Yarn, move, do
Yarn, move, do is a reflective wellbeing resource created specifically for First Nations peoples, developed by LiveUp in partnership with Little Rocket, VAHS, VACCHO, and an Elder working group.
Strong roots
Inspired by Aunty Elly Chatfield’s powerful metaphor of Country regenerating after fire, the Yarn, move, do workbook invites Mob to pause, reflect, and check in with mind, body, and spirit, noticing what’s strong, what’s shifting, and what might need care.
Trees are germinated and come to life after fires … and that conversation of rising from those ashes is important and runs parallel with your life and growing older.
— Aunty Elly Chatfield, a proud Gamillaroi womanThe booklet explores themes of strong roots, strong seeds, strong support, and strong nourishment, offering gentle prompts that support culturally grounded, strengths based healthy ageing. Guided by the wisdom and lived experience of Elders and community members, Yarn, move, do helps keep conversations about self-determination, wellbeing, and growing older connected to Culture and Country.
Ready to build on your strengths? Download the Yarn, move, do booklet to explore what’s already working well. You can use this booklet to pause, reflect, and check in with yourself.
Elder working group
This work would not have been possible without the generosity, guidance, and cultural leadership of the Elders and community members who shaped it. Our sincere thanks go to Aunty Elly Chatfield and the Elder working group for sharing their wisdom, stories, and lived experience.
With special thanks to:
Janice Bakes – Gunditjmara, Lionel Bakes – Palawa, Robyn Bradley – Gunditjmara, Janine Clancy, Christine Ingram – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Joy Ingram – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Charelle Jackson, Janet Pyke – Yorta Yorta
Using Yarn, move, do in your work with older people
Yarn, move, do can support gentle, culturally grounded conversations in community programs, health settings, and one-on-one yarns with older First Nations people. The prompts help people reflect on their strengths, changes, and what support might keep them well.
A professionally printable version of the booklet is available which you can download using the button below.
Print ready bookletIf you’d like the print files sent directly, want to collaborate on using the resources in your work, or are interested in a presentation, you can contact the LiveUp community engagement team at communities@liveup.org.au or call 1800 951 971.
First Nations stories about healthy ageing:
Independence isn’t about doing it all alone. It’s about staying strong in your connection to who you are, your culture, and community. In partnership with Campfire x, these are the stories of Elders staying grounded and guided by what matters most to them.
From yarn to legacy
Barbara McGrady shares her inspiring story of managing her health condition while working, and proves that ageing is an accumulation of strength, skill, and wisdom.
Press play on the image above to watch this video yarn.
Growing old together
The ladies of Guriwal Aboriginal Corporation yarn about their tough days and proud moments as they get older, and how everyday tools can help Mob feel more in control.
Press play on the image above to watch this video yarn.
