Josiah Little and Michael Woods recently joined the Inala Indigenous Health Centre of Excellence and are already making a positive difference to their community, through the introduction of culturally safe men’s groups.
Alongside the clinical care provided through primary health and culturally safe health promotion strategies, Michael and Josiah have now kicked off the weekly men’s groups for 2024, after a successful four-months last year saw the program grow from three participants in September, to 21 participants by December.
With a focus on cultural, preventative health and forging relationships, Josiah said he’s seen firsthand the impact the groups can make.
“There are some men who have attended and disclosed things to me that they hadn’t disclosed to a doctor or nurse before, because seeing an Aboriginal Male Health Worker makes them feel more comfortable and confident engaging in this culturally safe space.
“It’s a chance for them to come and yarn and connect with other men in the community, both young and old. It’s all about exchanging cultural knowledge, yarning freely, having a laugh and enjoying time with one another.
“You see the burden of disease; you see the impacts of social determinants that our people face. That drives me to really want to help and make a change in people’s lives,” said Josiah.
The men’s groups are held every Thursday between March and December, starting at 10am at the Inala Indigenous Health Centre of Excellence.
Participation is free to those who are patients of the service, but Michael is encouraging anyone interested to reach out with hopes of an even bigger 2024.
“Between September and December last year we had more than 150 visits from men in Inala and the surrounding area between August and November, so if that’s any indication we’re only growing from there.
“It’s a great community that engages well and gets behind what you do which is very rewarding.
“I’m passionate about men’s health, but I’m more passionate than anything about our people’s health. Being a driving force in this community to close the gap in our health outcomes and quality of life is my true passion,” said Michael.
It’s a sentiment that also rings true for Josiah.
“That’s my driving force, if I can just help one person and help change their life it’s worth it,” said Josiah.