This review summarises the emerging research and knowledge, key themes and principles surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives and concepts of healing and social and emotional wellbeing as they relate to suicide prevention. These discussions will support Lifeline to enhance and refine their existing knowledge and practices to promote culturally responsive suicide prevention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This review explores the importance of the delivery of staff training programs to achieve this along with external training and program development for Lifeline services, including the telephone crisis line, Online Chat and emerging Crisis Text. Adopting an Indigenous research approach, this review prioritises Indigenous knowledge of healing and wellbeing and provides examples of culturally appropriate and effective practices.

A number of key principles and practices fundamental to Indigenous knowledges of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), healing, and cultural responsiveness have been identified as central to effective suicide prevention. A strengths based approach, which empowers local healing capacity, is embedded in cultural understandings of healing and the life affirming principles of holistic relationality and respect which underpin SEWB is vital.