Author: Mart Mativo
Merri Health proudly presents at National Dementia Conference
Merri Health’s was delighted to be invited to speak at the 13th Annual National Dementia Conference in June.
The conference brought together a host of leading experts in the field of dementia who presented on new and leading research; strategies and initiatives for improving dementia care.
Merri Health is passionate about improving dementia care through Dementia Carer Consultants which work to develop strategies to support and help with behaviour changes.
The conference was an opportunity to showcase Merri’s research processes in providing a support system to carers with dementia.
Evaluation of the support programs are used through case studies to highlight the information, education and support to continue to build skills and confidence.
The Conference was attended by over 157 delegates across Australia that are working to improve the health and psycho-social outcomes of people living with dementia and their carers.
“It was great to represent Merri Health at the 13th Annual National Dementia conference 2022. It is important that we all work together to raise awareness of the issues of people living with dementia and their carers and how we can support them.” Sandra
Melbourne rainbow tram calls for safe spaces
Community health provider Merri Health is calling on people to support safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ people.
This comes as Merri Health unveils its rainbow tram that highlights the need for safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTIQA+ people for better health.
The campaign has been inspired by LGBTIQA+ advocate Alison Black and follows years of discrimination and harassment that left Alison scared to travel alone or access services.
“You can feel the eyes on you because you look different, you move different, you act different.
“Seeing the tram, I can imagine quite a few people wanting to use public transport again. I would and I’m somebody who was used to hiding all the time,” Alison said.
Melbournians are being asked to commit their support by displaying a safe spaces poster or sticker at their worksite or committing their personal support as an ally. Information and materials to support safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ people is available at merrihealth.org.au/ally.
Merri Health is a tram wrap recipient of the 2020 Yarra Trams Community Partnerships Program, which provides $1 million of free advertising value annually to eight community organisations making a positive impact on diversity and inclusion in Melbourne.
The rainbow tram will operate on routes 48 and 109 from 19 December 2019 until 24 March 2020 and can be seen running along Collins Street in the CBD.
Facts
- Statistics from Human Rights Face the Facts 2014 show that 6 in 10 people that identify LGBTIQA+ have been a victim of verbal homophobic abuse.
- The Black Dog Institute report that ‘same-sex attracted people are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide, twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders and three times more likely to experience affective disorders compared with the broader population’.
Thousands of students stand against discrimination
Thousands of Victorian students came together to form a human rainbow in support of inclusive and safe communities for Wear It Purple Day.
Captured from above by a Victorian Police helicopter, students from Coburg High, Brunswick South Primary and Pascoe Vale Girls College created largescale human art forms. The footage formed part of the Domino Effect, a short film that promotes active bystander actions to address bullying and discrimination of LGBTIQA+ people.
Choreographed by Merri Health’s community development officer Russ Pirie, the event was optional for students and part of an ongoing partnership with Victoria Police.
“To see so many students stand up for inclusive communities was incredible. It shows that students understand the need for safe spaces,” said Russ.
The event follows the completion of bystander training by students at participating schools, delivered by Merri Health.
More information
Wear It Purple Day is an annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ pride for young people.
Peaceful paint bombs hit Fawkner Police Station
In 2018, hundreds of students swarmed Fawkner Police Station, to engage in an act of graffiti and vandalism… for a really good cause.
This year we prepared for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) with hundreds of local students and hundreds of paint-filled water balloons.
Taking a stand against threats, violence and discrimination, thousands of paint-filled water balloons were used to create an 80-metre rainbow mural on the fence of the Fawkner Police Station, creating a permanent display of peace and inclusion.
Merri Health’s community arts and development officer Russ Pirie, said the event showed large scale commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive community.
“Joining the Peace Patrol is a fun and dynamic way to show your support for diverse communities and LGBTIQ+ allyship. Everyone is welcome to come along and be involved,” said Russ.
IDAHOBIT is an annual celebration of sexual and gender diversities, raising awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by this group.
This event is a Merri Health led initiative with support from Moreland City Council, Victoria Police, Bunnings Warehouse and Dulux.
Rainbow warriors unite!
Moreland played host to one of its largest rainbow events as part of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
The live art exhibition saw more than 500 Moreland students and locals take part in the large-scale filming which we’ve released today, in support of IDAHOBIT. Messages of support are projected via a choreographed exhibition using rainbow umbrellas and captured via a drone.
Merri Health’s YGLAM project officer Russ Pirie said that the rainbow procession showed Moreland’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive community.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and show that they care about the wellbeing of queer people living in Moreland, creating safe spaces for all,” said Mr Pirie.
Moreland Mayor Cr Helen Davidson said that the video release of the event will ensure Moreland continues to acknowledge and accept our queer community beyond IDAHOBIT.
“It is so important that we come together not just when IDAHOBIT comes around, but every day.
“Moreland’s diversity is one of the municipality’s greatest strengths and that is something to celebrate,” said Cr Davidson.
IDAHOBIT is an annual celebration of sexual and gender diversities, raising awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by this group.
The event is led by Merri Health’s queer youth ensemble YGLAM and supported by Moreland City Council. It marks the anniversary of YGLAM’s social media campaign This Campaign Is Queer that supports young queer people via social media connections.
Closing the health gap
Working Towards Closing the Gap with Respect and Equity
Our commitment focuses on supporting the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by promoting respect, equity, and recognition. Through a range of initiatives and projects, we aim to contribute to closing the gap by honouring cultural identity and promoting fair opportunities. These efforts are designed to create lasting positive impacts, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are empowered and valued.
What are we working towards?
- Making a positive difference in the lives and health of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Ensuring we offer a culturally safe environment
- Improving service access and cultural appropriateness
- Improving their health and wellbeing through targeted initiatives
- Celebrating the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, both past and present
More information
Little Long Walk
The Little Long Walk was an initiative of Merri Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan group. An annual event held during Reconciliation Week, it commemorates Michael Long’s 1994 walk from Melbourne to Canberra to meet our then Prime Minister and put Indigenous issues back on the national agenda.
Each year, a local primary school took part in the walk, which takes them on a little walk along the Merri Creek up to the Aboriginal Community Elders Services.
This project is an initiative of the Community Health Promotion Team.
This service is funded by the Victorian Government