The first rural Aboriginal-led campaign focusing on the often sensitive topic of bladder control issues, such as incontinence, is urging Aboriginal communities to ‘have a yarn about our bladder’.
Hunter New England Local Health District alongside Narrabri, Armidale and Uralla Aboriginal Elders are sharing the important message ‘Speak up, there is no shame, and help is available’ through targeted new resources which focus on bladder health and treatment options.
Executive Director, Aboriginal Health Unit, Hunter New England Local Health District, Raylene Gordan said the campaign will make a real difference for both patients and clinicians.
“The feedback from our clinicians involved is they are so proud to be a part of this and see the right information made available in the right way for Aboriginal communities,” Ms Gordan said.
“This important project is part of our focus to build a culturally safe and responsive health service, where Aboriginal people lead the way to achieving equitable health outcomes.”
Angela Knox, Aboriginal Health Practitioner and Narrabri Project Lead, Hunter New England Local Health District said Aboriginal Elders provide a vital understanding of how messaging on this sensitive topic is best communicated to the community, including in Men’s and Women’s business.
“Local Elders have driven the ‘Let’s have a yarn about our bladder’ project from the start, working in a true partnership with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and Hunter New England Local Health District clinicians,” Ms Knox said.
“This is the first initiative addressing this topic with an Aboriginal cultural lens, and we are excited that the work has been community-led. This is reflected by the artwork and language used in the resources and we hope these can be shared and adapted across NSW.”
Gomeroi Elder Ann Williams from Narrabri, and Aniwan Elder Pam Meehan from Uralla, have been part of the project from the beginning.
“This project has led to conversations about bladder control issues. People have suffered in silence as it is such a sensitive subject. Many people just thought it was something they had to live with and were not aware that by speaking up they could access help,” Ms Williams said.
“This is the first health project I have been involved in and I am very proud of the outcome,” Ms Meehan said.
Community members can get support with incontinence via their GP or Aboriginal Medical Service, or by calling the free and confidential National Continence Helpline on 1800 159 244.
