R U OK? – Phrase book to help people ask in Tiwi has been launched in Wurrumiyanga

A new Tiwi to English phrase book to help people ask, “Are you OK?” and talk about mental health and wellbeing has been launched in Wurrumiyanga.

The phrase book was led by Tiwi elders in collaboration with Tiwi college students, Menzies School of Health Research, R U OK? and the Northern Territory Government.

Titled Ngawurramangajirri (we care for each other), the phrase book features Tiwi to English translations, as well as illustrations to encourage conversations around wellbeing and mental health.

Dr Vanessa Lee, Chair of the R U OK? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group attended the launch in Wurrumiyanga and was inspired by the local translation of R U OK?’s message.

As Dr Lee has previously said, “Campaigns like this are about having that yarn, starting to articulate how we’re going to talk to each other and address the behaviour. Because it's recognising behaviour in people that makes the change.”

Menzies School of Health Research project manager, Josie Povey, said she hopes the book encourages people to talk to others who might be going through a tough time.

“This is a resource that can be used to provide people with the words that they need to talk with other people about how they are feeling; this may be family members talking to family members, service providers and/or health professionals.

“This project grew out of the identified need for young people to develop stronger Tiwi language skills, and more specifically be able to express their feelings and needs using Tiwi,” Josie said.

Ngawurramangajirri is available in hard copy as well as on the Menzies website at: menzies.edu.au/tiwiphrasebook

You can view R U OK?’s English language resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities at: www.ruok.org.au/stronger-together