Alice Springs program helps men overcome trauma through connection

A new trauma-informed approach is helping men in Alice Springs overcome alcohol and drug abuse by strengthening their sense of identity.

Salvation Army & Red Dust are stopping the cycle of addiction and trauma in Alice Spring. Picture: supplied

Men struggling to thrive in a “white man’s world” in remote Central Australia are being encouraged to reconnect to their communities and sense of self in a new trauma-informed program.

The Salvation Army and local community organisation Red Dust have partnered up to deliver a program addressing intergenerational trauma on Arrernte lands in Alice Springs.

Designed for men aged 18 and above, the Alcohol and Other Drug program aims to provide a “culturally safe, inclusive pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to support their recovery from addiction, mental health issues and trauma”.

A program on Arrernte Island helps participants regain a sense of culture and community through traditional activities. Picture: supplied

The program caters to men in remote communities and will address the topic of living in the intergenerational gap while trying to maintain a sense of identity.

“For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, connection to culture and country has a direct link to a significant reduction in drug-related harm,” Salvation Army general manager Kathryn Wright said.

“These connections provide a stronger sense of self, cultural safety and alliance to community members.”

Activities such as camps, yarning circles, Elders groups, bush mechanics, fencing, cement work and traditional tool-making are a fundamental part of the program’s approach to help reconnect individuals to communities.

Salvation Army and Red Dust are rolling out a program to stop the cycle of addiction and trauma in Alice Springs. Picture: supplied

“Participants have pursued car restoration on abandoned vehicles (...) and reconnected with traditional artefact-making skills, producing irrtyert (spear), amirre (spear thrower) and spinifex resin using traditional fire, heating and manipulation techniques,” Ms Wright said.

“Hunting with these artefacts reminds many of the men of the strength, fitness, creativity and tenacity of their Elders.”

Service manager and Northern Territory coordinator Fred Docking said that connecting to Elders would not only provide participants with better access to traditional knowledge, but also an opportunity to consult on community-driven solutions.

Camps, yarning circles, Elders groups and traditional tool-making are all part of a program seeking to reconnect participants to a broader sense of community and identity. Picture: supplied

“Central Australia’s challenges with anti-social issues, family and domestic violence, youth incarceration, suicide and alcohol-related crime is well documented,” Mr Docking said.

“By passing on their knowledge and passion, participants become living proof (for the) potential for long-term change.

“There are four pillars of recovery: safety, hope, health and community.

“Addressing these in a culturally safe environment is the key to delivering true transformation in any community.”