Facilitation skills training for First Nations facilitators in mental health, alcohol and other drugs (MAHOD)
Charles Darwin University
The Situation
As part of a project to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working in mental health, alcohol and other drugs (MHAOD), Charles Darwin University consulted with First Nations workers across the Northern Territory to understand the knowledge and skills they wanted to strengthen in their roles.
Facilitation skills emerged as a priority training need. Workers wanted practical facilitation skills to engage groups effectively, use culturally appropriate ways to manage group dynamics, and create safe, welcoming spaces for the groups they facilitate.
The approach
Renée partnered with experienced First Nations facilitator Leah Saltner of Saltner Consulting, to ensure that training ensure the training was delivered through a cultural lens, and grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, working and learning.
Renée and Leah designed and delivered 2-day workshops in Katherine and Darwin, with content tailored to what each group wanted to learn and the cultural considerations of each location.
The workshops built on participants’ existing strengths and experience, while offering new skills, templates and resources that they could use immediately in their everyday work. Sessions included yarning spaces, hands-on practice tailored to the comfort level of the group, and activities that catered for different learning styles.
A key focus was building connection and rapport among participants, supporting them to create their own “community of practice” that could continue even after the training was over.
The Result
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with most participants saying they felt more confident about facilitating groups (average feedback score 4.3 out of 5).
“The training really strengthened my confidence in structuring sessions that are engaging, clear and outcome-focused, to directly support our program delivery.”
– Shanoah Leedie, Saltbush Enterprises, Darwin
“The facilitators explained things to me in a way that I could understand. They gave me a structure and now I can take it away and put my own spin on it.”
“There was so much knowledge and advice, from not only from the facilitators but from everyone else in the room.”
“I liked the facilitators! Great vibes, food and fun, and we tackled some tough subjects in a chat.”
“Loved the session. Was worth my time.”
– Training participants, Katherine and Darwin
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