1. What is your background (profession/ workplace/ training
)?
Final year UNSW medical student at Liverpool Hospital.
2. What inspired you to become a Water Well volunteer?
Having several placements in the South West Sydney area has really reinforced the idea that preventative medicine, especially in minority groups, can make a huge difference. There are cultural barriers that can be alleviated, and misunderstandings that can be directly addressed in a face-to-face Water Wells session that can then inspire migrants and refugees to continue increasing their understanding of their own health.
3. Please share one of your favourite Water Well sessions or moments.
The "Dementia Prevention" session for Serbian migrants. So many of the women had touching stories about their past, and unique experiences that were eye-opening to me regarding healthcare attitudes of matriarchs in a post-traumatic setting. They also had such strong support within the group and were very responsive to tips and ideas about preventing dementia.
4. What tips do you have for new volunteers?
Be patient and receptive to all the migrant and refugee's expressed concerns. Visual aids are also very helpful and will make your job a lot easier!
