Liverwell

National NAIDOC Week, observed annually from July 7 - 14 across Australia, honours and acknowledges the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an invaluable opportunity for all Australians to engage with First Nations cultures, histories, and celebrations.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" embodies a powerful celebration of Indigenous identity, inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to embrace their heritage boldly and affirm their place in today's world. It invites everyone in Australia to listen, learn and engage in genuine dialogue; nurturing a community where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are cherished and honoured.

At LiverWELL, we are committed to ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal Communities, acknowledging the disproportionate health burdens faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to viral hepatitis and liver disease. We deeply value the knowledge and understanding that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities possess about their own health and well-being. Together, we will work to ensure that community voices are central to our efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

To learn more about NAIDOC week and the many events happening across Australia, click here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

Looking for something to listen to on the drive home?

The LiverHealth POD brings together three Liver Doctors (Hepatologists) who share a wealth of knowledge on how you can improve your liver health!

LiverWELL board member and gastroenterologist Dr Paul Gow, together with Dr John Lubel and Dr Will Kemp, discuss all aspects of keeping your liver healthy and aim to build on your understanding of common conditions that affect the liver.

Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/liverhealthpod/id1699749316

LiverWELL celebrated our wonderful volunteers on Wednesday, 12th June. We heard inspiring talks from contributors and insights from our CEO and staff on the significant impact of our volunteer team.

The event was a fantastic opportunity to express our gratitude and celebrate the dedication and hard work of our supporters.

A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers - we couldn't do it without you!

Learn more about the event here: https://liverwell.org.au/cheers-volunteers/

On 23rd May LiverWELL, Grampians Health Ballarat, and Ballarat Community Health joined forces to host the Grampians Forum on Viral Hepatitis at Horsham and Ballarat, a collaborative effort to together healthcare workers from across the Grampians region. This event provided a platform for sector networking. It delved into the specific care needs on viral hepatitis within the region and, together, we brainstormed ways to enhance access, exchange insights, and better engage priority populations. We had an amazing turnout of 37 people!

The event commenced with an inspiring lived experience presentation by Steven Taylor, who set the scene for the day. This was followed by a range of speaker presentations covering topics such as: Viral Hepatitis Data and Epidemiology in the Grampians region, and local service providers speaking about Integrated Hepatitis C services, Nurse Practitioners providing AOD services, engaging CALD communities and specialist services in the area. The day concluded with a dynamic workshop discussing regional priorities and ways to improve viral hepatitis care pathways tailored to the needs of the Grampians region. LiverWELL would also like to thank speakers from statewide services - Harm Reduction Victoria, Penington Institute, Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) , and St Vincent's Health Australia

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teams at LiverWELL, Ballarat Community Health, and Grampians Health, as well as the participants, who contributed to making this forum a success. We are optimistic that the connections forged, and ideas sparked during the event will lead to meaningful improvements in viral hepatitis care in the Grampians region.

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue these networking forums and welcome expressions of interest from other regions keen to collaborate in similar initiatives. Let us know if you would like us to host a forum in your area!

On 23rd May LiverWELL, Ballarat Community Health, and Grampians Health joined forces to host the Grampians Forum on Viral Hepatitis at Horsham and Ballarat, a collaborative effort to together healthcare workers from across the Grampians region. This event provided a platform for sector networking. It delved into the specific care needs on viral hepatitis within the region and, together, we brainstormed ways to enhance access, exchange insights, and better engage priority populations. We had an amazing turnout of 37 people!

The event commenced with an inspiring lived experience presentation by Steven Taylor, who set the scene for the day. This was followed by a range of speaker presentations covering topics such as: Viral Hepatitis Data and Epidemiology in the Grampians region, and local service providers speaking about Integrated Hepatitis C services, Nurse Practitioners providing AOD services, engaging CALD communities and specialist services in the area. The day concluded with a dynamic workshop discussing regional priorities and ways to improve viral hepatitis care pathways tailored to the needs of the Grampians region. LiverWELL would also like to thank speakers from statewide services - Harm Reduction Victoria, Penington Institute, Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) , and St Vincent’s Health Australia

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teams at LiverWELL, Ballarat Community Health, and Grampians Health, as well as the participants, who contributed to making this forum a success. We are optimistic that the connections forged, and ideas sparked during the event will lead to meaningful improvements in viral hepatitis care in the Grampians region.

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue these networking forums and welcome expressions of interest from other regions keen to collaborate in similar initiatives. Let us know if you would like us to host a forum in your area!

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024 is Now More Than Ever. This serves to remind us of the unfinished business we have in achieving reconciliation and the constant fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights in our country.

Beginning the week was National Sorry Day on 26 May, a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation survivors who were forcibly removed from their families as part of government policies, and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for Aboriginal people.

Now more than ever we must address the racism, discrimination and stigma that has consequently impacted the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Hepatitis C is 5 times more common in ATSI communities and it’s time we make a change and support people in accessing testing and treatment to keep their livers healthy. If you’re concerned about your hepatitis C status - speak to your GP or call our LiverLine: 1800 703 003 - for free, confidential information.

LiverWELL is grateful for the input that informed our current ATSI resources from workers at services for Aboriginal people and community members. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and pay our respects to their Elders past, and present.

To find out more visit: https://liverwell.org.au/services/community-programs/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander/
To learn more about reconciliation week visit: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/posters-resources/

On 23rd May LiverWELL, Ballarat Community Health, and Grampians Health joined forces to host the Grampians Forum on Viral Hepatitis at Horsham and Ballarat, a collaborative effort to together healthcare workers from across the Grampians region. This event provided a platform for sector networking. It delved into the specific care needs on viral hepatitis within the region and, together, we brainstormed ways to enhance access, exchange insights, and better engage priority populations. We had an amazing turnout of 37 people!

The event commenced with an inspiring lived experience presentation by Steven Taylor, who set the scene for the day. This was followed by a range of speaker presentations covering topics such as: Viral Hepatitis Data and Epidemiology in the Grampians region, and local service providers speaking about Integrated Hepatitis C services, Nurse Practitioners providing AOD services, engaging CALD communities and specialist services in the area. The day concluded with a dynamic workshop discussing regional priorities and ways to improve viral hepatitis care pathways tailored to the needs of the Grampians region. LiverWELL would also like to thank speakers from statewide services - Harm Reduction Victoria, Penington Institute, Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) , and St Vincent's Health Australia

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teams at LiverWELL, Ballarat Community Health, and Grampians Health, as well as the participants, who contributed to making this forum a success. We are optimistic that the connections forged, and ideas sparked during the event will lead to meaningful improvements in viral hepatitis care in the Grampians region.

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue these networking forums and welcome expressions of interest from other regions keen to collaborate in similar initiatives. Let us know if you would like us to host a forum in your area!

Thank you to our amazing volunteers!

This Week is National Volunteers Week, which means it's time to shed some light on the dedication, hard work and selfless contribution that our volunteers bring to LiverWELL. Together you have helped us move toward our goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

This year the theme of National Volunteers Week is ‘Something for Everyone' and we believe this is true. We value the unique skillsets and knowledge each of our volunteers bring to our organisation.

We are always recruiting new volunteers to help at LiverWELL. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and with their many valuable skills, are an important part of raising community awareness of viral hepatitis and liver health. They come from medical, public health, social work and business backgrounds and freely give their time to sit on our Board or help out with a vast array of projects.

People can volunteer for:
- Supporting Community Education
- Event promotion and content development
- Translating resources for the community
- Special project support
- Special events such as World Hepatitis Day
- Public speaking to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and liver health.

You can read our volunteer stories or apply to become a volunteer here https://liverwell.org.au/get-involved/volunteer/

Register your interest to attend the Grampians Viral Hepatitis Forum by 16 May!

LiverWELL is delighted to collaborate with Grampians Health and Ballarat Community Health to provide a space for workers in the sector to come together on the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Date: 23 May 2024
Time: 10am – 3pm
Main event: Ballarat Community Health, Lucas
Satellite location: Grampians Health, Horsham

Places are limited!

Register your interest here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/3f0272a1f8f8f1e72057448286c8d1b7?

LiverWELL staff attended the Digital Health Festival 2024 in Melbourne, which sparked an exciting opportunity to immerse ourselves in the latest advancements shaping the future of healthcare!

Throughout the event, vendor demonstrations showcased emerging technologies poised to revolutionise patient care – from AI-driven diagnostics to telemedicine solutions. Panel discussions and presentations offered deep insights into the evolving landscape of digital health, highlighting the importance of interoperability, data security, and patient-centred design in driving innovation forward. Key learnings from the festival highlighted the critical role of collaboration between technology providers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in harnessing the full potential of digital health tools to improve health outcomes and enhance patient experience.

We look forward to applying our new-found knowledge to the workplace!

19 April marks World Liver Day 2024 – a day where we aim to raise awareness of our liver health and how we can better support the hardest working organ in our bodies! This World Liver Day, let’s make time to value and nurture our livers. Here are some suggestions for what you can do: - Participate in liver health screenings or check-ups to assess your liver health status. - Explore our Liver Health resources and educate yourself and others about liver health by sharing information and resources. - ‘Flip Your Mindset’ and make healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and re-thinking your drinks. Your liver will love you for it! - Support liver health initiatives by donating to LiverWELL to help provide resources and support for those affected by liver diseases. - Like and share our social media posts By taking these actions, you’re not only caring for your own liver health but also contributing to the broader effort to raise awareness and support for liver health initiatives. Find out more at World Liver Day - LiverWELL

World Liver Day - LiverWELL The rise in metabolic problems like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in Australia and globally is contributing to significant increases in liver disease and liver cancer. Liver cancer ranks seventh in cancer-related deaths in Australia, with rising rates.

Did you know that healthy livers:

- Perform up to 500 vital functions to support our health.

- Have the remarkable ability to regenerate and replenish lost tissue.

- Not only clean our blood and aid in digestion but also synthesise essential proteins for blood clotting, immune function, and nutrient transportation.

And yet, despite being the second largest organ in our bodies, awareness of its wellbeing remains limited.

Rising metabolic problems like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure is contributing to increases in liver disease and liver cancer. Liver cancer ranks seventh in cancer-related deaths in Australia, with rising rates.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver disease, affects at least 1 in 4 people in Australia. It also makes liver cancer risk much higher and is the top reason for liver transplants.

The good news is that with early diagnosis liver disease is treatable, and liver cancer can be avoided.

Basic actions like maintaining a balanced diet, moderating alcohol intake, and staying physically active can effectively maintain your liver’s health. Learn more at World Liver Day - LiverWELL

World Liver Day - LiverWELL The rise in metabolic problems like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in Australia and globally is contributing to significant increases in liver disease and liver cancer. Liver cancer ranks seventh in cancer-related deaths in Australia, with rising rates.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today we are out in the community, raising awareness of viral hepatitis and liver health at the cohealth International Women’s Day event.

Women’s health affects every woman. So it’s important we come together to educate and energise women navigating the health system by promoting services, care options and treatment tailored to them.

We are thrilled to be joined by amazing organisations making an effort to improve knowledge of women’s health such as: BreastScreen Victoria Diabetes Australia Cancer Council Australia Australian Breastfeeding Association and The Community Grocer.

Come have a bite to eat and have a chat with us about your liver health - We have some amazing resources to handout!

We are excited to be presenting at this free workshop on Tuesday 19 March at Hawthorn Library.

Register now to help prevent stigma in sexual and reproductive healthcare!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sexual-and-reproductive-health-workshop-preventing-discrimination-stigma-tickets-777420454507?aff=oddtdtcreator

📣 Free workshop on 19 March
We invite you to attend our free professional development event, Sexual and reproductive health workshop: Preventing discrimination & stigma.

The workshop aims to increase the capacity of health and community workers and features presentations by:

Women's Health East
Liverwell
Positive Women Victoria
And lived experience speakers.

Lunch is included and there will be opportunities to speak and network with other attendees.

Spaces are limited so register your attendance today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sexual-and-reproductive-health-workshop-preventing-discrimination-stigma-tickets-777420454507?aff=oddtdtcreator

Women's Health East gratefully acknowledges NEPHU - North Eastern Public Health Unit for grant funding of this workshop series.

ash Incentives for Hepatitis C treatment!

University of Sydney’s Motivate C project is studying whether monetary incentives will encourage more people with hepatitis C to receive treatment in primary care. Adults with hepatitis C and Medicare card who haven’t been tested in the past four weeks are eligible to participate. This is a nationwide project with extensive expert consultation and input and is led by the University of Sydney and approved by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2022/ETH01681).

To find out more, please visit: https://motivatec-project.sydney.edu.au/

Our StreetShot roving art exhibition has hit the road and is travelling around Victoria showcasing creative interpretations of viral hepatitis by young people.

LiverWELL is collaborating with youth services and schools to show a one-of-a-kind exhibition involving the works of young Australians, which raise awareness of viral hepatitis, educate the community to challenge myths, and combat stigma and discrimination.

These images were taken at Visy Care Hub and Werribee Youth Projects - we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase at these services and hope to expand our reach to include locations! Let us know if you're interested in hosting the roving exhibition at your site.

Learn more or register your interest: https://liverwell.org.au/streetshot-arts-exhibition/

Calling all community health professionals who need a refresher on viral hepatitis!

LiverWELL and St Vincent's Hospital have collaborated to bring you a custom HEPReady Essentials workshop, which integrates community healthcare knowledge and a clinical perspective into viral hepatitis.

Be the change and help people living with viral hepatitis receive the care they deserve.

Register here: tinyurl.com/hepready

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

Did you know that hepatitis B and C are the leading risk factors for liver cancer in Australia?

This World Cancer Day LiverWELL is shining a light on liver cancer prevention.

Liver cancer is the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia and this figure is set to rise by 55% in two decades if we don't take action now. The good news is we can contain the progression of liver cancer if we prevent infection with hepatitis B and C.

The easiest way to prevent hepatitis B is to be vaccinated against the virus. If you're unsure about your vaccination status talk to your GP, they can conduct a simple blood test to check your immunity. Other effective primary prevention strategies against hep B and C include ensuring safety around blood-to-blood contact, universal precautions against blood contamination in healthcare settings and harm reduction approaches to reduce transmission from injecting drug use. For more information about preventing hepatitis visit: https://liverwell.org.au/liver-conditions/hepatitis-c/prevention-vaccination/

It's important to stay informed about your liver health; see your GP and get tested and treated to significantly lessen your chances of developing liver cancer in the future. Let's work together to bring down the rate of liver cancer and create a healthier Australia.

Come and find LiverWELL today at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival! From 12pm - 7pm

We’re here to have a chat with you about your liver health and hand out some great resource packs.

It’s a scorching 38 degrees out so please wear a hat and sunscreen when venturing out into the festival. We are excited to see you!

LiverWELL is reviewing our Hep Service Directory and is excited to include insights from our users.

We are looking to recruit six people with a variety of different liver health service navigation perspectives for interviews to run in February, which will direct the upgrade of the service.
Interviews will run for approximately one hour and interviewees will be renumerated with $80 vouchers.

Contact Neylan at [email protected]
to find out if you are eligible by sending an email with your contact details and a small summary of your perspective.

Inaugural Viral Hepatitis Roundtable brings together experts on viral hepatitis elimination

The elimination of viral hepatitis is an ambitious goal, supported by the Victorian government’s Hepatitis Elimination Plans. To make the urgent progress needed, we need to bring our collective wisdom and expertise to collaborate around shared priorities. So that is just what we did!

LiverWELL, in collaboration with the Burnet Institute, held the inaugural Roundtable on Viral Hepatitis on Tuesday 24 October at the Centre for Ethnicity and Health.
30 enthusiastic experts from a range of community organisations, health services and research bodies in Victoria came together to reflect on what has enabled progress towards hepatitis B and C elimination so far, and to identify what will be most critical to elimination.

With innovation, energy and a passion to collaborate – we identified where and how we can move forward together in order to achieve this important goal.