Browsing by Author "Jenkins A."
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Item Developing a framework identifying the outcomes, principles and enablers of 'gathering places': perspectives from Aboriginal people in Victoria, Australia.(2021-07-15) Kingsley J.; Munro-Harrison E.; Jenkins A.; Thorpe A.Aboriginal 'gathering places' have been described as cultural hubs, healing centres, and social meeting places. This article explores a gap in the literature on the health and wellbeing outcomes of gathering places from the perspectives of Aboriginal people who attend them. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to articulate the enablers, principles, and outcomes of 'successful' Aboriginal gathering places. In this study, sixty-nine (n = 69) community members participated in qualitative interviews or focus group discussions across thirteen gathering place sites in Victoria (Australia). The research found that gathering places address social health disparities through the provision of a broad range of health and wellbeing programs that benefit Aboriginal community members accessing them. Gathering places were described by participants as providing connections to place, Aboriginal culture, and healing and mainstream health services that enhanced wellbeing. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how Aboriginal gathering places function and offer strategies for creating culturally safe and welcoming settings for Aboriginal peoples, with potential for consideration in international contexts. This research informed a best-practice framework and outlines different models for developing community empowering and culturally affirming gathering places for improving Aboriginal people's access to culturally appropriate health and support services, while simultaneously reducing health and social inequalities. Key elements of this framework that contribute to a successful gathering place include the people, place (location/facilities), programs and community themselves, whilst the principles that enable these places include elements like self-determination, respect of culture, sustainability and strong governance.Copyright © 2021 Elsevier LtdItem "Here we are part of a living culture": understanding the cultural determinants of health in Aboriginal gathering places in Victoria, Australia.(2018-10-26) Kingsley J.; Munro-Harrison E.; Jenkins A.; Thorpe A.This article provides an exploration of the cultural determinants of health, based on a research evaluation investigating a number of Aboriginal gathering places in Victoria (Australia). Gathering places are recognised as settings in which people practice and learn about local Aboriginal culture, history and place. Academic literature on gathering places is sparse. Thirteen gathering places were evaluated in this research. Each site is unique and has a specific story that connects it to the history and geography of the place in which it is located. Sixty-nine gathering place members participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Using thematic analysis, the findings were divided into four key themes associated with cultural determinants of health (social networks; inclusiveness; empowerment; connections). These elements create a safe place to learn about culture and Country, and support an environment for strengthening identity, improving health and building resilience. The findings from this study highlight the benefits of using gathering places to explore the cultural determinants of health.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd