A culturally appropriate health-navigation program supporting Ezidi families in Armidale, Australia, has concluded after helping participants access healthcare, disability services, referrals and other essential support.
Since 2017, several hundred Ezidis displaced from Iraq have resettled in Armidale. Many families have had to navigate language barriers, cultural differences and an unfamiliar healthcare system while building new lives.
The Care Navigation Program, funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network and delivered by HealthWISE, was created to provide practical and culturally appropriate support.
Care Navigators worked with general practitioners and local specialists to help Ezidi families understand the Australian healthcare system, manage referrals, attend appointments, arrange transport and connect with local support services.
The program also assisted participants with Centrelink matters and applications to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
One family supported through the program included a 60-year-old woman with limited English, an intellectual disability and complex healthcare needs. Through weekly support, the family received help with appointments, transport, Centrelink and an NDIS application. A successful outcome reduced pressure on the family and helped them feel more connected in Armidale.
As the program concludes, the Primary Health Network acknowledged its positive impact on Ezidi families and thanked the Care Navigators, HealthWISE, local health providers and the wider Armidale community for their support.
