Toilet paper, yarning, TikTok, tech and tukka SUBMITTED BY NORTH COAST ABORIGINAL CORPORATION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH During the lead up to and at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic, panic buying was experienced nationally, meaning basic supplies such as toilet paper were selling out. To make sure our most vulnerable North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health (NCACCH) clients were looked after, we sent out 80 care packages with basic toiletry products such as toilet paper, tissues, soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and tooth paste. In addition, care support phone calls were made to all of our clients aged over 50 to ensure that they were safe and well with appropriate referrals conducted over the phone if required. It was also to remind them that NCACCH services were still available even though the community face-to-face contact had temporarily stopped. Great feedback was received from our community, showing appreciation for the care packages and the support phone call. Spirits were lifted as there were many feeling isolated and worried with the chaos of the pandemic. To adapt and continue to provide ongoing quality services in a safe manner, NCACCH provided referrals and health access card applications over the phone and electronically. This was a first for the organisation and has provided a great opportunity for innovative thinking moving into the future. NCACCH also prioritised its ability to allow service providers to provide services over the phone which was important
for our mob, especially our Elders and Chronic Disease Management Program clients needing to selfisolate during this period. Playgroup, men’s and women’s groups and health messages went online via Facebook Groups and the NCACCH Facebook page to keep connected with mob. This had great success with resources and good yarns being made either via chats, Zoom or live feed videos. Due to the success of the online presence, NCACCH will continue to communicate this way, complementing the face to face community groups that have been in place since September 2020. NCACCH has a robust COVIDSafe Plan in place and will continue to regularly review the situation and adjust as required. To help children cope with the changes to their schooling, NCACCH health mascot Dr Kiah, launched her interactive website drkiahthekangaroo.com. The website includes cultural activities, music,
stories and nursery rhymes read aloud by Dr Kiah. She has also been a regular star on the NCACCH TikTok page with posts being seen globally; she has even had a dance-off with Sean Choolburra. Other great initiatives include Our Tukka Rules COVID-19 Food Security Initiative, COVID-19 Mental Health Support Program, personal hygiene education in schools and our ongoing COVID-19 messaging campaign across multiple platforms. The NCACCH Board and staff have rapidly adjusted and updated systems to allow the continuation of services to our priority focus; the community. We now feel we are in a solid place to continue to adjust as changes continue to occur. We would like to acknowledge all of our community members, partners, state and national peak bodies, funding bodies and stakeholders for your continued support in working in collaboration to ensure much needed support continues for our mob.
Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E
| November/December 2020
15
