Healing through connection and culture

Margaret Saunders (nee Grant) is a proud and respected descendant of the Wongaibon people of the Bogan River from the Wiradjuri Nation. As a Principal Master MHFA Licensed Instructor, trainer and assessor, and a deeply committed community leader, Margaret brings a wealth of experience and cultural integrity to everything she does. Her connection to culture, and her ability to create a culturally safe and empowering environment, has made her a strong advocate for social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Since becoming a Licensed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Instructor in 2017, Margaret has delivered courses across the country, including prisons, schools, big cities and remote communities. She is licensed to deliver the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander course, along with the program’s Youth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Talking about Suicide, Talking about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, and Youth Yarns (pilot) courses. She also facilitates Certificate IV in Mental Health.

For Margaret, the work is personal. She became an instructor after working in native title for more than two decades, where she witnessed the impact of intergenerational trauma on the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She delivers training in a way that builds trust and rapport, encourages open conversation, and helps participants feel seen, heard and understood.

Margaret also brings the strength and perspective of lived experience, having lost her son to suicide six years ago. That loss continues to shape her commitment to breaking down stigma and supporting others on their healing journey.

“By sharing my own lived experience, I help participants feel safe enough to share theirs. That’s where the healing starts,” Margaret said.

One moment that has stayed with her came during a prison workshop, when a young Aboriginal man told her that hearing her story gave him the courage to talk about his brother’s suicide for the first time. “He said it helped him realise he needed to talk to someone and maybe encourage others to do the same. That’s why I do this work.”

Margaret’s training goes beyond teaching the tools. For her, it’s about restoring connections to culture, community and country. She tailors her delivery to the unique needs of each group, respecting cultural protocols and community strengths, and making space for social and emotional wellbeing to be addressed alongside spiritual and cultural wellness.

“There’s still so much stigma and shame around mental health, suicide and self-injury. These courses break down those barriers and encourage our people to speak up and seek help.”

Creating that safe space is vital to the success of each workshop. Margaret draws on her cultural knowledge and personal networks to set the tone from the outset, making sure participants feel comfortable, respected and supported. Her sessions often begin with story-sharing, where she leads with honesty and vulnerability. This helps open the door for others to yarn about their own journeys.

She also adapts her language to suit each audience, especially in remote communities where English may not be their first language. “Sometimes you have to pause and explain things a little differently, or check in to make sure everyone’s on the same page. That’s part of creating safety too.”

Margaret says becoming an Instructor has not only allowed her to support others but has become part of her own healing journey. “I keep showing up, creating space, and helping others find their voice.”