Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation wins state award for Warranggal Dhiyan program

The staff involved with the program were "really happy" that they received the 2019 Mental Health Matters Awards' Aboriginal Social and Emotional Well-being Award.

The awards are part of Mental Health Month, which is run by WayAhead - Mental Health Association NSW.

The Warranggal Dhiyan program is aimed at helping individuals and families who are in regular contact with the police and court systems, and giving them the tools and support they need to stay out of trouble.

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Gunida Gunyah's chief executive officer Jane Bender said the organisation's family support workers assessed clients on "behaviourial, cognitive, mental health" issues and much more to assist them with their future.

"The stuff that we do ranges from transport for urgent medical issues, [the family support workers] provide court support, police support, and support when working with other services," Ms Bender said.

"It's about providing that support to hopefully provide them with the skills and the knowledge to not get into trouble. A lot of is family cycle, so to break that cycle."

Family support worker Shantel Simpson said there were usually "big changes" they saw in clients as they progressed through the program.

"We've had clients that can't even see tomorrow or see into their future go to actually setting goals and looking forward to the future," she said.

Clients in the past have received their driving licence, secured part-time or full-time job positions, and much more.

"We're really happy that the program is recognised for doing so well. There's been a lot of work that's gone into it," Ms Simpson said.

WayAhead - Mental Health Association NSW chief executive officer Elizabeth Priestly said it was "really good" Gunida Gunyah took "such a holistic approach to the well-being of the Aboriginal community".

"[The program is] really putting the whole of the person in the centre of the service delivery and meeting the particular needs of the person," Ms Priestly said.

"It's about looking at their values, history, and what it is that keeps people in those communities both physically and mentally and how we can bring those values into the service."