Who can I yarn with?

Who can I yarn with?

• Your doctor is someone you can always ask questions and yarn with about cancer or anything else that worries you, even things that are not related to your health.

• Have a yarn with other mob who have been through cancer. Mob say that has helped them. They will have some of the same feelings and ideas as you. And different ones too that can help give you a different perspective. 

• Elders have experience with handling health problems and the worries that come with being sick. They are a great source of wisdom and strength for us and are willing to share their stories and what they know to help us.

• Cancer support groups are another good place if you want yarn about your cancer journey. You can meet others and hear their stories. There are cancer support groups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ask your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker about support groups you can join in person or online.

• You can always yarn with your doctors, and people who work at the hospital or in the cancer unit where you get treatment. If you prefer to yarn with our mob, ask for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander liaison officer or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker. Hospitals and cancer units also can put you in contact with counsellors who live in your area. 

• You can contact your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service to find someone to yarn with. To find a service near you visit NACCHO or have a look at this map of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical services. 

• You can find a social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here. Either “search by location” and put in where you live. Or “show full list” and look through by state and territory.

• Yarn Safe looks after people’s mental health and wellbeing. Call 1800 650 890 and or visit the website. It’s part of the headspace network. 

• Headtohealth – Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is another place you can find people to yarn with.

• You can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 any time, day or night, to yarn with a nurse. 

• Healthdirect also has a service finder - click on the “other services” button then on “Aboriginal health services”. Put your area in, and click search. Use this to search for somewhere to stay if you have to travel for tests or treatment. 

• The Cancer Council has support and information – call 13 11 20.

• Lifeline has a free 24-hour counselling service – call 13 11 14.

• Beyond Blue has information and can put you in touch with someone to talk to – call 1300 22 4636.