News
Shell Cove Family Health (SCFH) have delivered free health checks for Indigenous young people who are part of The Clontarf Academy at Lake Illawarra High School, by providing a ‘pop up’ clinic for the first time. Journey to Health Care Coordinator, Carolynne Leon (CJ), said the school reached out to SCFH earlier this year:
“The Academy identified a need for young people to get health advice from a trusted source, have a broad range of checks and get referrals when necessary.”
“It was very surreal heading back into my old high school each week, but it has been very rewarding,” added CJ.
SCFH’s Dr Toby Jackson and Nurse Janice Love, were also part of the team who worked together over 3 full days to provide health checks to 40 students at no cost to the participants. The Clontarf Academy Director Glen Stephen said they are grateful for the relationship between GPH and The Lake Illawarra Clontarf Program:
“Not only have The Academy members been provided with a health check, the follow up care has been amazing.”
“The checks are a hugely important part of our program – given that well-being is one of our 5 pillars here at the Academy,” said Glen.
“Some of the boys were feeling a bit anxious in the lead up but the team were very friendly and made it easier by coming to us.”
“We got some helpful deidentified data out of it so we know what sort of areas to work on and the parents got a report over the phone as well,” added Glen.
The feedback has reportedly been good from the participants, who have been heard telling the others its nothing to worry about and even been seen trying to include vegetables into their diet since as well.
“This has been a rewarding and exciting opportunity for us to build a stronger relationship with our wider community,” said SCFH Practice Manager Kelly Urbanski.
“We are a not for profit organisation delivering equitable health services in regional communities so we are passionate about working in areas we are needed the most,” added Kelly.
