News from the Clinic
Child Health Program at Healthy For Life:
At the end of last year, we hosted a Children’s Health Program at Healthy For Life. Staff from the clinic including Nurses and Health Care Workers worked together to encourage young children to a end and have a healthy checkup.
Our aim for the program was to promote the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children within Coober Pedy. Areas we focused on included dental hygiene and the preven on of skin infec ons which can lead to Rheuma c Heart Disease.
A number of young children and families a ended the program and it was a great opportunity to discuss health concerns and provide educa onal opportuni es for both the children and their parents.
Children were provided with a gi bag at the end of the day which included toys, brochures, bubbles and healthy items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. Families were also provided with a healthy lunch and snacks throughout the day.
Overall, it was a great turnout and we are privileged that we have been able to contribute to the promo on of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal Children and their families within the Coober Pedy community.
Rheuma c Heart Disease
What is it?
Rheuma c Heart Disease (RHD) is a very serious condi on that is more common amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi es. Luckily this disease is preventable!
A bacteria enters the body, commonly when you have a sore throat or skin sores. The bacteria develops into Acute Rheuma c Fever which if le untreated will damage the heart and lead to Rheuma c Heart Disease.
Signs and symptoms:
Fever
Painful joints
Fa gue
Sore throat
Sores on body
How can I prevent Rheuma c Heart Disease?
Brush your teeth and see the den st regularly
Shower every day
Wash your clothes and sheets regularly
Wash your hands regularly
See your doctor if you have a sore throat or skin sores
Take all medicine given to you by your health team
Immunisa on’s at Umoona Tjutagku Health Services
Immunisa ons are a simple, safe and effec ve way to protect children against preventable diseases. It is es mated 2 to 3 million deaths are prevented every year because of vaccina ons. Immunisa on’s protect all children from harmful infec ons before they are exposed to them in the community.
It is widely recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of some vaccine preventable diseases than non-indigenous clients. This is driven by higher rates of underlying chronic health condi ons and social circumstances that can lead to an increase in disease burden.
Our aim at Umoona Health Services is to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-4 years are fully vaccinated. We have fully qualified nurses who are trained in childhood immunisa ons which allows your child to be vaccinated all year round.
If there are children who are overdue and require catch-up immunisa ons, we are crea ng programs that will target these individuals. These programs are held at either the main Clinic or at our Healthy for Life building. On these days we incorporate fun ac vi es for both the children and their mothers to encourage a endance. This helps us to promote and educate women on the importance of why your child should be vaccinated.
At Umoona Tjutagku Health Service we have mul ple children who are well overdue for their childhood immunisa ons. Children who have not received their scheduled immunsa ons on me are at higher risk of developing preventable diseases. Most recently, there have been mul ple cases of whooping cough in the community posing a risk to children who are not fully vaccinated. This is why the nurses at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service are advoca ng for all children to be fully immunised.
Drug & Alcohol Service Centre Men's Pitstop Program: Strengthening Community Well-being
Umoona Drug & Alcohol Service runs the Men's Pitstop program, a targeted ini a ve designed to support the physical and mental health of men in the Coober Pedy community. Recognising that men o en face unique health challenges and may be less likely to seek help, the Men's Pitstop program provides a safe and suppor ve environment for men to address their health needs.
Components:
Health Checks: Regular screenings focusing on cardiovascular health, diabetes, and prostate health for early detec on and preven on. These health checks are cri cal for iden fying and addressing poten al health issues before they become serious.
Mental Health Support: Counselling services addressing depression, anxiety, and stress, promo ng open discussions about mental health. The program encourages men to speak openly about their mental health challenges and seek the support they need.
Skill-Building Workshops: Workshops and ac vi es that focus on prac cal skills, such as financial management, paren ng, and healthy cooking. These workshops empower men to take control of various aspects of their lives, contribu ng to their overall wellbeing.
Peer Support: Regular group mee ngs and ac vi es create a strong support network, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community among par cipants. These peer support groups provide a safe space for men to share their experiences and support one another.
Impact and Future Direc ons
Both the SEWB and Men's Pitstop programs have made significant strides in improving health outcomes in Coober Pedy. By addressing both the mental and physical health needs of the community, UTHS is fostering a more resilient and healthy popula on. Looking forward, UTHS plans to expand these programs, incorpora ng more community feedback and exploring innova ve approaches to healthcare delivery. Con nued efforts to combat s gma and improve accessibility will be crucial in ensuring the sustained success of these ini a ves.
Tes monials:
"The Men's Pitstop program has been life-changing. I've learned so much about managing my health and feel more connected to my community." – Program Par cipant
"The support I've received from the Men's Pitstop program has been incredible. It's great to have a place where men can come together and support each other." –Program Par cipant
Future Direc ons
Looking ahead, UTHS plans to expand the Table E que e Dining program to include more diverse cultural themes and collaborate with local restaurants to provide real-world dining experiences for clients. Addi onally, the program will incorporate feedback from par cipants to con nually improve and adapt the workshops and events to be er meet the needs of the community.
Clinic Calendar
Feedback forms are available at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Reception (At the main office & the DAS building) and our website: www.uths.com.au
Stay Safe in the Heat
As the December and January heat se les in, it's important to stay cool and look out for each other. Protect yourself and those around you from the intense sun by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and seeking shade when possible. Remember, it's not just humans who feel the heat—our animal friends do too. Ensure water is readily available for them in your yard or nearby spaces. A small act of kindness can make a big difference in helping them stay safe during these hot months. Stay safe, stay cool, and let's all care for one another, both human and animal!
Breakfast Program
We like to think that our days start off right, with the right breakfast and a proac ve approach to wellbeing. That’s why we host a breakfast program every morning during the week, ensuring that our team here at Umoona Tjutagu Health Service Drug and Alcohol services provide our community with the fuel they need to start their days.
What sets us apart from the rest is that here at Drug and Alcohol center we make sure that every client gets their health check in the morning which includes
· Weight
· Blood pressure
· Heart rate
· Blood oxygen levels
· Blood glucose levels
We do this because a lot of our clients are on medica ons for such things, and it gives us an indica on on how they are doing that morning. We can also refer them to any doctors or nurses if we no ce anything out of the ordinary. Not only we provide these health checks, but also, we listen to our clients if they are experiencing issues of their own and can take them to see nurses and doctors if available.
The breakfast program allows the community to start their day in a safe environment full of people they know, it keeps everyone social and ac ve especially when watching the news on the shared tv or just having a yarn together
Each morning usually offers something different for the clients, from pancakes and fruits one day to eggs and bacon the next. We also take feedback and sugges ons from the clients to ensure that they are sa sfied with the meals they have, provided they are healthy.
Kids Movie Night
Here at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Drug and Alcohol Services, we believe in crea ng opportuni es for families to come together, relax and enjoy quality me together. That’s why we host a Kids movie night, a special event designed to bring children of all ages under 18 for an exci ng experience in a safe and welcoming environment. Held twice a month, kids movie night features a carefully selected family friendly film, that some mes is put up to a vote by the kids as individuals, to ensure that everyone who a ends will enjoy. The event is more than just a movie screening, It’s a full experience! Kids can enjoy popcorn, snacks, and refreshments whilst watching the movie.
Another element we like to encourage is the connec on between our workers and the people in the community, which is why do our best to ensure that the kids movie night runs smoothly and thoroughly.
One thing we focus on with kid’s movie night is crea ng a sense of community. It’s an opportunity for some parents to have a chat together and kids to make new friends. Kids movie night offers parents a free night out with the kids watching the big screen or some mes gives parents some quality me alone whilst the kids are safe, looked a er and well provided.
How do we do it? We visit the local families and approach them with consent forms that they will sign for their children who wish to a end the movie night. We inform them what me and what date the Kids movie night is on.
We encourage everyone to come down and watch a movie and enjoy a night with friends and lots of snacks
DAS Educa onal Programs and Workshop—NIAS
Drug and Alcohol Service (DAS) educa onal programs and workshops for Aboriginal clients are cri cal in addressing substance abuse and related issues in Aboriginal communi es. These programs focus on educa ng Aboriginal people about the risks of substance use, promo ng healthier lifestyles, and providing tools for recovery and support. They also aim to reduce the s gma associated with addic on and empower individuals to seek help in culturally appropriate ways. Here's why these programs are so important:
1. Cultural Relevance and Sensi vity
2. Promo ng Mental and Emo onal Wellbeing
3. Community Empowerment
4. Reducing S gma and Shame
5. Access to Holis c Support and Treatment
6. Building Skills for Long-Term Recovery
7. Crea ng a Safe and Inclusive Environment
8. Improving Public Health and Safety
Drug and Alcohol educa onal programs and workshops for Aboriginal clients are vital in reducing the nega ve impacts of substance abuse within Indigenous communi es. They address the unique needs of Aboriginal people by integra ng cultural understanding, trauma-informed approaches, and holis c treatment op ons. These programs not only support individual recovery but also promote broader community healing and empowerment, ul mately improving the overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life for Aboriginal people.
Spreading Joy of Christmas: Food Hampers & Community Celebra on 2024
As the fes ve season approached, we were excited to share two special ini a ves designed to bring joy and support to our Aboriginal clients and community members in 2024 by Umoona Tjutagku Health Service.
Programs in December 2024
Social Workers conducted few programs with yarning sessions related to Christmas eve and par cipants were engage with food prepara on and enjoyed the programs.
Christmas Food Hampers
To help ease the burden during the holiday season, we provided Christmas food hampers filled with essen al groceries, fresh produce, and fes ve treats. These hampers aimed to support families and individuals in our Australian first na ons community, ensuring everyone could enjoy a warm and nourishing meal on
Community Christmas Event
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service collabora vely worked together with Umoona Council to succeed the event with BBQ, Chocolates for the kids, and food prepara ons for huge community event where our clients and community members could come together to celebrate, share a meal, and enjoy cultural performances and entertainment.
How We Helped Our Clients During Christmas Eve
As an Aboriginal coopera on, we were dedicated to ensuring that our clients felt supported and cared for during the holiday season. Through our ini a ves, we provided essen al resources, emo onal support, and a strong sense of community. Our efforts included:
· Delivering Christmas Food Hampers to families and individuals in need, ensuring that everyone had access to nutri ous meals and fes ve treats.
· Providing Emo onal and Social Support, recognizing that the holidays can be a difficult me for many, and ensuring that no one felt alone during this season of togetherness.
· Providing Mental Health and Well-being Support, with dedicated social workers available to offer guidance, companionship, and assistance to those in need during the holidays.
· Encouraging Cultural Tradi ons by incorpora ng Aboriginal customs, music, and storytelling into our celebra ons, making the event truly meaningful and inclusive during the programs in December 2024.
Success Story: Emma’s Journey to AOD Recovery
A ending rehabilita on is a cri cal step toward breaking free from the cycle of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) dependency. It provides individuals with the structure, tools, and support network necessary for las ng recovery. Rehabilita on programs not only address the physical aspects of substance use but also help individuals explore the underlying emo onal and psychological factors contribu ng to their dependency. For many, including Emma, rehab offers a lifeline an opportunity to rebuild, reconnect, and move forward toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Emma's journey toward recovery from Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) has been a remarkable testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of a strong support network. Over the past few months, she has made incredible strides through a structured rehabilita on plan, demonstra ng her unwavering commitment to posi ve change.
Her path began in early November when Emma expressed her interest in a ending rehabilita on to the AOD social workers. The AOD team guided her through the available op ons, and she agreed to a end the Alban Place Rehabilita on Program in Adelaide a facility designed to support young people aged 12 to 24. With her consent, the necessary referrals and legal arrangements were promptly made, ensuring a seamless transi on into the program.
Emma faced several challenges along the way. She experienced missed appointments with the rehab centre, brief hospital stays, lack of support from immediate family, and the adjustments required for the intake process. Despite these hurdles, Emma stayed engaged and determined. Weekly counselling sessions with the AOD counsellor helped her explore her substance use pa erns and prepare for the structured rehabilita on program.
As part of her rehabilita on plan, Emma needed to complete online prerehabilita on counselling sessions before star ng the rehabilita on program. She successfully a ended five counselling sessions with rehab counsellor under the guidance of AOD Social worker, demonstra ng her dedica on to recovery. Her
to recovery. Her dedica on culminated in her readiness for the next step: a one-week detox program at DASSA and rehabilita on program at Alban Place.
During this me, Emma opened up about feeling isolated and unsupported by her immediate family, which le her feeling stressed and alone. Recognizing her need for encouragement, the AOD social workers provided unwavering daily support, advoca ng for her and inspiring her to persevere. Social workers did home visits, brief interven on and telephone contacts to regularly follow up with Emma and check her wellbeing. They ensured Emma had everything she needed to embark on her journey, from bus ckets and essen al items to medica on and arranging support workers. On the day of her departure, the social workers accompanied her to the Coober Pedy bus terminal and waited un l her journey to Adelaide began.
Emma successfully completed one-week of detox at DASSA, followed by one week of rehabilita on at Alban Place. During this me, she was absent from AOD use, ac vely engaged in daily ac vi es, group sessions, and support services provided by youth workers. AOD social worker regularly followed up about Emma’s improvements with the rehabilita on team and talked with Emma over the phone. A er comple ng the rehabilita on program, Emma made the empowering decision to move to Alice springs, where she felt she could access more consistent support for her recovery.
Emma's success is a testament to the collabora ve efforts of the AOD team, social workers, legal representa ves, Aboriginal health professionals, and rehabilita on staff. From coordina ng transporta on to providing ongoing counselling and advocacy, each step was designed to empower Emma and set her on a path toward long-term recovery.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the transforma ve impact of structured support, perseverance, and a strong community network. Today, Emma is on a promising path toward a brighter, healthier future, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of overcoming substance use challenges.
NDIS: EXPANDING ACCESS, ENHANCING SUPPORT, AND EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.
Enhancing the NDIS Planning Experience
The NDIS is commi ed to helping par cipants achieve their goals and live independently. Our planning process includes:
» Developing first- me NDIS plans
» Conduc ng par cipant check-ins
» Making changes through plan reassessments or varia ons
We want to hear from par cipants and their representa ves who have recently completed these steps. Your feedback helps us improve our services.
NDIS: A Pathway to a Be er Life
The NDIS provides funding for eligible Australians with disabili es to support:
» Independence and life skills development
» Greater social connec ons with family and friends
» Opportuni es for work and volunteering
» Improved quality of life
In addi on to funding supports, the NDIS connects people with community services such as doctors, spor ng clubs, libraries, and disability support groups. Over the next five years, the NDIS will assist 500,000 Australians with permanent and significant disabili es.
Remote Community Connectors: Bridging the Gap in Remote Areas
Recognizing the unique challenges of remote and First Na ons communi es, the NDIA has partnered with Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corpora on to implement the Remote Community Connector Program. This ini a ve helps par cipants by:
» Assis ng with NDIS access and planning
» Ac ng as a cultural liaison between communi es and the NDIS
» Connec ng par cipants with local and visi ng NDIS providers
» Suppor ng individual’s ineligible for the NDIS to find alterna ve community services
Need More Informa on? Let’s Have a Yarn!
If you need more informa on about accessing NDIS supports for yourself or a family member with a permanent or significant impairment affec ng daily life, feel free to reach out.
Come by for a friendly chat with our staff, or contact our dedicated Connectors:
Diluja Wijayathilaka NDIS Remote Community Connector Coordinator
Precella Sumner—NDIS Remote Community Connector
Gnanika Chandrasena—NDIS Support Worker
Phone: (08) 8672 5255 Mobile: 0456 000 433
For more details, visit NDIS.gov.au.
Building Connec ons & Suppor ng Recovery
Introducing new Alcohol and Other Drugs Social Worker : Heshani Fernando
Hello everyone,
I am excited to introduce myself as a Social Worker in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. My name is Heshani Fernando. With a passion for suppor ng individuals on their journey to recovery, I am commi ed to providing person-centered care that empowers clients to make posi ve life changes.
My mo va on for working in this field comes from my strong belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives, regardless of the challenges they face. I am dedicated to using a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help individuals navigate substance use issues, mental health concerns, and social barriers.
In my role, I focus on delivering harm minimiza on strategies, counselling, and support services to individuals facing challenges with substance use. I believe in a holis c approach that considers mental health, social connec ons, and overall well-being to foster long-term recovery.
I am looking forward to collabora ng with colleagues, community partners, and clients to create a suppor ve and inclusive environment. If you ever have ques ons, need support, or just want to have a chat, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to connect, listen, and learn from others!
Thank you for taking the me to get to know me. I am excited to be part of this journey with you all!
Warm regards,
Heshani Fernando
Social
Worker
– Alcohol and Other Drugs
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Inform, educate, perform, model and lead to ensure diversity is reflected throughout UTHSAC.
Create & sustain an environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion by recognising value in the uniqueness
Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC
Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our communi-
Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as
