Working together as a catalyst for change: the development of a peer mentoring model for the prevention of chronic disease in Australian Indigenous communities
Gail Paasse A B and Karen Adams A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Australian Community Centre for Diabetes, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, Vic. 8001, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: gail.paasse@vu.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 17(3) 214-219 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY10016
Submitted: 17 May 2010 Accepted: 8 November 2010 Published: 5 September 2011
Abstract
This paper outlines the development of a model for an Indigenous peer mentoring program. The aim of this program is to improve the health of Indigenous people living in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Although the benefits of peer mentoring are well documented, particularly in relation to disease prevention, little has been written about the specific benefits for Indigenous people. While developing this model, it became apparent that to be successful, peer mentoring programs for Indigenous people need to be flexible, informal and draw on the knowledge and skills of the local community in partnership with local services.
Additional keywords: chronic disease prevention, community consultation.
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