with mates
  
  
• Culture and Spirit:
  Culture is at the heart of everything we do and it's important to keep learning and participating in culture. Getting involved in culture helps strengthen our spirit:
  
  - Listen to stories and learn culture
  - Participate in cultural events like NAIDOC week
  - Do creative cultural activities like painting, weaving, dance or playing an instrument
  
  
• Community:
  Getting involved in community and giving back helps us feel included and connected. Yarning to Elders and getting involved in community events keeps our spirit strong:
  
  - Volunteer at a youth group or get involved in community events
  - Join a sport or art club
  - Yarn with Elders and listen to stories