Here are two
examples of how MHSS has provided support to our clients.
Case study 1: Mr M
Mr M is 34 years old and migrated to Australia from Vietnam in 1990. He attended two years of high school in Melbourne before dropping
out. It was around this time that M began
using drugs.
Six years ago, M was diagnosed with
hepatitis C. Since being diagnosed M has
not taken any interest in managing his hepatitis C.
An MHSS community worker met M whilst
doing outreach support work in Footscray. The worker slowly built up a
rapport with M and over time, M confided to the worker that he was homeless,
unemployed, a drug user and was no longer connected with any family
members. Although M expressed concerns
about his health including his hepatitis C diagnosis, his other concerns had
always seemed more pressing.
In talking about hepatitis C, the MHSS worker noticed that M expressed a number of incorrect statements. The
worker outlined the basic points about hepatitis C and gave M some written material in Vietnamese. The
importance of regular health checks was also emphasised, especially considering
the injecting drug use, and the worker discussed the risks of sharing injecting
drug equipment.
As well as focusing on the hepatitis C, the worker looked to support M in addressing his other more pressing
concerns. The worker referred M to a
number of services including housing and drug and alcohol. The worker also
supported M by assisting him to make
appointments and accompanying him to services.
Case study 2: Mrs F
Mrs F came to Australia from Africa as a
refugee. She is an educated single
mother with a nine-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son. They live
in public housing in Carlton.
F was diagnosed with HIV positive five years
ago. F has been quite well with regards
to her HIV and has raised her two children without much difficulty. Although
she has managed quite well, F is constantly
worried and thinking about her situation - what will happen, both for herself,
her children and her mum, if she becomes unwell?
An MHSS community worker was introduced to F
during outreach work more than 2 years ago. Since meeting F and building trust and rapport, the community worker
has helped F to have a better understanding of
HIV and provided her with emotional support to address her concerns around her
illness and the effects it has on her family. The MHSS community worker
also suggested ways for F to live positively
with HIV and maintain her health and overall wellbeing.