The NESB Measure Up project is a Commonwealth Government funded initiative that aims to increase the reach of the national Measure Up campaign in people of non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). It forms part of the ‘Swap It, Don’t Stop It’ campaign that was launched in early March, 2011. MSCWA was successful in becoming an active provider of the "SWAP IT, DON’T STOP IT" program. The program targets health professionals working with culturally and linguistically diverse groups (CaLD) from various communities. The MSCWA focus is on engaging bilingual health professionals, migrant health nurses, those employed by NESB organisations, local government, health agencies, community groups and other agencies to work with groups and communities to contribute to the success of ‘Measure Up’.
Why CaLD Communities?
The target population of this campaign are people between the ages of 25 and 50. Many CaLD communities living in Australia have a high prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease. This is linked to factors such as genetics, socio-economic, socio-cultural and migration. Some communities that have a higher prevalence of diabetes and heart disease appear to be from such diverse regions as the Horn of Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, the Asian subcontinent and parts of Southern Europe.
ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:
MSCWA staff from the MAITRI Multicultural Health Services visit CaLD communities and bi-lingual health workers to talk about the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles. Participants at these sessions are encouraged to make small, simple changes to what they and their families do every day to develop and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours. Emphasis is placed on the importance ofknowing what to do to prevent the onset of chronic health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease and someforms of Cancer. Information and ideas about healthy eating and physical activities are shared in culturally safe environments.
If you would like a visit from the team give us a call on 08 9375 2224 or via email on maitri@mscwa.com.au
GETTING STARTED:
There is a range of multilingual resources that you can access free of charge. There are also great ‘Swap It’ ideas. Contact us for more information or visit the following websites:
If you share your favourite swap you could also win a prize. For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/swapitdontstopit
We can help you and your community get active and stay healthy. For other great ideas visit:
http://www.diabeteswa.com.au/Preventing_Diabetes/Healthy_Lifestyle_Programs
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/walking
VISITS TO REGIONAL WA:
Depending on cost, the team is available to visit the regions. The team has visited Bunbury and there are plans to visit Carnarvon, Katanning and Albany. Please contact us if you are if you are interested on finding out more about these visits.
OUT AND ABOUT
Whenever possible, the team participate in community events such as fairs, expos, etc. So, if you see Eric, the Swapper mascot roaming around at the next community event you attend, ask him to direct you to our stand. We’ll have a ‘show-bag’ full of up-to-date information and “goodies” for you to take home.
TRAINING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY WORKERS
Are you a health professional, have never done any work in CaLD communities before and don’t know where to start?
Have you attempted to work with a CaLD community and things went hopelessly wrong?
Our team provide cultural competency training in the workplace and also for individuals. Our training is tailored to meet the needs of participants. At the end of the training you should have a ‘tool kit’ of ideas and strategies to get you started working in communities. We will also provide backup support and help you navigate your way through.