Carbal Elders Group
Carbal’s Elders Group formed in 2021 as the result of the dedicated efforts from Carbal Outreach Officer Naomi Von-Nida. The group aims to serve as a healing circle and a place for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to come together for friendship, yarning and cultural activities.
The group is held every Thursday from 11:00AM to 1:00PM and provides a chance for attendees to get out of the house and have a yarn with new people. Transport for elders is also available upon request.
Participants are assisted in developing a further sense of purpose in their lives and has shown to help greatly with their overall social and emotional wellbeing. Referring patients through social prescribing recognises that people’s health is not only affected by physical and mental health issues, but also by a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors.
About Carbal Elders Group
Carbal Elders Group exists to facilitate the empowerment of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards maintaining their health and wellbeing in a safe and culturally-appropriate environment.
Attendees are taken out on excursions, such as to the Deadly Weavers’ ‘Weaving Connections’ Exhibition at the art gallery and other social events that may arise. We participate in fun activities like bingo (with food prizes!) and organise craft activities to help towards the improvement of attendees’ cognitive function; assisting hand-eye coordination and decrease the risk of poor mental health. The group also provides a safe place to debrief with people their own age. All activities and interactions are designed to help instil a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Many participants have disconnected from family, are unable to drive and don’t have any visitors to their homes.
With the assistance of an Aboriginal Health Worker, the group also serves as a gateway to help address underlying health issues, providing early intervention and preventative measures to help identify chronic diseases early on.
This is achieved by offering the elders the chance to voluntarily have their blood pressure checked or other medical tests carried out (as recommended); having a casual yarn to determine how they are handling their medications to identify early risk factors; having conversations with the group in a safe space and providing referrals to Carbal’s extended team of healthcare specialists including dieticians, psychologists, podiatrists etc.
Overall, in addition to being a great social experience, the group is instrumental in helping to build rapport and confidence for the participants with Carbal Medical Services.
Need a Lift?
Carbal’s dedicated transport services are available for elders in Toowoomba who require transport to the group each week.
Please speak to our team prior to the appointment time to discuss any transport arrangements you may require.
Get In Touch
For all enquiries relating to Carbal’s Elders Group, please contact Carbal’s Outreach Health Support Services team on (07) 4580 1440.
Alternatively, you can contact Carbal’s Outreach Services team during business hours on the phone number below, or submit an online enquiry:
Carbal Outreach Services
Address:
27 Mort Street
Newtown QLD 4350
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Phone:
Privacy & Confidentiality
All consultations are confidential and your health information will only ever be accessed by those directly involved with your care, including the monitoring of its quality.
Carbal Medical Services aligns its services in accordance with the National Privacy Principals and if you are required to access further medical services, you will be asked to sign a patient consent form at our clinic.
Register Your Interest
Are you interested or do you know anyone who may benefit from being a part of Carbal Elders Group?
Please submit your details and a member of Carbal’s Outreach Services team will be in touch to discuss your enquiry with you further.