Captain Starlight playing a part in enhancing health outcomes for children and young people in the NT

Laura Robinson Starlight Children’s Foundation

Introduction Captain Starlight Community Since 2006 CSCOP has expanded its services and is In addition, a number of positive impacts were References now active at numerous rural and remote community identified by the health staff responsible for children’s 1. Australian Institute of Health and The health of Indigenous Australians has consistently Outreach Program (CSCOP) health centres, at Healthy School Aged Kids screening clinics. They included: Welfare. Ear and hearing health of been found to be worse than that of other clinics, health and community event festivals, Indigenous children in the Northern Goal: To improve the well-being of children and • improved attendance at clinics Territory. [Online] Canberra: Australian Australians. In the (NT) the young people by enhancing the primary health care and is being piloted, in collaboration with the NT • parents and children staying longer at clinics Institute of Health and Welfare; 2011. difference is particularly pronounced with Aboriginal experience and encouraging healthy living through Government, at Paediatric Multidisciplinary Clinics. • easier management of clinics [Cited 04 March 2013]. Available children having some of the highest levels of entertainment and play. from URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/ CSCOP is, or has been active, in: • the creation of a less institutionalised more publication-detail/?id=10737420423 preventable chronic diseases in Australia and the • : Yirrkala, Milingimbi, welcoming family-centred environment, and that 2. The Lowitja Institute. Child and world.1 When left undiagnosed and untreated these The Program Gapuwiyak, Angurugu, Numbulwar, Ramingining, Captain Starlight was pivotal to supporting existing Maternal Health. [Online] Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute. [Cited 04 March conditions can lead to long-term negative physical, Using activities such art, music, story-telling, Galiwinku, Minjilang and Warruwi health promotion programs. 2013]. Available from URL: http://www. cognitive, psychosocial, and vocational outcomes comedy and games, Captain Starlight works • Darwin Rural: Maningrida, Gunbalanya, Continuing feedback from clinic health professionals lowitja.org.au/research-topics/child- for the children.2 Limited resources, a delay in alongside local and visiting health professionals Peppimenarti, Wadeye and internal evaluations of the CSCOP continue to and-maternal-health services, and a mistrust of the mainstream health to encourage attendance, alleviate fear and • Katherine Region: Katherine, Borroloola, Mataranka, support the CRCAH’s findings. 3. DiGiacomo M, Davidson PM, Abbott P, boredom, and deliver health messages to et al. Childhood disability in Aboriginal care system can contribute to low attendance rates Kalkarindji, Lajamanu and Pine Creek and Torres Strait Islander peoples: children, young people and families attending “Captain Starlight has been an awesome at health clinics.3 Investing in effective, and culturally •  Region: Milikapiti and Nguiu a literature review. International health clinics and health services in local asset during HSAK (Healthy School Age Kids Journal for Equity in Health 2013, 12:7: appropriate, resources and services to improve community settings such as schools and festivals. •  Region: Alice Springs. program) rising from 50% of the children doi:10.1186/1475-9276-12-7. Aboriginal maternal and childhood health results in The Captains’ activities support the reduction of being screened in the community in 2011 4. Dwyer J, Silburn K, Wilson G. Aboriginal 3,4 to 80% in 2012. I truly believe this significant and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health long-term benefits to the child and community. chronic childhood diseases in the communities. Using play and entertainment Captain Starlight Care Review: Consultant Report No 1. performs shows and leads activities that help rise is from the influence of the Captain “The Starlight Captains were delightful, National Strategies for Improving deliver healthy living messages such as the Starlight program.” — Remote Child Health Nurse Indigenous Health and Health Care. Background absolutely captivating…The children loved importance of: [Online] Canberra: Department of Since 1988 the Starlight Children’s Foundation the program and the presenters…their Communications, Information, was laughter and joy displayed by both • Washing hands and face Key factors supporting the expansion Technology and the Arts; 2004. has been brightening the lives of seriously the Captains and the kids..it kept the kids • Cleaning ears, brushing teeth of Starlight’s NT outreach program: [Cited 04 March 2013]. Available from and chronically ill children, young people and URL: http://www.health.gov.au/ contained, and easy to collect for their • Keeping the community clean • Preventative education internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Content/ their families via a range of innovative hospital checks.” — Child Health Nurse • Developing healthy eating habits • Collaboration EC09AB903EAD9CA3CA25722B0083428 F/$File/vol1national.pdf and outreach programs focusing on positive • Sustainability distraction and entertainment. An essential 5. Kelly-Dalgety E. Captain Starlight In 2006 Starlight expanded its Captain Starlight • Addressing a critical need in indigenous Program Evaluation Report 2010. element of Starlight’s programs is Captain Starlight program to the NT, where it has worked collaboratively Program evaluation communities Melbourne: Starlight Children’s Foundation, 2010. — professional costumed performers and artists with NT health professionals, local communities, In 2008 Starlight engaged the services the Cooperative 6. Harrison N, Walker D. Evaluation of who seek to distract and entertain young people and government departments to tailor the Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH)6 — program to better meet the health challenges of Future directions/Ongoing work the Starlight Children’s Foundation while hospitalised and undergoing treatment predecessor to the Lowitja Institute — to evaluate the activities in regional and remote Indigenous populations. Using positive distraction or consultations. The impacts of the program impact of Captain Starlight’s activities in the NT. In 2013 Starlight will continue to: communities of the Northern Territory. include a reduction in young people’s anxiety and entertainment, e.g. skits, songs, and interactive Darwin: Cooperative Research Centre activities, CSCOP aims to: What was learned? Strengthen its links with NT Health through supporting for Aboriginal Health, 2008. with hospitalisation and treatment or consultations, Captain Starlight’s attendance on pediatric day trips to 1. attract children, young people, and families to health enhanced coping, a reframing of the children’s/ The findings from the evaluation found that the community and Healthy School Aged Screening visits. and child community centres and clinics, young peoples’ experience of the medical system, Captains are: Explore and develop methods to formally measure the 2. to increase attendance by reducing fear and and improved mood.5 • regarded as highly skilled, professional, self-sufficient, impact of Starlight’s NT Community Outreach program. boredom, and non-intrusive 3. support health promotion, and • appreciated for their willingness and flexibility in Starlight NT Community Outreach program key 4. increase awareness of healthy living practices. providing support to community initiated activities, collaborations include: The program is designed to be safe, fun, engaging and that • NT Department of Health and culturally appropriate. • the activities conducted by the Captains are greatly • NT Department of Education The CSCOP is promoted through multiple channels enjoyed and provide important play activities to • Aboriginal Controlled Health Services with recommendations frequently made by health children and communities that have little access to • Aboriginal communities

agencies. such entertainment. ERC 130385