Community consultation and engagement

Appropriate and effective consultation enables communities to be engaged and involved in determining the processes, outcomes and sustainability of sexual health and BBV programs.

It involves genuine listening and giving careful consideration to the views of community members, enabling them to be involved and collaborate to influence and shape programs.

Effective communication also involves sharing information and providing feedback on the progress and outcomes of programs.

Good engagement and communication between services and communities develops trust and relationships that have many benefits for both. Elders and other key community members can provide unique knowledge, experience and insight.

Their involvement can be empowering for the community and mutually valuable, as well as contributing to the success and sustainability of programs.^{4, 5}

Advice from local Aboriginal staff is essential to understanding cultural protocols when planning community engagement, community education programs or clinical services.

“Community involvement and ownership help to build self-determination and community control. The more a community is involved, the more people will access sexual health services. Positive community involvement is also good for young people. Research shows that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who feel connected to their families and have caring adults who are involved in their lives have a lower risk of poor sexual and reproductive health.” — Djiyadi – can we talk? ⁴