Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyI asked them what else they were seeking that was not readily available. Theydiscussed;financial, transport, utility and welfare concerns, needing assistance tosupport family members with specific health problems or who were introuble with the police, further education and training options,preparation for employment, learning to use computers, getting a driverslicense, assistance with public housing, legal concerns and dealing withgrief and loss (AWG D2).When I explained the differences between comprehensive primary health careand primary care (World Health Organisation 1986), the women agreed thatthey were seeking services more in line with comprehensive primary healthcare and community development to address a wide range of issues in theirlives. The services currently on offer at the Aboriginal Neighbourhood Housewere medical, clinical, counseling and chronic conditions focused, linked tospecific primary care health issues. While those services offered some aspectsof comprehensive primary health care, there was little support for their widerhealth issues and programs such as the kind of women’s group theyenvisioned.Once we had identified the gap, we then discussed what to do about it. Sittingtogether in a focus group in the community health building (their venuechoice), we used butcher’s paper and Texta pens to brainstorm possibleoptions. First we wrote about the women’s concerns, expectations, and whathad eventuated, ensuring that everyone had opportunities to voice theiropinion. This enabled everyone to feel that their concerns had been heard andacknowledged, freeing them to move forward into possibilities. Once we hadexhausted the list, we set it aside.Following the advice of Kim O Donnell (Aboriginal health research mentor), Iinvited the women to envision where they would like to be in five years time,focusing attention on future possibilities rather than current health servicelimitations 30 . Utilising our Family Well-being training, we discussed theimportance of changing the dynamics from being victims or combatants of the30 Taking Action -considering options, making choices171