Bridging the Divide

How a collaborative approach is developing inter-sectoral links in rural WA

Robin Surridge & Zoe Upson - Amity Health 2014

Population: 3,630

Demographics: 10.4% of children aged 0-14 are of Aboriginal status

5.67% of total the population are of Aboriginal status

260 kms from Perth

Project Location – Merredin

Project Location – Merredin

Challenges in MerredinLack of community based services

Transient families

Growing social needs

Poor AEDI results

Kids getting into trouble

Families with multiple issues

A coordinated approach

Southern Inland Health Initiative Primary Care integration Coordinator:

In her words *For a copy of this video please contact FRSA

Definition of HealthA state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing , not merely the absence of disease of infirmity. The definition seeks to include social and economic sectors within the scope of attaining health and reaffirms health as a human right.

(World Health Organisation, Alma Ata, 1978)

What is Health?

Social model of health

A Social Model of Health (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 1991)

What is Education?

WA Department of Education

Mission: For every child to be provided with a high quality public school education – whatever their ability, wherever they live, whatever their background.

Goals: As a public school system … to achieve the twin goals of excellence and equity.

… provide opportunities that extend and challenge every child to achieve the highest possible standards and their personal best; …

A Good News story….

WA Regional Development Minister Brendan Grylls announced $154,000 for a Kids’ Health Link program to connect eastern wheatbelt families with health, child development and parenting education services

“We want to build the capacity of health, education and social services to deliver a lasting effect on the way care is delivered

Program Aim

Connecting health and education, to build a stronger, more resilient community and promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Australian Early Development Census

Number of children surveyed

Physical health and wellbeing

Social competence

Emotional maturity

Language and cognitive skills (school-based)

Communication skills and general

knowledge

Vulnerable on one or more

domains of the AEDI

Vulnerable on two or more

domains of the AEDI

2012

Australia 289973 9.3 9.3 7.6 6.8 9 22 10.8

Western Australia 32158 9.8 8.4 8.3 8.6 9.1 23 11.2

Merredin 48 21.7 8.7 13 15.2 0 30.4 15.2

2009 Merredin 46 9.1 2.3 0 6.8 2.3 11.4 6.8

Amity Health Social Worker, Leesa Murray (right)Amity Health Aboriginal Family Support Worker, Erin Fitzgerald (left)

Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of the school

Merredin Community College School Principal :

In her words *For a copy of this video please contact FRSA

Roles

Social Worker

* Provide a range of Social Work services including individual and group therapy for children and families of the College.

Family Support Worker* Work collaboratively with the school based Social Worker, providing support for families.* Deliver 0-4 program based at the school

Children and families supported through Social Worker

For the last financial year approximately:

• 237 individual occasions of service• 150 group sessions

• Regular classroom observations• Regular meetings with children and families• Provide strategies for Teachers on children’s social and emotional behaviours

Participant Attendance at Kindy Readiness

Total Number of Participants:• 42 children aged 0-4 (23 children were aged 2-4 years)• 28 adults• 12 participants identify as Aboriginal (7 were children 0-4 years)• 9 participants identify as CaLD (7 were children 0-4 years)• 2 fathers • 1 grandparent• Most participants attended on a regular basis with an average of 19 participants attending

each session• Highest attendance 33 participants.

Kindy Readiness at Merredin College - Participant Feedback

6 parents participated in the survey.

As a result of attending this activity Agree Disagree Don’t Know

I know more about how to help and support my child to develop 100% 0% 0%

I would recommend this activity to others 100% 0% 0%

I have more information about other services/programs to meet my families needs 100%

0%

0%

I am more connected to people 100% 0%

0%

Participant Feedback

Kindy Readiness at Merredin College (participants could respond to more than one question)

Do you come to this program %

To catch up with adults 16.6%

So your child can learn 100%

You child wants to go 50%

Do you like information in a: %

Pamphlet 66.6%

Presentation 0%

Group Discussion 33.3%

Newsletter 16.6%

Would you like support in %

Child’s Diet 0%

Child’s Behaviour 66.6%

Parenting Skills 50%

Emotional Support 0%

One of the mums :

In her words