Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

Work it Out & Rehabilitation Programs

The Work it Out (WIO) program is a culturally responsive, chronic condition self-management program that has been implemented since 2011 across participating Community Controlled Health Services (CCHSs) in South East Queensland.

Clients can attend the WIO program for a 6 month period of 2 sessions per week, which upon completion, clients graduate from the program with the skills to self-manage their health needs. They will also be individually prescribed an exercise program and will have an awareness of various supports offered in their local community. The program remains flexible in supporting client’s health and family needs and is one of many of the Exercise Physiology Services IUIH has to offer.

A WIO session is led by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and delivered in partnership with a multidisciplinary team of Allied Health professionals. Each WIO session consists of a group education session delivered by a variety of health professionals in a culturally appropriate yarning style. Each client participates in an individually tailored exercise prescription developed by an AEP and performed in a supportive group setting. This program is developed around the clients goals, local community and home environment and individual needs and preferences to support them to take the steps towards self-management upon graduation.

The program not only provides a safe and supported setting for exercise, but an opportunity for clients to stay socially and culturally connected.

By coming to WIO, our clients have seen improvements in their:

  • Confidence and ability in managing their health and wellness.
  • Cardiovascular fitness.
  • Muscular strength and endurance.
  • Balance and movement in day to day tasks.
  • Mental health and wellbeing.

WIO is currently being delivered from IUIH clinics in the following locations: Morayfield, Strathpine, Deception Bay, Woolloongabba, Goodna, Miami, Capalaba, Wynnum, North Stradbroke Island, Logan and Northgate.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with, or at risk of, a chronic disease can enter the WIO program by General Practitioner referral.

The NEW Work It Out Rehab programs have been established specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Members who have a heart or lung condition and live in South East Queensland. 

Through the program, you will: 

  • gain access to a group yarning program led by health professionals
  • receive an individualised rehabilitation plan tailored to you and tools to support activities at home.

Located in community and connected with AMS’s and GP clinics, the Heart and Lung Rehab Programs run twice a week for eight weeks in various locations, and include Deception Bay, Logan, Cleveland, Gold Coast* and Goodna.

If you live outside these locations, but still live in South East Queensland, get in touch with the Rehab team to yarn about how we might be able to support your access to the program.

For more information on the program or on how to join: 

  • For Mob connected to an AMS, please contact your local clinic to yarn to your Doctor about a referral
  • For Mob connected to a GP Clinic or other service, please email the Work It Out Rehab team on rehab@iuih.org.au

*Specific location TBC