Louise Barwick and Clinton Lamb are keen to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous people.
The Gamilaroi pair from Narrabri are delivering a free Aboriginal well-being program in Gunnedah under the umbrella of Centacare New England North West.
Ms Barwick said she was keen to build their client base and assist Indigenous people through peer mentoring, one-on-one support, cultural groups and group programs.
Well-being programs manager Amber Varcoe said it was an interactive program, which is needs based.
“We work on the strengths of each person and work towards the needs of each individual,” she said.
“We want the Aboriginal community to be strong and well and become leaders.”
Support can range from taking a client to a doctor’s appointment, to organising time with the mental health team.
Ms Barwick said she recently helped to organise work experience for a student from Gunnedah High School.
The well-being coordinator is mainly involved in case management while Clinton runs a cultural group at Gunnedah South Public School.
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Centacare recently had a meeting with Gunnedah TAFE in regards to courses and will soon be running a course on first aid for mental health.
“It’s not just for professionals – it’s for the community,” Ms Barwick said.
“It’s picking up the early warning signs.”
The well-being coordinator said Indigenous people can self-refer to the program or be referred to by another party.
“We want the Aboriginal community to have someone who can support them in a culturally appropriate way,” Ms Barwick said.
“We just want to get the word out about the program to help the Indigenous community.”
Centacare also runs the Aboriginal well-being program in Narrabri and Wee Waa.
To contact Centacare, phone 6792 9300 and ask for Clinton Lamb or Louise Barwick.
