The following methods for raising awareness of social and emotional wellbeing issues and when to seek help were identified as promising practices by the Indigenous psychologists involved in the Help-Seeking Project
- ‘Word of mouth' is the fastest, most effective way to promote a service and encourage help-seeking in an Indigenous setting (this can be seen as an effective form of social marketing)
- There is no substitute or innovation more effective than community engagement to encourage help-seeking, particularly in remote communities
- Successful social marketing (word of mouth) which stimulates help-seeking will depend heavily on the personal characteristics of the service providers and the quality and appropriateness of the services themselves
- Incorporating an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural framework acknowledges the significance of the extended family and the community, as well as the importance of land and spirituality to wellbeing.
- There may be ways that involve print, radio and electronic media as complementary means to raise mental health awareness and to encourage help-seeking, particularly in urban settings