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Road Show promotes Aboriginal men’s health
30 June 2009
Hunter New England Health is supporting a grassroots initiative designed to help Aboriginal men assume greater responsibility for their health and wellbeing.
The Aboriginal Men’s Road Show will make its way throughout the New England region during July, with guest presenters promoting a range of positive health messages.
The two key aims of the Road Show are to support the development of Aboriginal men's groups, as well as to promote the culturally-appropriate Pit Stop program.
This is the second such regional Road Show, with the first touring north-west NSW during May and June. The Road Shows feature four Aboriginal men who have expertise and experience in the area of Aboriginal men's health.
HNE Health Senior Aboriginal Health Education, Elliott ‘Ness’ Stewart, said it has been recognised that engaging Aboriginal men in the planning, design and delivery of health services was the most effective way to improve their health and wellbeing.
“And the best way to involve Aboriginal men is through local Aboriginal men’s groups – we’re here to provide information, advice and support to local men in their endeavours to establish and run such a group,” Ness said.
“In our area health service we have some Aboriginal men’s groups which have been recognised nationally for their great work. These groups have implemented a number of successful strategies, including Aboriginal Men’s Pit Stops, Cultural Camps and Fathering Programs.
“Aboriginal men need to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing – but we need other organisations to recognise their responsibilities in an effort to close the gap in Aboriginal health.”
The Road Show shares positive stories from and with Aboriginal men, and highlights the great work being done by Aboriginal men’s groups across the State.
The Aboriginal Men’s Road Show will continue during 2009, visiting locations throughout Hunter New England Area Health Service.
Venues and dates for July are:
• Tingha (Tingha Sport and Recreation Club), Monday 6 July, from 1pm to 4pm
• Tenterfield (Tenterfield Family and Youth Service), Tuesday 7 July, from 10am to 3.30pm
• Armidale (Armidale Town Hall), Wednesday 8 July, from 10am to 3.30pm
• Quirindi (Walhallow Aboriginal Corporation, George St, Quirindi), Thursday 9 July, from 10am to 3.30pm
(HNE-1896)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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