How to find your trusted person when you need support

By Benjamin (Woobilie) Stubbs, proud Wangkatha man.

As an online content creator, I haven’t always found life easy, especially being Indigenous and a young father. There's this added layer of scrutiny I face every day that others may not understand. It's tough when people question my cultural heritage and claim I'm not ‘black enough’ to be Aboriginal.

But, you know what? I've found support and guidance in my trusted person, my dad, who's also an Aboriginal elder. He has always been there for me, offering unwavering support and wise advice. He gets it, because he went through similar struggles when he was young. His suggestions, encouragement and listening ear have helped me to navigate the complexities of online racism and life in general.

Having a trusted person is important for everyone, especially young Indigenous kids like us. Life can be tough, so it's crucial to have someone you can confide in when things aren't going well. Your trusted person could be a family member, friend, teacher, coach or mentor. The key is to find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to.

Download the transcript.

There are so many benefits to having a trusted person in your life. First and foremost, they provide emotional support during tough times. When you're dealing with bullying, racism or any other kind of pressure, having someone you can talk to about it makes you feel less alone and more understood. Your trusted person can listen to your concerns and suggest ways to handle the situation.

On top of emotional support, a trusted person can offer practical help. For example, if you're struggling with schoolwork, your teacher or coach could offer tutoring or extra support to help you improve. If you have a career or hobby you're passionate about, a mentor can guide you and connect you with opportunities.

Finding your trusted person may take time and effort, but it's worth it. Here are some tips to help you find the right person:

1. Think about who you trust: Consider the people in your life you feel comfortable talking to and who have your best interests at heart. It could be a family member, friend, teacher, coach or mentor.

2. Reach out: Once you've identified potential trusted people, reach out to them and start a conversation. Let them know you're going through a tough time and would appreciate their support.

3. Keep an open mind: Your trusted person may not be someone you might expect to fill that role. Stay open to possibilities and think about all the people who could provide you with support.

4. Build a relationship: Building a relationship with your trusted person takes time and effort. Keep in touch with them regularly and let them know you’re grateful for their support.

Having a trusted person during tough times is crucial for young Indigenous Australians. A trusted person can provide both emotional and practical support to help you deal with life's pressures. Take the time to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and nurture that relationship over time. Remember that you're not alone; there's always someone who cares about you and wants to help you.