WHISE has just concluded arrangements for Health information sessions to be provided to Sri Lankan women by a female General Practitioner, Dr Padma Herath, in what we hope is the first in a series of arrangements involving female General Practitioners, particularly those of CALD backgrounds.

The purpose of the Information Sessions are to provide sensitive and safe surroundings in which to discuss matters such as:

• Specific women’s health matters (Pap Smear testing; Cervical Cancer information and preventive treatment; Breast Cancer screening; Pregnancy; Sexually Transmitted Infections)
• Depression, including post-natal depression and mental health needs
• Chronic disease management
• Family and domestic violence
• Other topics as required by the participants.

The sessions will be followed up by referral to appropriate services and medical clinics for further information and treatment, as necessary.

Once this model is working successfully with Sri Lankan women, we will seek similar arrangements with other female doctors to work with other CALD communities. We have developed excellent liaison and cooperation with the Federation of Chinese-Speaking Associations, the African— Australian Holistic Association, and the Sudanese, Afghani, and Horn of Africa communities.

In addition to health information sessions, WHISE is currently preparing IT Literacy training for women of CALD background, together with volunteer and work experiences, to help them in their further education and employment.