People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including refugees
Whilst newly arrived people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds do not have significantly high prevalence rates of STI’s, they remain a priority group as access to a culturally responsive and coordinated reproductive and sexual health care system remains a challenge in rural areas. In the Hume region, the greatest numbers of newly arrived individuals and families have settled in Shepparton, Wodonga and Cobram. In 2010, a range of local services and state-wide agencies expressed interest in working together to establish regular education opportunities and clinical services for newly arrived CALD women. To this point in time, it is acknowledged that an integrated approach has been challenging due to limited coordination and communication among services. CERSH has supported a draft project plan developed by UnitingCare Cutting Edge Youth Services, and consolidated by a working group to establish a strategic approach. This project will focus in the Cobram and Shepparton areas. Partners include Goulburn Valley Health, Goulburn Valley Community Health, Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Multicultural Health and Support Service, and Pap Screen Victoria.
CERSH has been actively assisting with project support, evaluation and documentation in order to strengthen a sustainable commitment to culturally responsive service provision in rural areas. Further work will be undertaken to ensure that local community leaders and members of newly arrived communities are engaged in all aspects of the initiative, and that diverse health beliefs, and the impact of the experience of migration is respected and integrated into culturally responsive education and service provision. This work will also build on and consolidate the Cultures of Care project, a sexual health promotion initiative for newly arrived communities, facilitated by Multicultural Health & Support Service, in partnership with UnitingCare Cutting Edge Youth Services in the Hume region in 2010. CERSH contributed to this project through participation on the project advisory group.