Curtin University of Technology Health Innovation Research Institute Aboriginal and CALD Mental Health Award

TWO WINNER’S 

     

Bunbury Pathways Well Ways Indigenous Pilot Project ’92

Bunbury Pathways vision of providing better social and emotional wellbeing for aboriginal families is

evolving through a broad ‘whole of family approach’.

 

They have shown commitment to improve the mental health of Aboriginal people, which is evidenced by the outcomes of this ‘Wellways’ pilot project and the continuing gains experienced as a result of its success. Local aboriginal people who have participated in this program have shared the benefits of having increased knowledge of mental illness, its treatments and services available.

 

Carers usually engage with this program through direct referral or self referral. By adapting their

approach – using general yarning with the community, they have been able to identify hidden Indigenous carers and find a safer and more comfortable path for them to access the service.

 

Bunbury Pathways believe that the project may well be a dynamic stepping stone to improving the mental health of Aboriginal people through a ‘whole of family’ approach to service delivery.

  

Angelo Scala

Angelo Scala wears many hats – a mental health nurse who works in the WA Transcultural Mental health service, Department of Psychiatry at Royal Perth Hospital, a social worker, educator and friend to the stakeholders and communities with whom he works.  He has been working in this field since 1987.

 

His work is primarily in the CALD sector where his capacity to quickly build rapport has become renowed.  His expertise also extends to indigenous mental health.  For over 10 years he has worked with the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service in providing a clinical consultation service onsite and is the first port of call for mental health assistance.

 

Angelo is a quiet achiever –he performs his work conscientiously and meticulously with an exclusive focus on attaining the best outcome for his patients and service providers with whom he collaborates and who rely on him.