Men’s Safe Spaces were developed as a model to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males to meet and discuss issues of concern to them. They are a proven way of enabling these men to explore depression and anxiety in a nonstigmatising environment. They involve the facilitation of local men’s groups which are facilitated in the local community.

Train the trainer is a method of training delivery which promotes participants knowledge development and capacity building by encouraging them to put their knowledge into practice by sharing with their local community. It provides an opportunity for sustainability of the project beyond the funded period of time.

The strengths based approach is a proven model that has been used widely in the community services sector and counselling fields to acknowledge participants existing knowledge, skill base, strengths and resources in order to enable these to be built upon, further developed and added to. It is a non-stigmatising, empowering approach.

Champions are those within local communities who are committed to raising awareness of Mibbinbah initiatives, supporting their development and implementation and championing them as a valuable experience for local community members.

Project Associates (PA’s) - Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander males employed through a local organisation at pilot sites across Australia. This position is responsible for collecting data and coordinating the Men’s Safe Spaces for males who participate in local Men’s Groups and surrounding areas. Project Associates are responsible for continued liaison with other PA’s, Mentors and Champions at other sites.

Proper way describes a method of delivery that fits with local lore, customs and law. It ensures that initiatives are developed and delivered in a way that is appropriate to local community members. While it ensures culturally appropriate methods are utilised, it goes further by ensuring that the project is firmly located in the local community and is responsive to its members.

Spirit Healing describes the hope that comes from having a vision. Hope arises when there is something to look forward to that is meaningful for us and significant others. Creating hope requires positive reinforcement of positive things that the men are doing in their communities through celebration. This includes giving men the chance to become leaders in both their own communities and in the larger society. This celebration of the positive affirms processes of empowerment and ownership and deepens a sense of belonging. In turn, hope can be used to enable the important transfer of knowledge. It does this by creating confidence in one’s self and trust in others. These are needed because of the great diversity encountered. It is easy to understand the great diversity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. But, it should also be remembered that there is great diversity between Aboriginal Peoples; this needs to be considered in all work and thinking. This is especially true when seeking to create ‘safe spaces’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males. Everyone needs to be able to look forward to the future and know that there are others there to assist with one’s journey through life. The Mibbinbah Organisational Matrix is foundation and structure of relationships with various organisations, then the “spirit healing” can be looked at being the heart and soul of Mibbinbah.

*In line with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribal lore the term ‘men’ is used on this website for men and males