Yarning about the Tidda Talk programme: Opportunities for improved practice and future directions.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore participants' experiences regarding the feasibility and acceptability of the Tidda Talk programme-an integrated physical activity and psychosocial initiative for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Design: Qualitative evaluation of a single arm feasibility and acceptability trial.

Methods: Yarning sessions were conducted with N = 19 programme participants approximately 1-2 weeks after programme completion. Reflexive thematic analysis, with an emphasis on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standpoint, was used to analyse verbatim transcripts or notes in place of audio recordings.

Results: Three themes were generated from the data: 1) Creating a space of healing, highlighting the importance of the culturally safe environment within the programme and associated social facilitators; 2) happier, healthier and learning life skills, detailing the new physical, social, emotional, physical and cultural skills and knowledge learned by participants throughout their programme experience; and 3) opportunities for improved practice, exploring recommendations for enhancing the programme for the next generation of Tiddas (i.e., programme participants).

Conclusions: Findings support the overall feasibility and acceptability of the Tidda Talk programme. Critical factors in the programme's success were its holistic health approach, dual-component programme structure and flexible, place-based delivery. Overall, the study offers broader insight into how mental health and social and emotional wellbeing programmes and services may be optimised for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, allowing providers to understand what is truly needed and what will work.