Gippsland Women’s Health webpage
The primary work undertaken by Gippsland Women’s Health Service is in the area of health promotion and prevention strategies, together with specifically funded projects in areas that support our priority issues and our Vision. The following is an extract from the Gippsland Women’s Health Service Integrated Health Promotion Plan 2006-2009 which provides further information in this regard:
Gippsland Women’s Health Service is an independent regional service providing health promotion, advocacy, health information, education and resources, which focus on the health and wellbeing of women of all ages. The service is delivered confidentially for all women and professionals throughout the Gippsland Region. Gippsland Women’s Health Service is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of women of all ages and empowering them to optimise all aspects of their health and wellbeing.
Our vision for 2006-2009 is:
“To work in partnership with women, Gippsland communities, service providers and government to enhance all aspects of women’s health.”
This statement encapsulates the organisation’s commitment to working in partnership with all key stakeholders in an endeavour to improve the health status of women. “All aspects of women’s health” refers to the social determinants of health as ascribed by the World Health Organisation – Social Model of Health. Behaviour, environment, social and economic factors can all have an impact upon women’s health and wellbeing. Improvements in health and wellbeing will be achieved by focusing effort towards addressing the social and environmental determinants of health, in conjunction with biological and medical factors.
The four key priority areas that we are currently focusing on are:
- Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Violence Against Women
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Reducing and minimising harm from Alcohol and other Drugs
Placement Details
Gippsland Women’s Health Service works within a social model of health when planning and operationalising our health promotion strategies. As cited in the Community and Women’s Health Program Guidelines 2003/04 to 2005/06, the aim of women’s health services is “to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorian women (with an emphasis on those most at risk), through the development and dissemination of health information and research and through the provision of community and professional education.”
As can be seen from the attached health promotion plan, we utilize research and evidence to determine the issues and develop intervention strategies. An evaluation plan is also developed for each priority area.
Opportunities exist for students to assist in the implementation of strategies contained in our health promotion plan and/or to undertake research that will assist in informing plans for future strategy development. At this stage, we are considering research in relation to two specific issues:
- body image/eating disorders and the impacts on health and wellbeing of women in Gippsland
- impacts of illicit drug use – particularly in regard to young women
Placement Parameters
Student(s) would be expected to work reasonably autonomously with minimal supervision. Once the placement activity has been agreed upon, planning will be undertaken with the field educator and signed off as a strategy within the context of the health promotion plan. Regular discussions will be held during the placement to ensure that the project/strategy implementation continues smoothly.
Student(s) will be able to further develop a better understanding of the components of health promotion from planning through to implementation and evaluation. Communication skills are an important part of health promotion work and all work undertaken at Gippsland Women’s Health Service occurs within a team approach.
Selection Criteria
The following knowledge, skills and attitudes would be useful in undertaking a health promotion placement with Gippsland Women’s Health Service:
- Good communication skills
- Previous experience in community development activities
- Project planning and management skills
- Working within a team environment
Location: 56B Cunninghame Street, Sale
Contact Person: Jodie Pullman, Health Promotion Officer
Phone: 5143 1600
Places Filled: 0/2 |
