PHIC’s Community Industry Forum was given an insight into the extensive range of services provided by the Hedland Well Women’s Centre in presentation by chief executive Kianna Baker.

Establishes in 1991, the services support the physical, social, and emotional needs of women in the Port Hedland community and, by extension, their families and friends.

“Our services are based on the social model of health that focuses on empowerment, collaborative partnership and holistic health,” Kianna told the CIF meeting last month.

“We have a strong focus on prevention screening. We are not a crisis service but often we are the first point of contact people when they are experiencing a crisis.”

Services include:

  • Mental health support
  • Life coaching
  • Women’s health clinic
  • Cancer support
  • Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy
  • Advocacy support

“Our home away from home service is really a foundation pillar of the centre. It’s about connection, reducing social isolation and really where the Well Women’s Centre started,” Kianna said.

“There are a lot of long-standing programs included in this, such as the community morning teas, a mothers, bumps and bubs group, creative communities, and a partnership with the Pilbara Community Legal Service

“And then we have cuppa and a chat. Anyone can call in at any time and see the range of our services.

“The flagship of our clinical services is cervical screening. Funding from the Pink Pilbara Breakfast enables us to provide a cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy service so that people don’t have to travel to Perth.

“The community connection and spirit behind the Pink Pilbara Breakfast is inspirational. All the funds raised go back into the community. The funding supports prevention and screening services.

“Most people will know someone who has been impacted by cancer. While the Pilbara is a wonderful place to live, if you have experienced a health issue you understand the challenges around distance and access to services.

“The breakfast supports those services being provided locally.

“Everything we do is through partnerships. We couldn’t provide the services without these partnerships and the funding we receive.”

Last year the breakfast raised a record $115,000.

PHIC members BHP, Pilbara Minerals, Fortescue, Mineral Resources, Pilbara Ports, Consolidated Minerals, and Roy Hill are among the centre’s Pink Breakfast partners.