Welcome to the Autumn edition of Polyglot. The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS) is excited to share information, events, and other opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in 2024.

New Digital Tool Aims to Boost Cancer Outcomes for Multicultural Communities

“We know that when it comes to cancer, screening offers the best chance of catching, treating and surviving cancers and yet, in multicultural communities, screening rates can be lower on average than the general population.”
- Professor Tracey O’Brien, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO, Cancer Institute NSW

The Cancer Institute NSW has launched the Multicultural Demographics Data Explorer, an innovative dashboard designed to improve cancer outcomes for diverse populations across New South Wales. This tool provides health services and community workers with critical insights into the multicultural landscape of their regions, allowing for more tailored and effective health initiatives.

With approximately 30% of NSW residents born overseas and a significant number speaking languages other than English at home, the dashboard offers a detailed breakdown of census data by local health districts, local government areas and suburbs. 

World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, focuses this year on protecting the lung health of young people from tobacco industry interference. The theme highlights the strong tobacco marketing strategies aimed at young people through social media. Access a comprehensive toolkit for parents, educators, and health professionals to debunk myths around vaping and assist young people in quitting or staying vape-free.

Increasing rates of vaping among young people  in NSW are concerning, as vapes, like traditional cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction and other health issues. The multilingual campaign, “Every vape is a hit to your health," features impactful videos to raise awareness about these health issues. Visit the “Shisha No Thanks,” website to learn more about harms related to smoking shisha and vaping.

Empowering Multicultural Communities through Cultural Support

The Cultural Support Program in Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) is enhancing culturally responsive care by collaborating with clinical and non-clinical services. With a team of 120 trained bilingual and bicultural Cultural Support Workers from 25 language groups, the program offers tailored support to priority communities, enhancing community engagement and health education.

One of its key initiatives, the HIV Client Support Program with the Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS), provides in-language assistance to individuals affected by HIV, offering emotional support, health literacy, and system navigation. For more information, visit the website or contact the team at SLHD-DiversityHub@health.nsw.gov.au.

Protect Your Loved Ones Ahead of Winter

The 2024 flu vaccine is available now. Influenza (flu) is serious, but your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection against getting really sick. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over so you can keep doing the things you love this winter.

Book your flu vaccine today at your doctor or local pharmacy using the healthdirect online search tool. Everyone aged 5 years and older can get vaccinated at their local pharmacy.

We encourage you to share in-language videos and factsheets with your community. For more information, visit the NSW Health website. For phone support, call TIS on 131 450 and state what language you need. 

Breaking Barriers in Healthcare Access: Bridging Language Gaps with Virtual Care

Virtual care fact sheets are now available in 15 languages other than English including emerging refugee languages. These resources aim to help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Visit the Virtual Care Hub to explore these resources.

Accessible for download, reuse, and sharing, these fact sheets and posters are essential tools for healthcare providers, community leaders, and individuals. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to engagewith people from culturally diverse communities or an individual looking to understand virtual care options, resources are here to support you.

 Building Brains and Bodies: Easy Steps for Early Childhood Development

Simple, everyday activities with your child can significantly boost their growth and development, laying crucial foundations for future learning. In-language videos from NSW Health are available for to all parents to learn easy activities to share with their child. For more early childhood development videos, contact South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) for the translated “Skin-to-skin contact builds better brains”, resources.

What is Sepsis? Share Information in Your Language

Sepsis is when your body has an extreme response to an infection ('blood poisoning'). It is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. It can cause death or permanent damage without treatment.
Visit the NSW Health website for in-language videos, factsheets, flyers, and social media tiles to share with your community.

22 May 2024: The Cultural and Psychological Implications of Sexual Assault and Rape for Refugee Women: Working with Disclosure, Shame and Guilt. This clinical masterclass hosted by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) will give workers practical tips for working with the disclosure of sexual assault and rape. Register here.

23 May 2024: Addressing Racism in Healthcare: Actions for Equity and Cultural Safety. This forum organised by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) will feature effective strategies and interventions to reduce the incidence and impact of racism in healthcare settings for Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse staff and patients. Register here.

28 May 2024: Lifeline MWS Annual Mental Health Forum: Showcasing Local Supports. Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney's annual mental health forum for professionals and workers in mental health and suicide prevention. Register here.

7 June 2024: Oceania Tobacco Control Conference - Scholarship Applications Open. Applicants must study or work in the field of public health and reside in the Oceania region. Four levels of assistance packages are available for successful applicants to attend the conference from 23-25 October 2024. Submit here by 7 June 2024.

20 June 2024: Online Launch - Domestic & Family Violence Resources for Refugees in 21 Languages. For Refugee Week, save the date for the online launch hosted by the NSW Health, NSW Refugee Health Service and MHCS. Subscribe to the mailing list to receive the event invitation closer to the date.

NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
Level 3, 349 Crown St. Surry Hills NSW 2010
Website: http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/
Email: SESLHD-MHCSNEWS@health.nsw.gov.au

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