Beyond Words: Making Space for Creative and Relational Approaches With Young Aboriginal Mothers in Central Australia

Young Aboriginal mothers in Central Australia experience both significant strengths and complex challenges in relation to social and emotional wellbeing, shaped through cultural identity, kinship, family responsibilities and broader social contexts. This commentary reflects on a small community pilot involving four creative and yarning-based sessions with two young Aboriginal mothers in Alice Springs. Guided by Yarning and Dadirri-informed deep listening, the programme created a culturally responsive, non-clinical space for artmaking, storytelling and shared reflection. Drawing on this experience, we reflect on making space for creative expression, relational connection and women's own understandings of wellbeing. We consider the opportunities and challenges of incorporating these approaches into maternal and family wellbeing initiatives, including the need for trust, flexible participation and culturally responsive facilitation. Meaningful integration requires attention to these conditions, alongside centring Aboriginal women's voices, cultural knowledge and relational understandings of wellbeing in health promotion practice.