Young Aboriginal Mothers Program (YAMP)

Supporting stronger, safer and healthier relationships

The Young Aboriginal Mothers Program (YAMP), based in Gunawirra House, Rozelle is an early intervention service for women with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.

The program occurs on a weekly basis, during this time our team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal professionals work together alongside the women to support them and their family’s needs. By focusing on and actively supporting the vital healthy links between mother and child, we aim to reduce the impact of intergenerational trauma in Aboriginal families.

For further information about the programs or to make a referral, please contact us.

Mothers’ Groups

The Mothers Group activities are based on the mothers requests, interests and needs. Each group session has a balance between structured and unstructured time. However, we know that each woman is different and so we also offer all of our services as individual sessions for those who are not comfortable in joining a group setting.

Our services include:

Connection to culture: With culture being at the heart of the program, women are able to deepen their knowledge and connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through outings, activities, community, and more! A main focus of this program is to ensure that each mother becomes well equipped with cultural knowledge that they will then pass on to their children.

Individual therapy: Individual therapy sessions with an experienced psychotherapist are offered every Friday.

Social work support: Support to access health, housing, employment, education or financial services.

Art therapy: Art therapy is offered weekly and is available to both the mum and bubs.

Alternative therapies: Well-being and mindfulness support through yoga, meditation and more.

Practical supports: Such as weekly grocery parcels and a warm lunch during group.

Women’s Business

Our Women’s Business Program is designed to reconnect/connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers to traditional Cultural Practices. We do this through story, art, mindfulness, movement, dance and healing circle meditation.

Our Women’s Cultural Facilitator uses culture, dancing and yoga to promote health and wellbeing with the young mothers.

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Speech Therapy

This program is centred around the need to communicate. A speech therapist works in mothers groups and with toddlers and children on developing positive speech and communication, modelling, language stimulation and interaction work. The therapist also works individually on assessment and treatment of particular language and communication problems.

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Nutrition

The Nutrition Program is focused on empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Mothers to enjoying cooking real and nourishing food for themselves and their children. The program incorporates confidence, community, culture and Indigenous wisdom about native plants and food practices.

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Research and Evaluation

In a 2021-2022 partnership, Australian Catholic University is assessing the mid to long-term impact of our Young Aboriginal Mothers Program, (YAMP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their children. This partnership and engagement is characterised by high levels of cultural safety, whereby engagement is culturally appropriate and respectful. The project will also make recommendations for the program’s future operation and expansion while also reconnecting to mothers and children that have been part of the program.

In 2015, the Young Aboriginal Mothers Program was previously evaluated by Women’s Health Psychology, Centre for Health Research and the School of Medicine at the University of Western Sydney. Access the YAMP Research Paper.

Young Aboriginal Mothers Program (YAMP)

Supporting stronger, safer and healthier relationships

Mothers’ Groups

Women’s Business

Speech Therapy

Nutrition

Research and Evaluation

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