NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research (TCR) into Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) for Indigenous Peoples from Early Life to Young Adults on 15 November 2017 which closed on 7 February 2018.

This grant opportunity was identified as a health priority by the Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus and recommended as a TCR. The aim of this call was to provide funding for rigorous, culturally informed research into maintaining and improving the SEWB, mental health and fostering wellness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

The objectives of this TCR are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, children, adolescents and young adults, to identify novel and culturally sensitive:

  • strategies and initiatives to reduce the prevalence of mental health conditions and improve SEWB
  • interventions to increase the responsiveness and appropriateness of mainstream and community-controlled services, individually and as a system, to address SEWB and mental health
  • interventions to mitigate the consequences of poor SEWB and mental illness.

The key expected outcomes from funded grants will be:

  • the generation of a body of evidence that will identify and improve public policy on the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, children, adolescents and young adults 
  • effective interventions to address the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, children, adolescents and young adults 
  • provision of a better framework to prevent ill health, manage conditions and reduce consequences, with the aim of helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities to live healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives.