Where Can I Find Help?

“The social workers were a great help. I mean, I didn’t even know what a social worker was and you soon find out all these things”

A carer’s story.

Source: Kelly J, Dwyer J, Mackean T, Willis E, O’Donnell K, Battersby M, et al. Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 3 – The Experiences of Patients and Their Carers (902kb pdf). Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute; 2011. Page 22.

“The [Aboriginal Liaison Officers] were really friendly and asked if we were okay.”

A family member’s story of caring.

Source: Kelly J, Dwyer J, Mackean T, Willis E, O’Donnell K, Battersby M, et al. Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 3 – The Experiences of Patients and Their Carers (902kb pdf). Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute; 2011. Page 22.

“… the [hospital] staff were good. They give me a room, they let all my mob stay in one big room and they were good to talk to”

A carer’s hospital story.

Source: Kelly J, Dwyer J, Mackean T, Willis E, O’Donnell K, Battersby M, et al. Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 3 – The Experiences of Patients and Their Carers (902kb pdf). Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute; 2011. Page 35.

“Aboriginal [liaison officer] staff works in there, they come and spend most time with us, talking to us or if we need anything give them a buzz… asking us if we’re right, we need anything, need a cup of tea or anything … [Having] Aboriginal workers working there, that’s alright; makes us a bit comfortable, someone there talking to us instead of waiting for the nurses all the time.””

A patient’s hospital story.

Source: Kelly J, Dwyer J, Mackean T, Willis E, O’Donnell K, Battersby M, et al. Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 3 – The Experiences of Patients and Their Carers (902kb pdf). Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute; 2011. Page 28.

“The Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the hospital and the hospital Social Worker are good people to talk to too. It’s their job to keep on top of what services are available, and to give you options.”

A Daughter's story of her father's journey. From 'Making his own decisions'.

Source: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District: Shoalhaven Palliative Care and Aboriginal Health Building Relationships Committee. In our care into your hands: Aboriginal stories about approaching the end of life (762kb pdf). Illawarra Shoalhaven: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW Government; 2015. Page 12.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people who come around here. The outside help is much appreciated.”

A patient's story. From 'Gone Fishing'.

Source: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District: Shoalhaven Palliative Care and Aboriginal Health Building Relationships Committee. In our care into your hands: Aboriginal stories about approaching the end of life (762kb pdf). Illawarra Shoalhaven: Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW Government; 2015. Page 8.