A new resource in the form of challenge cards, has been designed to address issues South Moreton Bay Islands locals (SMBI) face when accessing health services. 

The resource was an initiative of Integrated Service Coordinator Shanon Cooper, who identified gaps in accessibility during recent work on the Islands. 

Ms Cooper hoped the cards would prompt service providers to view service delivery in a more collaborative way. 

“The challenge cards feature real-life scenarios that vulnerable residents may face during a times of adversity and call for service providers to establish a collaborative approach to consumer care,” Ms Cooper said. 

“The service providers were given a challenge card with a scenario to consider that was outside their normal area of expertise, for example The Centre for Women and Co who would normally support women in DFV situations were provided with a scenario of a male with mental health/suicidality concerns.”

Early feedback from the resource indicates that ongoing use will improve consumer care on the Islands. 

Ms Cooper plans to utilise the new resource at upcoming community hub events that have been scheduled to further meet the needs of the residents on the Islands. 

“Through supportive engagement and communication with service providers, we have been able to connect residents with additional support services that can help with additional needs identified during conversations,” Ms Cooper said. 

 “A great example of this is being able to walk the person to an additional stall holder and provide a warm on-the-spot referral for additional support.”

Information on upcoming SMBI community hubs can be found on this flyer.