Grief and loss are universal human experiences,
but the ways they are understood, expressed
and supported are deeply influenced by culture,
family, community and lived experience.
Practical, non-clinical training that builds the confidence, clarity and structure people need to respond to grief appropriately, strengthening psychological safety across everyday workplace interactions.
Explore course locations and find a date and time that suits you. Enrol to gain practical skills, build confidence, and better support those experiencing grief.
Based on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria, Dharug man Baydon Widdicombe is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and community-led suicide prevention. He works to empower individuals and communities through education, knowledge sharing, and honest conversations, helping to build understanding, resilience, and stronger local support networks.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grief First Aid builds the knowledge, cultural understanding and practical capability to provide respectful support when someone is grieving.
The course teaches adults how to provide initial, non-clinical support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person experiencing grief and loss. The evidence-informed curriculum explores grief within cultural and historical contexts and builds practical communication skills, equipping participants to respond respectfully using the GRIEF Action Plan and facilitate culturally appropriate further support when needed.
By completing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grief First Aid, participants will develop the knowledge and capability to:
This includes the importance of family, kinship, community, culture, spirituality and connection to Country.
Consider the impacts of the Stolen Generations, intergenerational trauma, cumulative loss, premature death, displacement, and disruption to family, community and cultural connections.
Understand Sorry Business while avoiding assumptions about how an individual, family or community may experience or express grief.
Develop skills in Dadirri and deep listening, creating space for story, silence and connection, while responding with respect and cultural humility.
Develop an approach grounded in culturally safe and ethical support, appropriate boundaries, and self-care when supporting others.
Use the framework to provide initial support, recognise when additional support may be needed, and connect people with appropriate family, community, cultural and professional supports.
This course is a 7.5-hour facilitated course. It can be delivered in a single session or across multiple sessions to suit your organisation. Training is available face-to-face or live online via Zoom
Participants who successfully complete the course and assessment become an Accredited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grief First Aider, with accreditation valid for three years.
This course is designed for adults aged 18+ who want to build their understanding and capability to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing grief and loss.
The course is relevant to workplaces, community organisations, health and support services, and anyone who works with or supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
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