Why did you want to be a People Connector with the ACDC Project?
Kevin: To make change and to put into place services needed. We have to collect data to facilitate this. Being part of that is rewarding and humbling.
Tori: I wanted to be a People Connector with the ACDC Project in Fitzroy because I know that the suburb really celebrates diversity and inclusion, but there are still far too many people on the fringes of society. I really value social networking, and I hope through having meaningful conversations with householders we can assist them in their own self-empowerment and advocacy.
How have you found door-knocking in Fitzroy so far?
Kevin: We have found door knocking to be great so far. We are currently in an area that would be described as a high social demographic area, and many are working from home therefore we have been able to quickly engage and leave paper surveys to those who are interested. The response has been really positive. It’s unique to have someone at your door asking about your wellbeing.
Tori: Talking to multiple members of one household has been particularly interesting. I can see that as People Connectors, we’re opening up opportunities for householders to be more transparent with each other about mental health and wellbeing. Hopefully, these initial discussions can help people address early mental health concerns and get the support they need as soon as possible.
What is one of the best things about your job as a People Connector?
Kevin: Extracting personal stories to improve community knowledge and the implementation of services is a difficult, yet rewarding, challenge.
Tori: One of the best things about being a People Connector is meeting with people who are automatically so glad to hear that the project is taking place in their suburb. We are still in the early stages of community engagement but we have come across some people who are generally stoked that there is some action being taken to check in on mental health in Fitzroy.
How do you think the ACDC Project will help people in Fitzroy?
Kevin: I hope there will be an upturn in accessing services to improve personal wellbeing. I would also like the data about gaps in service awareness and usage to be communicated to relevant bodies.
Tori: There’s still a lot to learn and householders are bringing things to our attention that I never would have considered. The ACDC Project gives people in the community an opportunity to be more empowered and informed. By identifying the gaps, whether it is lack of services or gaps in knowledge, I think the ACDC Project can help by consolidating the conversations we have and information we collect, to then share with local social and health network planners and advocate for improvement.
