Every Tuesday there is a safe women’s space provided from 1pm to 3pm at Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay that now includes a free women’s clinic for women and their children.
The confidential weekly drop-in clinic is run by a registered nurse providing care that is respectful, trauma-informed and built on trust.
The clinic
‘What makes this clinic so powerful is the environment. Women come here because they feel safe. Having a nurse embedded in the women’s space means health conversations can happen naturally, with dignity and compassion, and at a pace that feels right for each woman,’ said Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre.
Confidential consultations
Women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness are significantly less likely to receive early diagnosis or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and mental health conditions.
Older women are also one of the fastest-growing cohorts of people experiencing homelessness nationally, often experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ such as couch surfing or living in cars.
‘For many women, healthcare has been something they’ve had to put last, often for years. This clinic is about meeting women where they are, with care that is respectful, trauma-informed and built on trust. Having a nurse onsite in the women’s space means women can take steps to look after their health without fear or judgement,’ said Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, Damian Farrell.
Women in need can access preventative health care, chronic disease management, wound care, referrals to pathology and can get support navigating the health system.
The program is working in partnership through One Bridge and also includes robust data collection and evaluation to track service use, health outcomes and document women’s experiences, helping build evidence for long-term funding and sustainability.
Women are welcome to call in and have a chat or find out more online at: www.byroncentre.com.au.
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