Esperance professionals strengthened their advocacy skills during a two-day workshop. Photo: Nikki Bailey.
Fifteen local health and social service professionals, and community members from the Esperance, Kepa Kurl region attended a two-day advocacy in action workshop run by Curtin University last week.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities to identify ways in which they could influence change in the community or organisations.
Curtin University public health advocacy adviser Dr Mel Stoneham facilitated the event.
She said the workshops were great because they focused on local issues.
“In this workshop, advocacy plans were developed, including planning for local needle and syringe disposal options and creating a safe and culturally acceptable space for locals to access a wide range of services,” Dr Stoneham said.
Attendees learned about a range of human rights and health-related issues through case studies and heard from professionals they could work alongside to help promote change.
Hope Community Services prevention officer Emily Aarts was thrilled that so many locals came together to learn how to strengthen the voices of people who need to be heard, especially those in minority populations.
“The workshop focused on influencing policy that would enable individuals to become more involved in decisions that affect their lives,” Ms Aarts said.
“The best thing about the two days was the opportunity to collaborate and develop plans that we will progress to make meaningful changes in our community.”
