*WE HAVE MOVED!! 60 URALBA STREET, LISMORE (next to LB Hospital)*
Improving Women's Health in Rural and Remote Areas
The Lismore and District Women’s Health Centre Inc. (LDWHC) was successful in securing funds from NSW Health for a project for funding called "Improving Women's Health in Rural and Remote Areas". The project was initially a joint effort between the LDWHC and Southern Cross University through Dr Frances Doran and is now extended to Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service in Ballina.
The aim of the project is to evaluate the current Pregnancy & Postnatal Group offered by the LDWHC in Lismore and then explore the possibility of setting up a similar group with Aboriginal women. The group is an innovative supportive model of care for pregnant women and women with babies, which includes yoga, a sharing circle, morning tea and facilitated discussions on a range of topics.
The Project has 4 stages:
Stage 1: A comprehensive evaluation of the current Pregnancy & Postnatal Group of the LDWHC which has been running in the Lismore community for 8 years.
Stage 2: Consultation with local Aboriginal workers and clients to find an Aboriginal community organisation which was enthusiastic about embracing our model of care for women and working with us to set up a similar pregnancy and postnatal group.
Stage 3: Planning, setting up and running weekly groups at Bullinah.
Stage 4: Writing an evaluation of the new women's group.
Serendipitously the Bullinah Service had also secured funding to set up a Mum's and Bub's space under a project titled "Informed Care Connect and Enjoy" your babies and families (ICCE). The refurbishment of this space at Bullinah, which is directly across the road from Bullinah is completed and is beautiful. Women are referred to the group from Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, the Ballina Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Health Strategy Midwife, and other local Aboriginal services.
Clara Poletto (Yoga Teacher) and Andrea Brooks (Women's Health Nurse at LDWHC) are teaching and facilitating this group, along with an Aboriginal Health Worker who is currently being recruited by Bullinah.
The group aims to provide a positive and safe space for women to focus on their pregnancy and their role as mothers. The yoga session teaches breath control, relaxation and builds strength. The group education session will add to women's knowledge and skills and support them as they make decisions for their own and their children's health and wellbeing.
If successful, this group may be continued by Bullinah past the life of this project.
The group is held at: 113 Tamar St Ballina (Bullinah ICCE Program building)
Tuesdays 9.30 -12.30 - includes morning tea
If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby and would like to come along please contact Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service on 02 6681 5644. Babies welcome.
Download flyer (519KB pdf)