WentWest Stories, ITC: Drew’s Story
The Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with chronic health conditions through access to care coordination, multidisciplinary care and self-management support. It improves access to culturally appropriate, mainstream primary care services, including general practice, allied health and specialists. Drew* was recently diagnosed with late-stage lung […]
The Shed: Social and Emotional Wellbeing for First Nations Peoples
Research shows that almost 50% of the burden of disease for First Nations Australians is due to modifiable risk factors, with mental health and substance use the biggest contributor[i]. Almost a quarter of First Nations Australians also self-report facing a diagnosed mental health or behavioural challenge[ii]. Shifting the narrative on health in Western Sydney […]
Advancing Reconciliation in Western Sydney
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June 2023) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible […]
Providing Appropriate Support to Our Western Sydney Aboriginal Community
Currently, we will not hit the target to close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by 2031. Almost one-third (31.7%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared to one in eight non-Indigenous Australians (12.3%)[i]. Unfortunately, these mental health needs are […]
WentWest Stories, CPS: Lindsay’s story
The Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) program assists people with severe and complex mental health concerns to build their capacity to manage day-to-day activities, strengthen their social skills and relationships, create employment and financial goals, and connect to support services. The Western Sydney Primary Health Network commissions community-based organisations to run the CPS program in Western […]
WentWest Stories, The Shed: Jerry’s Story
The Shed is a safe, welcoming environment where people can share their stories in a non-judgemental setting. The service assists with mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and connects people to mental health services, Centrelink, housing, legal and therapeutic services. The WentWest Commissioning Team has worked with The Shed for over five years, supporting Western […]
WentWest Stories, Aboriginal Counselling Services: Uncle Dave’s Story
The Aboriginal Counselling Service (ACS) delivers culturally sensitive and safe mental health intervention and therapeutic counselling services to people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. The Western Sydney Primary Health Network supports ACS so that clients can be empowered and assisted in navigating the health system and managing their mental health. Uncle […]
WentWest Stories, Baabayn: Karri’s Story
Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation connects Aboriginal community members to services that help them recover from trauma, reconnect to their community, and build a sense of self-worth and confidence. Baabayn has strong contacts in the community and prides itself on providing a welcoming environment where individuals and families can heal. The organisation runs activities, drop-in support and […]
Working Together to Close the Gap
3 March 2022 Currently, the target to close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by 2031 is not on track[1]. Nationally, non-Aboriginal children are expected to live an average of 8.6 and 7.8 years longer than Aboriginal children[2]. Figures from 2019 show that 3 in 10 Aboriginal Australians who needed support […]
WentWest Stories, KEYS: Tamara’s Story
The Western Sydney Kids Early Years (KEYS) Network is the first of its kind in New South Wales. It is designed to align social and health sector agendas to deliver cohesive client services. KEYS relies on multi-sector collaboration to develop a coordinated care model for those stuck in a cycle of disadvantage. The KEYS Network […]