Truly applied research

One of Manna’s many strengths is our collective ability to translate research into practical mental health support for the people of rural and regional Australia.

As the nation prepares to mark Missing Persons Week, our MCR Dr Sarah Wayland demonstrates just how powerful this can be.

Sarah has spent 20 years researching ambiguous loss and its impacts. And she’s a great proponent of creating and sharing knowledge.

Now, two masterclasses she has produced with The Missed Foundation (previously the Missing Persons Advocacy Network) are available to police officers, search and rescue organisations, the media and counsellors, to improve the support offered to the families of missing persons.

Research shows that for every missing person reported, at least 12 others are directly impacted, whether emotionally, psychologically or financially.

Sarah hopes the world-first resources will be particularly useful in rural and regional Australia, where the numbers of missing persons are uncertain, however landmark research on missing young Aboriginal women in NSW noted a higher incidence in regional areas. There is also a lack of access to specialist support services for families left behind.

“The masterclasses give the rural and regional health workforce access to professional development without having to travel to a metropolitan city,” she said. “They bring it straight into their counselling space.

“Traditionally, academic research has been developed for other academics or used predominantly in the teaching and learning space. It’s often behind a paywall. I’m pleased to be translating this knowledge into practical and accessible resources.”

The first masterclass is free. A second, more advanced masterclass is available for purchase by professionals on a sliding fee scale. It takes a deeper dive into the subject and is designed to support therapy sessions with families navigating this difficult path, using simulation sessions with UNE Social Work students, who volunteered their time to assist.

To access the masterclasses, go to the Missed website: missed.org.au