I was reminded of this recently, when a community service asked me to attend a workshop and assist with producing community media product to support a mental health project. While it had been a particularly busy time with many deadlines, I committed as we always try to say yes, and the task should have only taken 20-30 minutes. On arrival all training participants were hesitant and did not want to be involved, so instead I became involved in the workshop and spent time building relationships with those there. As the afternoon progressed all the participants felt it was a worthy project and then participated in developing community media messages to help the community with mental health. Even though it then took 2.5 hours, it was definitely worth it.

Giving time is key to building relationships which is foundational to community development.

This article originally posted in on the HCR (Australia) website.

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This need, lead to the development of the Rapid Response Radio Unit, where teams could be quickly mobilised in times of disaster, to set up emergency radio stations using a suitcase studio.  These stations provide the important information that communities most crave during challenging times. It is now being implemented through First Response Radio.

I learnt very early on that information, up-to-date, local information, is a basic need, particularly in times of crisis.  While different to a natural disaster, it’s become increasingly evident local information is also needed through the Covid-19 pandemic. Working in a rural community in Australia, as the pandemic spreads across the world, we are seeing increased levels of fear and insecurity because the community are not getting information from local sources at the local level in real time. Government reports occur periodically from the capital city five hours away, but in between these reports we are seeing misinformation spread through social media channels which is leading to increased fear and insecurity. People want to hear from local sources about what is happening in their community and know it’s from someone who is also experiencing what they are. It’s clear a community-centred media approach to media, from the grass roots, is needed more than ever. We need local, credible sources using the powerful tool of community media channels to support their communities through challenging times.

Talk to us if you would like to find out how we can help.

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The keystone to transformational development is building trust and relationships. At HCR we endeavour to build trust with all people we work with, as we walk alongside communities. Trust is critical and particularly highlighted when working on family violence and women’s empowerment issues. In the Mid West, Western Australia we are continually confronted with family violence issues. Women who we have built trusting relationships with, come to us in all levels of distress due to family violence. As the Family Law Act 1995 in Australia states:

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone tries to control their partner or other family members in ways that intimidate or oppress them. Controlling behaviours can include threats, humiliation (‘put downs’), emotional abuse, physical assault, sexual abuse, financial exploitation and social isolations, such as not allowing contact with family or friends.

Women who have shared their stories with us have experienced controlling behaviours from physical assault to financial exploitation, and when victims come to us we support them to seek appropriate services. All women and men need to be empowered to stand up to all types of intimidating behaviour. Alongside supporting individual women, we also work with community champions and local services to develop community media strategies to help provide critical information to those in need with regards to family violence. This includes recording and broadcasting community service announcements about services available. We are passionate about working on this issue and making a stand, because violence is never okay.

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HCR is helping the Geraldton Suicide Prevention Action Group to share their personal stories about mental health to raise awareness in the region, as well as promoting a big project they are working on (the videos below say it all). By utilising social capital in the community, the story is spreading with more and more people hearing about the project and the reason behind it. As the project continues those involved are gaining confidence in spreading their story, which is empowerment in action.

To follow this journey, check out the Geraldton Suicide Prevention Action Group Facebook page here.

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