Healthy Engagement and Assistance in the Long Grass (H.E.A.L.) program
The Larrakia Nation estimates that there are more than 2000 individuals on any one night in the greater Darwin area living in Darwin’s Long Grass, of which 75% identify as being Indigenous Australians. In the Long Grass, the health of individuals deteriorates rapidly and life length may be reduced considerably. As this occurs, many additional barriers are created which prevent individuals from participating in normal societal processes.
This leads to their exclusion from mainstream and specialised social, community and health services, exacerbating poor life conditions and community tensions around anti-social behaviour. The evidence tells us that homelessness and/or houselessness for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians living in the Long Grass is a situation unlikely to go away. Given this, housing cannot be a pre-requisite for action when it comes to improving the health and life quality of this population.
The H.E.A.L. program is an example of Larrakia Nation’s commitment to evidence-based best practice, and is funded and supported by the NTG’s Department of Health and Families, Community Health. The program has received much attention for it's innovation and creativity, which is made operational by a dedicated and highly capable team of staff and a growing number of fabulous volunteers.
Getting involved with H.E.A.L.
Our potential to bring about positive change is only hindered by our limited resources. There are many ways in which you can partner with us to improve the life quality and health of the most vulnerable members living in our community. A few examples include:
- Advocacy
- Education
- Volunteering on programs
- Donations
- Support
If you would like to learn more about H.E.A.L. and/or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact our program coordinator on ph. 08 8985 6822 and leave a message or send an email to heal.coordinator@larrakia.com
