World Mental Health Day: Strengthening Social and Emotional Wellbeing in Cape York
October 10, 2025
In the remote communities of Cape York, mental health is a deeply cultural, social, and historical issue. This World Mental Health Day, it’s vital to recognise the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this region, and to acknowledge the organisations working tirelessly to address them.
Social and emotional wellbeing is a holistic concept that includes mental health but also recognises physical health impacts as well as the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family, and community. These connections are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing. When they are disrupted – through colonisation, forced removals, and systemic disadvantage – the impacts are profound and long-lasting. Addressing mental health in Cape York means acknowledging these truths and responding with care that is culturally grounded and community-led.
Cape York’s mental health landscape is shaped by intergenerational trauma, systemic disadvantage, and limited access to services. Many communities are isolated, with few pathways to consistent care, including specialists support. The stigma around mental health remains strong, and the impacts of grief, loss, and cultural disconnection are felt across generations. Apunipima Cape York Health Council is responding to these challenges with community-led, culturally safe care that reflects the realities of life in the Cape.
At the heart of this work are Apunipima’s Wellbeing Centres located in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale, and Mossman Gorge. These are trusted spaces in community that offer therapeutic services, drop-in support, group programs, and cultural healing activities. Staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Workers, social workers, counsellors and psychologists, the centres are designed to be welcoming, safe, and grounded in local knowledge.
Through a range of targeted programs, Apunipima supports individuals and families to strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing. The Family Wellbeing Program offers counselling, parenting support, and crisis intervention. Men’s and women’s groups foster healing through peer support and cultural activities, and community education efforts help break down stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Suicide continues to be a devastating reality in many Cape York communities, and Apunipima’s services – including the recent addition of Aftercare – play a critical role in supporting individuals after a crisis, ensuring they have access to ongoing, culturally safe care. As part of Apunipima’s commitment to community control and shared responsibility, over the next nine months the organisation will engage and work with community members to co-design their Suicide Prevention and Aftercare service model in Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon & Napranum.
Mental health care in Cape York must be more than clinical—it must be relational, cultural, and community-driven. Apunipima’s approach reflects this truth, walking alongside communities to support healing, connection, and hope. Apunipima also recognises the importance of locally led service initiatives, empowering local communities to respond to local mental health issues.
On World Mental Health Day, we honour the strength of our people and the power of community-led care. In Cape York, Apunipima continues to lead with compassion, cultural integrity, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our mob.
