Family Support
Family Support Services
Keeping Families Strong, Safe and Connected
Akeyulerre Family Support Services (FSS) is a culturally grounded, community-led program supporting families in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and surrounds to keep children safe, connected to culture, and thriving at home.
We work alongside families in Alice Springs and surrounding communities—including Amoonguna, Atitjere, Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), Titjikala, and Ti Tree—offering practical support that builds parenting skills, strengthens family functioning, and promotes child wellbeing.
Our approach is:
- Culturally Secure: Rooted in Arrernte values and healing practices.
- Child-Centred and Family-Led: Families guide their own goals and plans.
- Collaborative: We partner with Territory Families, Housing and Communities (TFHC), and other local services to ensure holistic support.
- Flexible and Responsive: We adapt to the changing needs of families and prioritise high-risk cases.
Services include:
- Intensive case management and family safety planning
- Support for reunifying children in care with their families
- Assistance with parenting, life skills, housing, and access to health and education services
- Cultural activities and connection to country
What is Akeyulerre Family Support Services Eligibility Criteria?
- Families that have First Nation Children who are under the age of 14.
- Families that live in Alice Springs and surrounding areas.
- Families needing support with finances, food security, health, hygiene, education, domestic violence, housing, clothing, parenting, pregnancy, disability, transport, social services, legal, child safety, reunification, compliance documents, personal development, grief and loss, culture and other areas.
Families are not eligible if the risks are too high for non-statutory intervention and a report to Territory Families is required.
We are committed to walking with families on their journey, helping them build strong, safe, and nurturing environments for their children.
Families can be referred by other organisations or families can complete a self-referral using the Family Support Referral Form.
Akeyulerre Family Support Services can be contacted on 08 8952 2339 or email: fss@akeyulerre.org.au
Utyerre Mape - Strong Men, Safe Families
Building Strong Men, Strong Families and Strong Communities
Utyerre Mape (Strong Men, Safe Families) is an Aboriginal-led men's wellbeing, prevention and behaviour change program for Aboriginal men and young men aged 16 years and over who live in Alice Springs and surrounding communities.
The program supports men to build healthy relationships, strengthen cultural identity, develop emotional regulation skills and make positive choices for themselves, their families and their communities.
Utyerre Mape recognises that there are many factors that can place stress on men and families. The program provides a culturally safe and supportive environment where men can explore challenges, build skills, strengthen connections and work towards positive change.
Whether a man is experiencing difficulties in his relationships, struggling with mental health, alcohol and other drug use, gambling, anger, grief and loss, or simply wants support to become a stronger role model for his family and community, Utyerre Mape provides a pathway for growth, healing and accountability.
Who is the Program For?
Utyerre Mape supports Aboriginal men and young men who:
- Are aged 16 years and over.
- Live in Alice Springs or surrounding communities.
- Want to strengthen healthy relationships with partners, children, family and community.
- Are at risk of using domestic and family violence.
- Have used domestic and family violence and want support to change their behaviour.
- Would benefit from support with emotional regulation, conflict resolution and decision making.
- Are experiencing challenges such as mental health concerns, alcohol and other drug use, gambling, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties or social isolation.
- Want to strengthen their connection to culture, family and community.
What We Support Men With
Utyerre Mape provides support to help men:
- Develop respectful and healthy relationships.
- Increase understanding of domestic and family violence and its impacts.
- Strengthen emotional regulation and communication skills.
- Learn practical conflict resolution strategies.
- Build resilience and coping skills.
- Improve health and wellbeing.
- Strengthen cultural identity and cultural responsibilities.
- Connect with Elders, positive male role models and community supports.
- Access other services that may assist with housing, health, alcohol and other drug issues, mental health, legal matters or family support.
An 8-Week Program
Utyerre Mape is a structured eight-week program designed to support meaningful and sustainable change.
Throughout the program, participants work alongside staff and other men to build practical skills, strengthen personal responsibility and develop strategies for creating safer, healthier relationships.
Following completion of the program, participants may be connected with other community, cultural, health or support services to continue their personal growth journey.
Referrals
Referrals can be made by:
- Self-referral
- Family members
- Community organisations
- Health services
- Mental health services
- Alcohol and other drug services
- Justice services
- Government agencies
- Other service providers
Referrals involving men who are currently using domestic and family violence, or who are assessed as being at heightened risk of using domestic and family violence, will be prioritised.
Make a Referral
To refer someone to Utyerre Mape, please complete the
Utyerre Mape Referral Form.
Before making a referral, please review the Utyerre Mape Eligibility Criteria to ensure the participant meets program requirements.
Our Approach
Utyerre Mape is grounded in the belief that strong men create strong families and strong communities.
The program combines cultural strengths, accountability, respect, wellbeing and behaviour change to support Aboriginal men to make positive choices, strengthen relationships and contribute to safer families and communities.
Utyerre Mape Program Coordinator can be contacted on 08 8952 2339