Building a perinatal service model for a Western Australian Aboriginal community

• Reach:

  WA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  Yes

Overview

The Building a perinatal service model for a Western Australian Aboriginal community project addresses the limited perinatal mental health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their families. The aim of the project was to develop and trial a culturally sensitive perinatal mental health service framework. Funding was provided through the West Australian Perinatal Mental Health Unit. The trial took place in the coastal town of Carnarvon in Western Australia. The framework developed from the project aimed to raise awareness of perinatal mental health in Indigenous communities, enhance current support for women and families and provide education to health service providers, all within a culturally appropriate structure.

Contacts

Leanda Verrier
WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit
15 Loretto Street
Subiaco WA 6008
Ph: (08) 9340 1795
Fax: (08) 9340 1782
Email: Leanda.Verrier@health.wa.gov.au

Related publications

Brooks J (2009)

Building a perinatal service model with a Western Australian Indigenous community.

Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 33(1): 16-17

• Links
• View abstract: Building a perinatal service model with a Western Australian Indigenous community
• View article: Building a perinatal service model with a Western Australian Indigenous community (PDF - 532.5 KB)
  Full text requires subscription
• View website: Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal

Verrier L, Brooks J, Mitchell M (2008)

Building a Perinatal Service Model for a Western Australian Aboriginal Community.

Paper presented at the “Our Mob, Our Minds, Our Spirits Conference”. November 13-14, 2008, Fremantle, WA

• Links
• View conference presentation: Building a Perinatal Service Model for a Western Australian Aboriginal Community
• View report: Building a Perinatal Service Model for a Western Australian Aboriginal Community

Indigenous perinatal mental health resources (2007)

WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

This resource package has been developed to address mental health issues during the perinatal period (the later stages of pregnancy and shortly after birth). The resources are a mixture of videos, DVDs, and booklets, and feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's experiences before and after birth. They also contain general information and contacts for further help.

The resouces include:

• Boodjarri business: yarning about feelings after baby - DVD
• Boodjarri business: working with Aboriginal mums, babies and families - DVD
• Social and emotional wellbeing when you have a new baby - pamphlet series
• Boodjarri business: maternal mental health resource for Aboriginal health workers - booklet.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• Links
• View abstract: Boodjarri Business: yarning about feelings after baby [DVD]
• View resource: Dads guide: social and emotional wellbeing (PDF - 236.0 KB)
• View resource: Mums guide: social and emotional wellbeing (PDF - 230.5 KB)
• View resource: Boodjarri Business: working with Aboriginal mums, babies and families [DVD]
• View information: Boodjarri Business: Maternal Mental Health Resource for Aboriginal Health Workers
• View information: Perinatal Mental Health Unit
• View website: Women and Newborn Health Service - Western Australia

Evaluated publications

Brooks J (2008)

Aboriginal perinatal service expansion baseline evaluation - full report.

Perth: WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

• Links
• View report: Aboriginal perinatal service expansion baseline evaluation - full report (PDF - 1.6 MB)
• View website: WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

Brooks J (2008)

Aboriginal perinatal service expansion baseline evaluation - executive summary.

Perth: WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

• Links
• View report: Aboriginal perinatal service expansion baseline evaluation - executive summary (PDF - 955.4 KB)
• View website: WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit

Links

• View website: Western Australian Perinatal Mental Health Unit