It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Local contact: Michelle Callahan
Family Educator
Mobile: 0437 108 276

COL contact: Chris Goonan
Mobile: 0431 482 919
Email: chris@yfer.org.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Local contact: Kima O’Donnell
Mobile: 0404 902 820
Email: kimaod@bigpond.com

COL contact: Chris Goonan
Mobile: 0431 482 919
Email: chris@yfer.org.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Contact: Chris Goonan
Mob: 0431 482 919

Email: chris@yfer.org.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

2 Session available: 30th April & 1st May or 3rd & 4th May 2012

Please note these trainings are invitation only and closed to the general public.

Local Contact: Carol Jackson
Ph: 6222 7714
Mob: 0438 004 111
Email: carol.jackson@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

2 Session available: 30th April & 1st  May or 3rd & 4th May 2012

Please note these trainings are invitation only and closed to the general public.

Local Contact: Carol Jackson
Ph: 6222 7714
Mob: 0438 004 111
Email: carol.jackson@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

In 2011 Youth & Family Education Resources’ ‘Core of Life’ program was initiated in the Torres Strait. The national Indigenous program which was founded by Tracy Smith and Deb Pattrick, was widely accepted by multidisciplinary health staff, teachers, parents, carers and youth.

Compared with Non-Indigenous women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait maternal mortality is 5 times higher; perinatal mortality is 1.5 times higher; and premature delivery and low birth rate are doubles. Well known issues that contribute to poorer outcomes in pregnancy and child birth include increased smoking, alcohol and drug use. Although information regarding these issues is readily available, youth seem desensitized to these messages as reflected in these alarming statistics.

The other major statistic within the Torres Strait communities is that of chronic disease. The role chronic disease plays in these communities is constant and currently rising, Improving maternal care and outcomes in Indigenous women has important flow on effects, as a poorer start to life can increase the risk of adult chronic disease.

The educational program offers a fresh unique approach to youth where factual information is learnt ‘hands on’ using interactive role plays, slide shows and group discussions regarding issues such as pregnancy, giving birth and caring for a new born. The program shows two separate life paths where youth are able to participate, differentiate and obtain an understanding of how drugs, alcohol and unhealthy life can impact on a young family.
The Core of Life program was delivered at the Cannon Boggo School Hostel on Thursday Island. This hostel is home to approximately twenty outer island youth who live at Cannon Boggo to attend the only high school in the Torres Strait located on Thursday Island. These youth age from thirteen to seventeen and rely solely on their house parents and careers at the hostel for guidance.

Initially the program was to be aimed at the later age groups 16 and older. Although after the first discussion with the Senior Manager of the hostel Mrs Lency Pedro who changed this to include everyone boarding at the hostel. Mrs Pedro expressed that in her opinion the content was important for all high school aged children and further asked if the program would be also presented at the high school. It was also decided it would be more culturally appropriate to have two separate sessions one with the hostels young females and the other with the young males.

The first session was with the young men of the hostel. From the moment Deb Pattrick and Tracy Smith began to engage with the youth it was obvious they had the spotlight. The boys shared information they knew and some they weren’t too sure of, and the real deal was presented to them and any uncertainties cleared up. The group seemed to have a level of confidence as the session progressed and they participated in all role plays and skits. “This was a good program for us, and I sabe (know) now what it takes to raise a healthy family and tell my Aunties and sisters what to Kai Kai (eat) when they pamalie (pregnant) – John Pearson (15) (Yam Is).

Surprisingly the boys keep their new found information to themselves as the young girls were interested and asking what it was all about. The following evening the girls came along to the same session. A lively group, full of answers and their own questions. As the program progressed along a majority of the discussion was based around a healthy pregnancy and birth. Markoo Billy (17) who took part said “when I choose to have a baby I sabe (know) how for make sure em healthy now. I look other girls drink and smoke and it’s not good”.
The greatest feedback was from Aiaga Whap who is a house parent as Cannon Boggo Hostel. Aiaga said “We have been trying to get the kids to respect their personal space, not touch and cuddle each other all the time, because some of them have girlfriends or boyfriends. This has done it! I don’t know what you did but they are finally getting it”. Aiaga laughed and said “we have only been trying to do this all year”.

This program was a huge success and the youth were encouraged to share this information they had learnt to peers and friends. Furthermore Mrs Lency Pedro invited the program back to the school hostel and said “this should be done every year”. It is obvious to all who participated that day that the youth left empowered and armed with knowledge to make responsible decisions whether it be in the present or in the future. This program has a domino effect as it doesn’t just affect pregnant women and babies but the individuals health throughout the lifespan. I personally hope this program will continue this positive effect in the Torres Strait in the future.

‘Hands-on’ workshop will teach you the skills needed to co-present Core of Life in schools or in the community.

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Local Contact: Liz Lewis
Community Health Nurse Manager
Halls Creek Community Health
PH: 9168 9210
MOB: 0439965991
Email: Liz.Lewis@health.wa.gov.au

Download a registration form
or
Register online

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Ros Mayfield: 08 8638 4562
Email: deb@yfer.org.au

It will also offer inspiration and an opportunity for networking with others.

Fiona LeMesurier : (02) 6207 4594
Email: Fiona.LeMesurier@act.gov.au