The Social and Emotional Wellbeing team at Inala Indigenous Health has gone above and beyond to support some of the community’s most vulnerable members—helping Elders at risk of homelessness move into a safe, secure new home.
The team provides emotional, cultural and logistical support for patients and works closely with allied health professionals. Their work often extends far beyond the clinic walls, tackling challenges like housing, transport and access to essential services.
For Client Support Officer Kaela, the journey to help her clients access suitable housing was both one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
“I thought about them very often, and I’d spend my free time researching and planning advocacy calls for the next work day,” Kaela said.
The clients and respected Elders had been living in conditions that were affecting their already compromised health. Their urgent need for safe, accessible housing meant Kaela and the team had to act quickly.
Transport and financial costs presented further challenges. Kaela adapted her approach to ensure the clients could engage in the process without unnecessary burden.
“We adapted to their needs by meeting where it was convenient for them, to minimise their travel and their costs,” Kaela explained. “Our goal was to remove as many barriers as we could.”
Beyond the logistical challenges, Kaela focused on building trust and rapport, knowing that dignity and cultural safety were central to supporting the clients.
“These clients were genuine, strong and proud people and hadn’t had to rely on services like ours before,” she said.
After months of advocacy, persistence and determination, Kaela’s efforts paid off. The clients were offered appropriate housing that met their needs.
On the day of the move, Kaela admitted she was just as emotional as her clients.
“I truly am privileged to work in this space,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful to my clients and their willingness to trust and allow me to walk alongside them.”
For the team, this success is one of many examples of how their work continues to create life-changing impact for the community.