For Women from Diverse Backgrounds

Who does and who doesn’t: The use of information and support services by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

BreaCan in partnership with Western Health, have been successful in receiving funding from Cancer Australia to investigate the use of information and support services by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women and pilot some potentially useful strategies to encourage CALD women to access such services. The funding is for two years and the project is due to conclude in November 2011. A detailed project plan has been created to guide the development and progress of the project.

The objectives of the project are:

1. To identify the main cultural groups who access breast or gynaecological services at Western Health and develop a profile of relevant cultural and demographic information on which to develop strategies for support.
2. To identify barriers for women diagnosed with breast or a gynaecological cancer from CALD backgrounds in accessing support and information.
3. To extend the access of women to existing support options and to create new ways for CALD women to connect with each other.

Project activities include:

1. Engage and liaise with cancer sector health professionals within the western region to promote awareness of BreaCan and the project

2. Engage and liaise with multi cultural community health organisations and individuals to promote awareness of supportive care principles, BreaCan and project activities.

3. In consultation with BreaCan, Western Health and other stakeholders, develop activities for women from identified cultural groups in line with the project plan. These activities might include:

• A free information day (which was held in Altona on Saturday 2 April 2011)
• A exercise program (an introduction to gentle exercise is currently being offered to women, click here to find out more)
• An African women health awareness day
• Bus trip into BreaCan
• Public speaking for women who may identify interest in taking on this role within their community

1. Provide administrative support to Western Health and BreaCan to assist the implementation of the project

2. Participate in the Project Reference Group formed under this project

3. Maintain accurate records of organisations and individuals contacted throughout this project

For further information:

Contact BreaCan Project Officer, Fiona McRae
Email: fiona.mcrae@breacan.org.au or phone number: (03) 9921 0838