1. What is your background (profession/ workplace/ training)?
I am a physiotherapist working at a private health clinic in Geelong. I principally work in the area of continence and spend the majority of my time treating women and children. Currently I am working in a VERY part time way due to becoming a mum in 2014.
2. What inspired you to become a Water Well volunteer?
Through working in various settings and locations I have often seen members of CALD communities in Australia struggle to access the health services and information they need. When I was forwarded an email about the Water Well it struck me as a great way to address this issue and as such I was keen to be part of it.
3. Please share one of your favourite Water Well sessions or moments.
The first session I was involved with was on Incontinence - I went in expecting it to be a huge challenge to initiate group involvement on such a 'private' subject, particularly as there were both men and women in the group. I was pleasantly surprised when we could not stop people sharing their own experiences with incontinence - and having a great laugh about it! It was such a refreshingly unashamed 'all in this together' response - we were all smiling at the end of the session.
4. What tips do you have for new volunteers?
I have been fortunate in that the first 3 sessions I co-facilitated have all been on my 'favourite' topic 'incontinence'. Knowing the topic or alternatively doing a bit of research prior to the session is helpful in that it enables you to be confident enough to follow the groups lead and run a more flexible session. Knowing your partner's area of expertise is also helpful - then you know what you don't need to know!
