Supporting Wellbeing Through Culture: Jody Kopp’s Arrernte Services Journey 

For the past two and a half years, Jody Kopp has been supporting people through her business, Arrernte Services. Before starting the business, Jody worked as a mentor to female rangers throughout the Northern Territory. 

Arrernte Services provides a culturally grounded approach to wellbeing that strengthens the spirit, mind, body, family, community and connection to Country. Drawing on Arrernte cultural knowledge, kinship, storytelling, ceremony, language and traditional practices, the business supports healing from grief, trauma, loss and life’s challenges while restoring identity, belonging and cultural strength. 

Working with Many Rivers 

I found out about Many Rivers through Facebook. 

The support I received was around the initial setup of the business, including understanding how and what I needed to start from scratch. The mentoring has also been very helpful. 

What I really appreciate is that it’s at my pace. When I need support, I can contact my mentor and he’s always there. We can pick up from where we last left off. 

I wanted to start my own business because I wanted to support my people and lessen the load, particularly around social and emotional wellbeing. I wanted to provide a service that is culturally appropriate and comes from our worldview. 

Biggest Challenge 

The biggest challenge has been the paperwork and organising what’s needed to run a legal, functioning business. 

Biggest Success 

My biggest success has been working with my people and helping with all of the issues I set out to address around mental health and wellbeing. 

Biggest Change 

There haven’t been any real changes, only that my family are happy when I am happy doing what I do best – supporting my people. 

I also have more free time to do the things that previously prevented me from being my true, authentic self and happy. I mean really happy. 

Future Goals 

In the future, I would like to employ one or two more people to work with me. 

I would also like to organise more group sessions and help share the load of the burdens my people carry. 

 

At Many Rivers, we’re here to help you take the first step towards building your business.

Find out if you’re eligible for support and start your business journey today.

CLICK HERE to see if Many Rivers is right for you

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