General

‘Lucky stars’ and integrated care save Michael

When Michael walked into the No. 34 Aboriginal Health Service in Ulverstone in October 2022, he had been living with his adult son and two dogs in a shed and his car for months. The housing crisis had left them without affordable options, and Michael’s chronic health conditions made it challenging to find sustainable work.…

Collaborative care turns the page for Tumanako

Tumanako emerges from his group therapy session, reserved but smiling. He engaged with Launceston Head to Health during a period of homelessness and acute mental distress; now he feels ready to share some of his story. The 21-year-old wears rings on his fingers, which he twists as he reflects: “I wasn’t well. I wasn’t doing…

Footy, weather and mental health in the barber’s chair

Barber shops have long served as gathering places where men come not just for haircuts, but also to socialise and share their experiences. The Barbers for Life project builds on this cultural aspect, making community members mental health advocates and providing them with tools to engage in open conversations about mental health. Content warning: Please…

Boosting health skills in rural Tasman

Targeted training focussed on areas of need in the Tasman community is helping local healthcare providers deliver better health outcomes for patients. Primary Health Tasmania, the Tasmanian Health Service and Health Consumers Tasmania have been working with two local groups, the Tasman Voice for Health and the Tasman Clinical Services Action Group, to better understand…

Social worker removes barriers to diabetes care

Shane had been working with his diabetes dietitian for some time when he revealed he couldn’t actually make the meals she had been recommending to him. A vascular condition meant the single dad from Rocky Cape suffered from a mix of intense pain and loss of feeling in his hands that made pushing a shopping…

Cultural awareness aids best-practice care

Hasnain Ashraf smiles broadly, handing over a home-cooked curry. “I hope it’s not too spicy for you,” he laughs. The podiatrist, better known to his clients and colleagues as Hassy, has a bright personality and positive outlook. He applies this outlook to his role as an allied health provider at the Karadi Aboriginal Corporation –…