DOING IT TOGETHER

‘Doing it together’ – peer-support and peer-led education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth living with type 2 diabetes

Our research has shown that Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth have the highest currently reported prevalence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the world.

Our work across Northern Australia has demonstrated significant gaps in care of First Nations youth with T2D. In the NT, youth and health services have clearly articulated the need for strengths-based engagement, and for models of care to incorporate peer-support and peer-led diabetes education.

First Nations youth in the NT have also identified that shame, stigma and isolation are key drivers of poor health and disengagement from self-management.

The vision of the project is to improve the wellbeing of, and connection between, young people with type 2 diabetes. The aim is to co-design with young people, their families and communities, and health professionals, a strengths-based approach to support and improve health and social and emotional wellbeing of young people with type 2 diabetes.

This project works in partnership with Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, Katherine West Health Board and NT Health in the Big Rivers region.

This project is currently in final stages of evaluation and we look forward to sharing results soon.

For more information or to get involved, contact:
Tara Dias (Project Manager – Youth Diabetes)
Email: tara.dias@menzies.edu.au
Phone: (08) 8946 8528