Going Walkabout Through The Suburbs

Human beings are creatures of story. We find our meaning, purpose and daily motivation in the stories that shape ourselves, our cultures and purpose in life. In this book, Dr Robbie Lloyd uses the Indigenous concept of ’Going Walkabout’ to wander through the mixed territory of modern life, learning lessons from four different groups - people living with mental health challenges, addictions, intellectual disability, and Indigenous people. Using two cultural ’elders,’ Raymond Williams and Bernard Smith, as guides, as well as experts from world cultures, science and social science, art and caring practices, Lloyd finds how all of us live with unique vulnerabilities and strengths. These can act as metaphors for everyone, in better understanding the human story and how we fit into it. By uncovering the ways we can learn from each other, Lloyd shows ways we can better balance our lives and improve our health and wellbeing together in community settings. Using knowledge from his work in the Global Mental Health movement across Australia and Asia Pacific, plus community- based research with people of Lived Experience of Difference and Diversity, Lloyd explores how different people embrace the Structure of Feeling and Experience that makes up their life journey. It’s a rich source of wisdom for understanding the stories of our lives, and improving how we can care for each other and Mother Earth.'Mental Health, Disability, Ageing, Autism, Child Care, Indigenous, Aboriginal, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Addiction, Youth Support, Trauma Informed Care, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Psychosocial Disability, Gaming and Gambling Addictions, Community Cultural Development, Culture and Society, Structure of Feeling, Spiritual, Elders and Youngers, Difference, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.'