Bridging the Divide How a collaborative approach is developing inter-sectoral links in rural WA Robin Surridge & Zoe Upson - Amity Health 2014

Population: 3,630 Demographics: 10.4% of children aged 0-14 are of Aboriginal status 5.67% of total the population are of Aboriginal status 260 kms from Perth Project Location – Merredin

Project Location – Merredin

Challenges in Merredin Lack of community based services Transient families Growing social needs Poor AEDI results Kids getting into trouble Families with multiple issues

A coordinated approach

Southern Inland Health Initiative Primary Care integration Coordinator: In her words *For a copy of this video please contact FRSA

Definition of Health A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease of infirmity. The definition seeks to include social and economic sectors within the scope of attaining health and reaffirms health as a human right. (World Health Organisation, Alma Ata, 1978) What is Health?

Social model of health A Social Model of Health (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 1991)

What is Education? WA Department of Education Mission: For every child to be provided with a high quality public school education – whatever their ability, wherever they live, whatever their background. Goals: As a public school system … to achieve the twin goals of excellence and equity. … provide opportunities that extend and challenge every child to achieve the highest possible standards and their personal best; …

A Good News story…. WA Regional Development Minister Brendan Grylls announced $154,000 for a Kids’ Health Link program to connect eastern wheatbelt families with health, child development and parenting education services “We want to build the capacity of health, education and social services to deliver a lasting effect on the way care is delivered

Program Aim Connecting health and education, to build a stronger, more resilient community and promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Australian Early Development Census Number of children surveyed Physical health and wellbeing Social competence Emotional maturity Language and cognitive skills (school-based) Communication skills and general knowledge Vulnerable on one or more domains of the AEDI Vulnerable on two or more domains of the AEDI 2012 Australia Western Australia Merredin Merredin

Amity Health Social Worker, Leesa Murray (right) Amity Health Aboriginal Family Support Worker, Erin Fitzgerald (left) Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of the school

Merredin Community College School Principal : In her words *For a copy of this video please contact FRSA

Roles Social Worker * Provide a range of Social Work services including individual and group therapy for children and families of the College. Family Support Worker * Work collaboratively with the school based Social Worker, providing support for families. * Deliver 0-4 program based at the school

Children and families supported through Social Worker For the last financial year approximately: 237 individual occasions of service 150 group sessions Regular classroom observations Regular meetings with children and families Provide strategies for Teachers on children’s social and emotional behaviours

Participant Attendance at Kindy Readiness Total Number of Participants: 42 children aged 0-4 (23 children were aged 2-4 years) 28 adults 12 participants identify as Aboriginal (7 were children 0-4 years) 9 participants identify as CaLD (7 were children 0-4 years) 2 fathers 1 grandparent Most participants attended on a regular basis with an average of 19 participants attending each session Highest attendance 33 participants.

Kindy Readiness at Merredin College - Participant Feedback 6 parents participated in the survey. As a result of attending this activityAgreeDisagree Don’t Know I know more about how to help and support my child to develop 100% 0% I would recommend this activity to others 100% 0% I have more information about other services/programs to meet my families needs 100% 0% 0% I am more connected to people 100% 0% 0%

Participant Feedback Kindy Readiness at Merredin College (participants could respond to more than one question) Do you come to this program% To catch up with adults16.6% So your child can learn100% You child wants to go50%

Do you like information in a: % Pamphlet66.6% Presentation0% Group Discussion33.3% Newsletter16.6%

Would you like support in % Child’s Diet0% Child’s Behaviour66.6% Parenting Skills50% Emotional Support0%

One of the mums : In her words