National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
Palliative Care packages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples suffer from the worst health outcomes of any group in Australia. Hospital visits are more frequent and life expectancy is much lower than the Australian average.
In 2016, there were more than 50,000 First Nations Australians aged over 60 - by 2026, that figure is expected to reach 90,000.
There are many aspects to the end stage of life that are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The need to share stories through verbal, written and artwork forms, the desire to reconnect with land and a need to ensure that cultural needs are considered.
In many cases, simply staying warm in a location that is very different from their community can be achieved through the provision of a warm blanket. That blanket could also provide emotional comfort through the incorporation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islands colours.
A combination of many small things can make a big difference.
Contents of packages
An initiative developed by NATSICC to support our community, the Palliative Care Packages will be made available to all Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people who are deemed to be palliative - regardless of any or no religious beliefs.
The Packages include:
- blankets
- beanies
- shawls
- Aboriginal instrumental music
- Torres Strait Islander hymns
- notebooks with a pen
How can I help?
There are many ways you can help! We are confident that the Catholic community as a whole can contribute to the project. School classes, lay groups, Parishes and individuals are encouraged to look below and see where your skills and gifts might be best utilised.
Knitting or crocheting
Are you handy with the needles or hooks? We are always accepting beanies, blankets and quilts for inclusion in the packages. There are strict regulations regarding the sizes, materials and construction of the blankets and quilts going into hospitals and aged care. Before starting construction, pleaser refer to the below guide:
BLANKETS: (Knitted and crocheted):
• MUST be 8 ply acrylic wool
• Squares must be 20cm x 20cm
• Whole blankets MUST be 125 cm x 112 cm (or close to this size)
• All colours are acceptable
BEANIES:
• patterns on the Internet
• can be any colour
• can be any ply wool
• must be for adults
Donations and fund raising
The cost of compiling the packages and posting them out are being borne by NATSICC. Should you wish to donate to the program and assist us in producing and distributing more packages, please use the donate button below.
<<<<<< Button to be added >>>>>>
Additionally, you can donate directly to the project using the following details:
BSB: 085 005
Account: 55331 6507
Ref: Care packages (please include in the transfer details)
Contact details for inquiries and address for posting items:
Sally FitzGerald
7 Nepean Place
Macqurie ACT 2614
Mobile: 0422 066 080
Email: salfitz50@live.com
Why there is a need
Contents of packages
How can I help?
More information / contacts
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
'The peak Indigenous advisory body to the Catholic Church'
80C Payneham Rd.
Stepney SA 5069
www.natsicc.org.au | craig@natsicc.org.au | 08 8363 2963
