Healing together: Culturally safe support at Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre
Seeking mental health support can feel overwhelming — especially when cultural understanding is missing.
At the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, Aboriginal Peer Practitioners, Zoe and Jordan are helping to bridge that gap. Drawing on their own lived experience and cultural knowledge, they walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on their healing journeys, providing guidance grounded in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and genuine understanding.
Meet Zoe and Jordan, Aboriginal Peer Practitioners
Zoe and Jordan have been part of the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre team for over six months. For both, the role is deeply personal and grounded in connection.
“As I have always led with the intention to encourage the improvement of social and emotional well-being amongst First Nations people, I hold this role close to my heart,” Zoe says. “My aim is to use my own cultural knowledge and lived-experience to create a culturally safe environment and provide a strengths-based approach to support all First Nations people I get the honour to speak with.”
Drawing on their own journeys, Zoe and Jordan support visitors in a way that feels meaningful, genuine, and safe.
“Many people walk into the centre feeling alone. Then they meet peer practitioners who’ve walked a similar path. We listen with an open mind because we know what it’s like to go through tough times — and come out the other side,” Zoe explains.
Jordan adds, “When we connect with someone, it’s about showing them they already have the strength to heal. We’re just here to walk alongside them.”
Working together, in safety and trust
Cultural safety is at the heart of Zoe and Jordan’s work. They understand that for many in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, seeking help can come with fear, shame, or past experiences of not being understood.
“In our communities, there’s still a lot of shame and fear around seeking support for social and emotional wellbeing,” says Jordan, “As peers, we understand where that comes from. You can almost see the weight lift from someone’s shoulders when they realise they’re not alone.”
Cultural safety is embedded into everything Zoe and Jordan do – from their first conversation with a guest to how they walk with them throughout their journeys.
Jordan explains, “I help create cultural safety by being present in a way that feels familiar — yarning in a relaxed way, no pressure, just showing up as myself. It’s about making space for people to speak freely, without judgement.”
Zoe adds, “I once supported a young Aboriginal woman who was hesitant to talk at first. I sat with her and shared a bit about my own journey. Eventually, she opened up. She told me it was the first time she felt safe enough to speak honestly. That’s what cultural safety can do.”
Every journey is unique
Whether someone is visiting for immediate support or ongoing care, connecting with a peer practitioner is often part of the journey at Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Sometimes that support looks like a quiet chat over a cup of tea. Other times, it’s exploring difficult emotions or unpacking a story that’s never been shared before.
“Every day is different because every person’s story is different,” says Jordan. “We’re here to remind people that their voice matters. Sometimes it’s about offering a new perspective or sharing what’s helped us on our own journeys.”
“No matter the situation, the focus is always on building trust, hope, and healing – together.”
Here for you, whenever you need
If you or someone you know needs social and emotional wellbeing support, visit Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre at 23 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth.
You don’t need to make an appointment or have a Medicare card – just walk in.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday from 8.30 am – 10.30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm – 6.30 pm
- Public holidays from 12 pm – 6.30 pm
For more information, call our friendly team on 1800 565 774, email medicarementalhealth@sonder.net.au or visit sonder.net.au/medicare-mental-health.
This service is provided by Sonder and funded by Adelaide PHN, the Australian Government and the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.