Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Mov<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>Forward</strong> <strong>Together</strong>Janet Kellydur<strong>in</strong>g a session on power and powerlessness. The skills of the facilitatordecreased the impact, but the community woman felt unsafe and chose tof<strong>in</strong>ish the course separately. This conflict was a rem<strong>in</strong>der that even thoughgroup agreements may be made, external issues may overspill <strong>in</strong>to scenariosmak<strong>in</strong>g them less than safe for those <strong>in</strong> positions of least power.General overall participant feedback regard<strong>in</strong>g the sexual health tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g waspositive. Some Aborig<strong>in</strong>al health workers found that it assisted them toapproach sexual health issues more confidently <strong>in</strong> their work place, and theyappreciated be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> a nationally accredited course. Two Aborig<strong>in</strong>alhealth workers who were ‘strongly encouraged’ to attend, found it less thanuseful 54 . One of the community women found that it was immensely useful fora personal family situation, and the tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g became part of a cha<strong>in</strong> of eventsthat led to significant and ultimately positive life changes for herself and herchildren. The other community woman felt more <strong>in</strong>formed and shared her newknowledge with community members <strong>in</strong> ways and spaces unavailable to healthprofessionals.Growth <strong>in</strong> Aborig<strong>in</strong>al Outreach <strong>Health</strong> Services over timeAs discussed at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of this chapter, this collaborative researchoccurred early <strong>in</strong> the development of Aborig<strong>in</strong>al Outreach <strong>Health</strong> Services atGilles Pla<strong>in</strong>s. Co-researchers and stakeholders asked that those read<strong>in</strong>g thisthesis be given an opportunity to hear of changes that have taken place s<strong>in</strong>ce.At the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g (mid 2008), the Aborig<strong>in</strong>al Outreach <strong>Health</strong> Service hasma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed higher levels of cont<strong>in</strong>uity of staff with longer contracts and somepermanent positions. The same manager has been on site for over a year.Network<strong>in</strong>g and referral l<strong>in</strong>ks with external organisations and services cont<strong>in</strong>ueto develop, particularly with Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital forimproved antenatal and postnatal care, and Nunkuwarr<strong>in</strong> Yunti for cl<strong>in</strong>icalservices. A Nunga lunch is held each Friday and the diabetes program that<strong>in</strong>volves groups, camps and health promotion cont<strong>in</strong>ues to strengthen. Anongo<strong>in</strong>g support/heal<strong>in</strong>g group for Aborig<strong>in</strong>al women has been very successfuland is supported by an Aborig<strong>in</strong>al social and emotional well-be<strong>in</strong>g worker. An54 The course is very confront<strong>in</strong>g.247
Change language