At Diabetes WA, our Aboriginal Health team spends a lot of time out in community, yarning, listening, and building knowledge together.
People often tell us that they want clear information about diabetes, given in a way that makes sense to them and fits in with their daily lives. Many tell us that they feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, and they appreciate it when someone takes the time to sit, listen, and explain things without judgment.
When it comes to reaching people, we go to them. We meet in places where people feel safe, like community centres, outdoors, around a cuppa, or wherever Mob feel most comfortable. We avoid the pressure of clinical or hospital environments when we can, because we know cultural safety and trust are key. A lot of our work involves meeting people where they’re at and building long-term relationships.
We travel across the state and visit people in their own communities, from Derby to Albany and out to the NG Lands. Our programs include diabetes education sessions, community health promotion, group yarning sessions, and screening events.
I coordinate and deliver our DESY program, which stands for Diabetes Education and Self Management Yarning, as well as our Diabetes Yarning program. I help yarn about prevention, early detection, and living well with diabetes, and I support communities to build their own capacity to keep their Mobs strong.
We also focus on supporting local health workers, families, Elders, and community leaders so diabetes knowledge stays in the community and not just with visiting staff. Community-led education is powerful. People respond differently when the message comes from someone who knows their Country, their kinship, and their lived realities.
An important part of our work is promoting cultural safety in everything we do. This means slowing down, respecting story, understanding different worldviews, and making space for Mob to feel seen and heard.
When it comes to talking about touchy subjects, we take our time. We listen first, and we focus on strengths. We respect people’s lived experience and acknowledge the challenges they face. We break information down gently and yarn in a way that keeps dignity at the centre of every conversation.
Some of the changes we’ve observed are people feeling more confident to ask questions, families walking together on their health journey, and communities supporting each other to make small but powerful changes.
One of my favourite wins was when we ran the DESY program out in the Ngaanyatjarra lands. We were yarning about physical exercise after meals, and the whole group decided right then and there to go for a half-hour walk after lunch. Seeing everybody get up, get moving, and support each other was deadly. A simple moment, but such a strong example of what can happen when community takes ownership of their health journey.
I do this work because I care deeply about the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, and I love seeing Mob feel in control of their health. Supporting people to take strong steps for themselves and their families is what keeps me passionate about this work every day.
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