Uncle Jack Charles earned his place in the heart of every Australian, as a household name, as a highly respected elder in the community. He was aware of the power of his high profile and influence, and he was determined to use it in his activism.
In a survey of Stolen Generation survivors, two-thirds reported a decline in their physical health as a result of COVID restrictions, while 75% reported a decline in their mental health and wellbeing.
The Healing Foundation
Impacts of COVID-19 on Stolen Generations survivors (Research Report)
New research released by The Healing Foundation shows that the strong and necessary public health restrictions introduced to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia since early 2020 retriggered trauma for some Stolen Generations survivors.
The research data suggests an increased and heightened sense of vulnerability; significant disconnection from family, community, and country; and significant impacts on mental health and wellbeing among an already vulnerable cohort of people.
The Healing Foundation CEO Fiona Cornforth ( formerly Petersen) said the research results will assist governments and authorities in future pandemic planning to build on Australia’s world-leading public health efforts to ensure the most vulnerable in the community are protected.