This project aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through storytelling based on lived-experiences that reflect the preventable suffering and systemic inequality of condition diagnosis and disease management. With funding from Australian Federal Government and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, MyFlareUp has designed a program sharing health education and community wisdom told through lived experiences of the community.
In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience some of the highest rates of autoimmune and immune-related conditions in the world. Sadly, these diseases often go unrecognised, untreated, and unsupported due to limited access to healthcare and social disadvantage, particularly in remote and regional communities.
This inequality significantly increase the risks associated with health and wellbeing, and ultimately disease management. There are many stories of systemic inequality and preventable suffering behind each diagnosis, as these communities continue to strive for better health outcomes.
The aim of these videos was to encourage patient advocacy knowledge and to promote empowerment through education, because every person deserves access to quality healthcare, early diagnosis, and the support they need to thrive, and understanding the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is the first step toward real change.
This video series illustrates the unique challenges these communities face, which should be highlighted in order to effectively advocate for real change. We are honoured to share these stories that are rooted in community, healing, and self-determination.
Videos in the series
Talkin’ Straight, Alice Springs
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Lupus are really big diseases that can affect any part of the body. Eating vegetables and fruit help your body with nutrition, and gentle stretching and walking everyday is really important. Most importantly take your medication every single day, even if you feel better. It's important to continue taking them as your doctor said, without any breaks or stopping entirely.
Look After Yourself and One Another in Tiwi Islands
This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aims to close the health and life expectancy gap. The video was created with the support of the Communities of the Tiwi Islands and the Tiwi Islands Health Clinics Julanimawu clinic at Wurrumiyanga, Jipuwampilala clinic at Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi Clinic.
Keeping Healthy The Good Way, Borroloola
This video is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Indigenous Australians Health Program’ (IAHP) which aim is to contribute to closing the health and life expectancy gap. It was created with the support of the Borroloola Communities and the Borroloola Community Health Centre.
Getting Your Life Back, Western NSW
This video was developed in conjunction with the Dubbo and Coonamble Aboriginal Health Services to encourage awareness of support and treatment available for the musculoskeletal conditions in Aboriginal communities across Western NSW.
Contact Us
Want to collaborate?
We are always looking for new ways to support, inform, and uplift our Autoimmune Community.
Our projects reflect what we’ve heard from listening to our community and hearing what’s missing, what’s needed, and what could truly make a difference.
Our projects are at various stages of planning or market entry development, and most of our projects are undertaken in collaboration with like-minded groups who share our goal of improving the lives of people living with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Some of our projects are not live yet and we’re always actively seeking support, partnerships, and resources to bring them to life. With the right support, we are sure we can transform these ideas into reality. If you’d like to collab with us or just get more information, please reach out. We always love to hear from you!
