Session Overviews

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

Substance use is a major cause of preventable disease, illness and death in Australia. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the impacts of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis and other drug use, including misuse of prescribed drugs, on health. Discussion will include recognising substance misuse and addiction, and how to get help.

• We can also discuss gambling including gambling harms, impact on mental health, signs of a gambling problem and how to get help, if this is a concern for the community group.

Social Media and Screen Use

Participants will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media – particularly concentrating on screen time recommendations,  impact on mental health, sleep and cyberbullying. They will develop strategies to use social media in a balanced and healthy way that promotes their overall mental health.

In this session, participants will learn about common allergens, triggers, treatment options and, most importantly, how to recognise and manage allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Interactive activities include a skin reactions quiz, and identification of allergens on food labels.

In this session participants will learn about asthma including how to recognise and manage asthma attacks. Childhood asthma and thunderstorm asthma are both discussed. Participants will engage in physical demonstrations which illustrate how difficult it is to breathe when experiencing an asthma attack, and how to use asthma puffers.

Asthma

In this session participants will learn about asthma including how to recognise and manage asthma attacks. Childhood asthma and thunderstorm asthma are both discussed. Participants will engage in physical demonstrations which illustrate how difficult it is to breathe when experiencing an asthma attack, and how to use asthma puffers.

Child Health and Development

This fun, interactive session is ideal for soon-to-be parents or parents with young children. It is tailored to the specific needs of the group and may include information about developmental milestones, child health, immunisations and frequently asked questions.

Infant and Toddler Nutrition

This fun, interactive session is ideal for soon-to-be parents or parents with young children. It is tailored to the specific needs of the group and may include information about breastfeeding, formula/bottle feeding, introducing solids, fussy toddlers and adequate nutritional intake.

Asthma

In this session participants will learn about asthma including how to recognise and manage asthma attacks. Childhood asthma and thunderstorm asthma are both discussed. Participants will engage in physical demonstrations which illustrate how difficult it is to breathe when experiencing an asthma attack, and how to use asthma puffers.

Extreme Weather, Disasters and Your Health

The impacts of climate change are already negatively impacting health, and are disproportionately affecting migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities. In this session, we discuss a range of health impacts of climate change related to air pollution from bushfires; longer and more severe pollen seasons; severe storms, extreme rainfall and flooding; and infectious diseases. Participants will learn practical strategies to plan and prepare for emergencies which will strengthen their resilience against negative climate-related health impacts, improving health outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities. Other topics in this series look at heatwaves and health, sun safety, mosquito-borne diseases, and asthma impacts of climate change

Heatwaves and Health

This session addresses rising temperatures and the importance of looking after our health in heatwaves. It discusses the risk of people developing heat related illnesses, how heatwaves can impact existing illnesses, and highlights ways to manage health during a heatwave.

Mosquito-Borne Disease

As our climate changes, mosquito-borne diseases are being seen in areas of Australia where they have not been seen before. This session explains various mosquito-borne diseases and discusses key prevention strategies.

Sun Safety

This session addresses being safe in the Australian sun. It discusses how to enjoy the sun safely and strategies to prevent dangerous levels of sun exposure, as well as the consequences of severe sun exposure, including sunburn, skin cancer and heat stroke.

This session addresses questions about COVID-19, vaccine safety and effectiveness, boosters, vaccine safety during pregnancy, as well as emphasising the ongoing need for hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing. These sessions also address how to manage COVID-19 infection and long COVID.

Participants will learn about the components, function and development of teeth. Interactive activities include identifying foods and drinks most likely to cause tooth decay and revising tooth-brushing and flossing techniques on models.

Participants will learn about how and why diabetes occurs (including risk factors), as well as its diagnosis, management and complications. The session highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of diabetes.

In this useful session, participants will learn about common ear conditions including symptoms, management and prevention. Different types of hearing loss will be discussed, and how and where to get help.

This session equips participants with an approach to exercise that can be adapted to their specific needs. The benefits of exercise, barriers, injury prevention and signs of physical stress are discussed.

This session teaches participants about eye health, and the importance of prevention and early identification of eye conditions. It highlights the most common eye conditions in Australia, and looks at prevention and treatment options for these.

A fun, interactive session in which participants learn about the benefits of, and barriers to, a healthy diet, the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and its practical application (including limiting sugar and fats). Participants will also learn how to interpret food labels.

This session discusses what a healthy relationship looks like and how to nurture healthy relationships through communication, trust and respect. The conversation then moves sensitively into recognising different types of abuse (eg physical, emotional, financial, coercion etc), and support that is available.

A fun, important session that examines the risk factors, symptoms and preventative treatment of cardiovascular (heart) health, including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Interactive scenarios include signs of a heart attack or stroke and when to call the ambulance or see the GP.

Participants will cover different types and causes of incontinence and bladder leakage. It will also cover where to seek help If individuals are having issues with incontinence.

Participants will learn about the kidneys, their functions and the stages of kidney disease, as well as consider risk factors, imaging and blood tests, and treatment options.

This interactive session is tailored to the specific needs of the male participants. It may include information about prostate checks, sexual health, cardiovascular health, gambling, alcohol and anxiety/depression. Participants will cover the most common types of cancer for men in Australia and the screening tests offered.

• We can also discuss gambling in depth including gambling harms, impact on mental health, signs of a gambling problem and how to get help, if this is a concern for the community group.

An excellent session to begin breaking down the stigma often associated with mental health. Participants will develop strategies to promote their mental health and wellbeing. Participants will learn about the normal spectrum of emotions, and how to recognise when professional help may be needed. Interactive activities include relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

A fantastic introductory session. This session uses scenarios to facilitate participant engagement in understanding how to access health services in Australia including GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, dental services and others. Interactive activities may include what to do with a medication prescription and how to decide whether to call an ambulance.

• We also offer a ‘Language for Navigating the Australian Healthcare System’ session for participant groups who may wish to seek employment in the Australian Healthcare System

Bone and Joint Health

This session discusses osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in particular, and introduces the interaction between calcium, vitamin D and exercise for healthy bones and joints. Participants will learn about risk factors, prevention and treatment options including pain management.

Dementia

An important session that allows participants to discuss their experiences with family members/friends with dementia and their fears relating to personal memory loss. The session focuses on preventative factors, when to seek medical assistance, the Mini-Mental Examination and delirium versus dementia.

Falls and Balance

Participants will learn about the seriousness of falls and how to prevent them. It is an interactive session which includes a group discussion about risk factors in the home and looking at different walking aids.

Incontinence

Participants will cover different types and causes of incontinence and bladder leakage. It will also cover where to seek help If individuals are having issues with incontinence.

Menopause

In this session, women learn how to manage the symptoms of menopause through healthy lifestyle and medical options. Other health issues facing women in this life stage can be explored as requested.

The focus of this session is on positive body image. Session participants will learn about eating disorders and body image issues, including the link between eating disorders and mental illness. They will also discuss how to prevent and manage eating disorders, and where to get help if they are concerned about eating behaviour or body image.

Preventative health includes the prevention of illness, the early detection of specific disease, and the promotion and maintenance of health. Using the SNAP (smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity) acronym, participants will engage in a conversation about how to promote good health. Screening and health checks will also be discussed.

In this session participants will learn all about medications in Australia, including the different types, the different costs and where to find more information on medicines. Discussion will include how to be safe with medications including general information, safety when taking multiple medications and how to safely dispose of medicines.  Reading repeats and labels will also be discussed.  

Male and Female Interactions

This is an important session designed to help newly arrived groups understand acceptable and appropriate male and female interactions in Australia. Participants are encouraged to discuss cultural differences relating to touch and eye contact (in a professional and personal context), physical boundaries, unwanted attention/harassment, social media, same-sex relationships and addressing discomfort in conversations.

Sexual Health (Consent and Contraception)

This interactive session begins with a discussion about consent, consent and the law and how to get consent. Participants will then learn about various methods of contraception and how to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and when to seek medical help.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Participants will learn about the more common STIs in Australia, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis, including symptoms, treatment and most importantly prevention. Less common STIs, such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C, will be briefly discussed.

Talking with your Child about Relationships, Sex and Sexuality

This session provides parents with strategies on how to talk with their children about relationships, sex and sexuality using a step by step approach. They will consider how to manage different scenarios and address common myths.

In this session, participants will learn general tips for healthy skin. They will discuss common skin problems such as eczema, acne and skin healthy, including how to do a fully body skin check.

This session was developed in response to community demand for information about how to stay healthy through the cold winter months. The aim of the session is to promote health and wellbeing through winter with a focus on being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, having a flu vaccination, and visiting the GP for a health-check.

Breast, Cervical and Other Common Cancers

This session focuses on the cancers that most commonly impact women, including breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer, and gynaecological cancers. Common risk factors, symptoms and treatment are explored. Prevention is emphasised through healthy lifestyles and screening programs.

Menopause

In this session, women learn how to manage the symptoms of menopause through healthy lifestyle and medical options. Other health issues facing women in this life stage can be explored as requested.

Pregnancy and Postnatal Wellbeing

This interactive session focuses on the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, routine blood tests and ultrasounds, the frequency of healthcare contact. Birthing options and post-natal care are discussed as well as pregnancy complications.

Women's Health

This session explores common health problems experienced by women, and the lifestyle changes they can make to promote their own health and wellbeing. Depending on the group’s needs, menstruation and associated problems can be discussed. Women will also be empowered to access the various health screening options that are available in Australia.

Adolescent Health and Hygiene (Puberty)

This session is aimed at young people as they undergo puberty. It equips them with the information they need to understand the changes they will see in their bodies, and to promote healthy lifestyles. Body safety and consent are also discussed

Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs

Substance use is a major cause of preventable disease, illness and death in Australia. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the impacts of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis and other drug use, including misuse of prescribed drugs, on health. Discussion will include recognising substance misuse and addiction, and how to get help.

• We can also discuss gambling including gambling harms, impact on mental health, signs of a gambling problem and how to get help, if this is a concern for the community group.

Male and Female Interaction

This is an important session designed to help newly arrived groups understand acceptable and appropriate male and female interactions in Australia. Participants are encouraged to discuss cultural differences relating to touch and eye contact (in a professional and personal context), physical boundaries, unwanted attention/harassment, social media, same-sex relationships and addressing discomfort in conversations.

Sexual Health (Consent and Contraception)

This interactive session begins with a discussion about consent, consent and the law and how to get consent. Participants will then learn about various methods of contraception and how to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and when to seek medical help.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Participants will learn about the more common STIs in Australia, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis, including symptoms, treatment and most importantly prevention. Less common STIs, such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C, will be briefly discussed.

Social Media and Screen Use

Participants will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media – particularly concentrating on screen time recommendations,  impact on mental health, sleep and cyberbullying. They will develop strategies to use social media in a balanced and healthy way that promotes their overall mental health.