Yarning circles providing support for Aboriginal Australians after acquired brain injury

Aims: Building on previous research into culturally secure services, this paper reports on the development and progress of the first support groups specifically for Aboriginal people with brain injury and their families. Based in Western Australia, the groups are designed to encourage social and emotional well-being and improve health outcomes for this population. This presentation includes discussion of barriers and facilitators to establishment of the support groups. Methods: Support groups known as ‘yarning circles’ led by Aboriginal facilitators were established within one regional and one metropolitan area. They are held both ‘on-country’ and in community centres that have close connections with local Aboriginal communities. They offer culturally secure psycho-social support, education, practical problem-solving, yarning and socialization. A participatory action research methodology is monitoring the development and outcomes over six months. Qualitative and quantitative methods are being used to assess feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the group intervention. Ten Aboriginal people ⩾18 years, post either stroke or traumatic brain injury and their family members/carers will be recruited at each site. Results: Completed to date: Aboriginal research engagement and ethics approvals; appointment of an Aboriginal Project Manager and two trained Aboriginal group facilitators; commencement of yarning circles in each region; ongoing marketing of the groups via social media, circulation of flyers to Aboriginal corporations, hospitals and brain injury services. Assessments and interviews with the facilitators and Aboriginal participants are ongoing. Conclusions: This co-designed study embeds knowledge transfer and sustainability in the development of the support groups. The study will document strategies, challenges and facilitators involved in the establishment of such groups and will inform the feasibility of future culturally secure implementation of brain injury yarning circles in metropolitan and regional/remote areas across the state and nationally