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It's OK to Ask
Having the confidence to ask questions, find the information needed, and seek support are all important tools for people to have. Creating environments that are supportive and welcome questions is also key.
The 'It’s Ok to ask' resources have been co-developed with consumers. The resources (posters, pamphlets, games, video clips, workshop materials and activities) can be used in a variety of ways... as part of training, prompts, tools and as conversation starters. They were designed so that people can mix and match the resources to suit the setting or purpose.
The ‘It’s ok to ask’ brochure has helpful information to make the most of a visit to a community or health service. It includes 'tips for before and during an appointment', and 'questions you can ask'. The brochure is available in six languages, English, Tigrinya, Arabic, Persian, Nepali, and simplified Chinese.
View full range of It's OK to Ask Resources.
Email [email protected] for printed copies, or to discuss any of the resources and how they can be used.
Spot on Recognising Good Practice
“Spot On” is an initiative of the health literacy network. It’s about finding, acknowledging and sharing what people and services are doing (big or small) to make it easier for people to find, understand and use information and services.
If you think someone has hit the spot and would like to put them or their service in the spotlight, then let us know what you’ve spotted, and we’ll let them know they’re spot on!
Send us an email at [email protected]
Spot on recipients
Jen Wehnert - Health and Wellbeing Coordinator - Huon Regional Care
Jen took on the HeLLOTas project to make Huon Regional Care a Health Literate Organisation. She involved staff, consumers and the local community to incorporate health literacy into a marketing promotion and re-branding for the centre.
These learnings were incorporated into practice, such as:
- new sign-in process and assurance of a consistent friendly reception,
- new signage,
- more appropriate furniture,
- water availability and
- improved information materials.
Oral Health Services Tasmania
Oral Health Services Tasmania were spotted for developing the ‘Lift the Lip for Parents’ Poster. It uses plain language, quality images, has a friendly layout, is fit for purpose and was co-designed with consumers.
Starting Point Neighbourhood House - Ravenswood
- Initiating Health Literacy workshops and training
- Co-developing It’s OK to Ask resources
- Participating in evaluations and planning
- Running programs for consumers.
#Hello my name is
It’s so much easier to ask questions when you know who someone is and what they do.
It’s exactly why the Health Literacy Network are supporting people and services to take up the #hellomynameis campaign. The campaign was started by Dr Kate Granger following her own experiences as a patient and encourages and reminds health and community workers about the importance of introductions.
But it’s more than just wearing a name tag or telling someone what you do. It’s about creating a friendly and supportive culture and environment. The campaign has been in Tasmania since late 2016 and we have more than 100 different organisations involved (not all are in health) with more and more people joining each week. We are excited and heartened about the difference this is making to the experiences of people, services and care providers.
If you would like more information about “Hello my name is” or the Health Literacy Network, email [email protected]
Meet the #Hello my name is ambassadors
Siobhan Harper
CEO Population Health Services
- Ambassador since October 2016
- Share Siobhan video on why she joined the campaign.
Denise Fassett
Executive Dean, College of Health and Medicine
- Ambassador since October 2016
- Share Denise's video where she reflects on her own personal experience as a patient and how she is using the campaign to ensure effective communication is consistently taught and acted upon throughout courses.
Susan Crave
Northern Area Manager, Mental Health Services
- Ambassador since November 2016
- Share Susan's video on how Susan would like to use the campaign to build relationships with staff and people accessing Mental Health Services.
Phil Edmondson
CEO, Primary Health Tasmania
- Ambassador since July 2017
- Watch Phil’s video to find out why introductions are important to Phil, why he is getting involved and what he would like everyone to do.
Jessica Bean
Health Empowerment Coach
- Ambassador since October 2017
- View Jessica’s video to see why she has taken on the role of consumer representative.
Colleen Johnstone
CEO of Palliative Care Tasmania
- Ambassador since May 2018.
- Hear Colleen talk about Palliative Care Tasmania’s adoption of the campaign.
Francine Douce
Chief Nurse and Midwife, Tasmania
- Ambassador since July 2018
- Hear Francine talk about the importance of introductions in the everyday work of the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwife.
The 26TEN health literacy supporters network
Health literacy is important for improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. The issues are complex so we are taking a long-term coordinated approach that involves the whole community. 26TEN, Tasmania’s campaign for adult literacy, is the banner under which we can all pull together to make a difference.
Together we:
- recognise that literacy and numeracy are foundational skills that can support health literacy;
- know the issues that affect our health are complex and the contributing factors are many so we have to take a long-term coordinated approach that involves the whole community;
- appreciate how 26TEN connects and links across our communities (health, education, business);
- can work together to raise awareness of literacy and health literacy issues;
- will be able to provide concrete tools to people and service providers to respond to identified needs;
- share the same goal to achieve clear communication;
- are aware of the positive ripple effect that happens when one person or service provider improves their literacy and health literacy and how this spreads across families, communities and workplaces – so together, we have a great opportunity to make a real difference to the health of all Tasmanians.
By forming the 26TEN health literacy supporters network, people with an interest in literacy and health literacy will:
- raise public awareness
- engage people in health literacy and literacy activities
- advocate for the implementation of health literacy principles and practices within the health care system
- foster links between supporters that facilitate collaboration.
Get more information on becoming a supporter.
Where to find out more
Email [email protected]
Literacy and numeracy are the foundation of good health literacy. If you have any queries about adult literacy in Tasmania contact 26TEN at [email protected] or visit the 26ten website.
