Wurli-Wurlinjang: Graduation COVID-19 style

Above: FPWs Andrea and Renee enjoying a socially distanced lunch with NHVs Jane and Gail

Wurli-Wurlinjang in Katherine recently celebrated the graduation of seven families – COVID-19 style. Here is their story, as told by Nurse Supervisor, Bridgette Hutchinson.

Although we were restricted with participant numbers and venue size, we were recently able to have two graduation parties where the team and families reflected on their achievements and goals for the future. It really has been a pleasure for us to see the families and babies grow and share in their journeys.

For one young family, the past 2½ years involvement in the program had low periods where engagement dropped off and the team was worried about their wellbeing.

Working with NHV Margie and FPW Andrea, a strong trusting relationship was built, and the home visit team was able to support the family through periods of adversity such as legal problems, family problems and substance misuse. The team clearly saw the strengths in this family.
The family has now graduated and the young mum has achieved her goals of obtaining her driver’s licence, securing housing for the family and has recently started a new job. Both her and her partner have worked on their substance-use problems and are facing a bright future. 

The family attended graduation and spoke about their journey and the support that they have received from the program. The mum continues to text updates to Margie which we love to hear and we look forward to seeing both mum and dad blossom as leaders in their community.

We expanded recently with the addition of two new staff members; Micheala is part time admin and part time FPW and Marisa is part time admin and part time outreach RAHP. Both Micheala and Marisa are ANFPP program participants. We are lucky to have them join our team. They offer a great insight as young mums who have accessed ANFPP support.

NHV Jane, who is relocating interstate, has worked in the program for nearly three years and her exceptional organisational skills and friendship will be missed by the team and her clients. NHV Gail is transitioning to Wurli’s Women and Children’s Service, where she will continue with her great work in supporting and engaging clients. She won’t be far away so we are looking forward to continuing to work together for the best outcomes for Wurli families. We have a new NHV, Sophie, who is new to the Territory. Sophie has a calm, kind nature and is a great addition to the team.

The year seems to be slipping away and the team continues to work hard to provide support and guidance to the new mums in and around Katherine. We look forward to an exciting year ahead, continuing to build upon the programs strengths and positively influence Wurli. Two examples of this are the fortnightly antenatal classes that we have established which target Aboriginal women, and the first stages of implementing Trauma Informed Care across the organisation.

We are also looking forward to relocating to our new ANFPP office site which has been built with our clients and program in mind. It will have a group activity room, playground, deck area and is co-located with Wurli’s Woman’s and Children’s Health team.
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