This masterclass highlights a rigorously evaluated, Indigenous-led suicide prevention program that delivers measurable improvements in youth wellbeing. Showing how community-driven, culturally safe approaches can strengthen outcomes, reduce long-term system costs, and build workforce capability in culturally responsive care.

Youth 2 Knowledge’s Project Yarn Circle was designed to reconnect young people with culture through yarning, storytelling, and Elders’ wisdom. Evaluated by Griffith University’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, the initiative has shown promising results in reducing suicidal ideation and strengthening self-esteem among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

This masterclass brings together Charles Rolls (Founder, Youth 2 Knowledge), Dr Mandy Gibson (Program Evaluator, Griffith University), and Uncle Mark (Educational Mentor and Cultural Advisor, Youth 2 Knowledge) to share their experience, insights, and evidence. Together, they will explore the power of culture in promoting hope, belonging, and resilience in youth mental health.

14 October 2025   |   4:00pm-5:30pm AEDT Select

Pricing

Free and exclusive to ACHS Members

  • "We invite healthcare professionals, strategists and policy makers alike to learn about this inspiring community-led mental health initiative!"

    Associate Professor Bernie Harrison

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the therapeutic power of cultural connectedness, especially how reconnection through yarning supports mental health and resilience in First Nations youth.

  • Appreciate the role of Elders and cultural knowledge holders in prevention, not just as content deliverers, but as vital contributors to healing and community engagement.

  • Translate evaluation findings (like reduced suicidal ideation and increased self esteem) into culturally meaningful practice within healthcare and educational settings.

  • Support co designed, culturally grounded initiatives with integrity and respect, recognizing the importance of community-led design and evaluation.

  • Foster collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities, universities, and service providers to deliver and evaluate similarly impactful programs.

About Mr Charles Rolls

Founder and Director, Youth 2 Knowledge (Y2K)

Charles Rolls is the founder and developer of Youth 2 Knowledge (Y2K), an Indigenous-led youth mental-health and education organisation, operating for 13 years. His innovative programs like the Fuel drug-awareness program, and Project Yarn Circle suicide-prevention initiative, use storytelling, science, and tradition to empower young people to make informed, healthy choices and reconnect with culture. Under his leadership, Project Yarn Circle has been piloted successfully in southern Queensland schools, and its evaluation by Griffith University confirmed significant positive impacts on self-esteem and suicidal ideation. Charles brings a deeply cultural, evidence-informed perspective to the conversation on youth wellbeing. Youth 2 Knowledge is now funded to deliver training in north Brisbane to Healthcare professionals for culturally appropriate suicide prevention. 

Who should attend?

  • Health Service Leaders & Policy Influencers

  • Directors of Indigenous or First Nations health strategy

  • Forensic, Justice and Mental Health Clinicians

  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Liaison Officers

  • Paediatric & Adolescent Health Teams

  • Educators & Health Promotion Officers in Healthcare Settings

  • School Based Health Nurses

  • Anyone interested in Indigenous mental health, youth wellbeing and creating cultural safety

Guest Presenters

Uncle Mark

Educational Mentor and Cultural Advisor, Y2K

Uncle Mark provides a wealth of cultural knowledge that is invaluable for Y2K. Having been a school principal in many schools over the years, Mark brings experience and wisdom in regard to being aware of and being sensitive to youth needs.

“Project Yarn Circle (PYC) empowers true culture and identity. By participating in PYC students learn how to communicate with one another and support one another. We believe that PYC can reshape the future of First Nations students and positively impact youth suicide rates”. 


Dr Mandy Gibson

Senior Research Assistant, Y2K

Mandy has been an extremely valuable and integral part of Project Yarn Circle facilitating and undertaking valuable research to explore the effects of the program on suicidality. This has been an amazing relationship and has proven the value of reconnection to culture through yarning and the Project Yarn Circle.  


Register now

14 October 2025   |   4:00pm-5:30pm AEDT Select

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