Inclusive Health Partnerships
In 2023–24, two new programs were introduced to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations this year. Both programs have improved access to essential health services for high-risk groups and identified the need for more targeted responses.
Hepatitis C Testing
During 2023 Micah Projects' Nurse Practitioner conducted Hepatitis C education sessions across Brisbane. This included 21 Hepatitis C Health Education events (over 12 months) held at crisis accommodation and homelessness and health services, providing 180 professionals and 212 people who were experiencing homelessness, vulnerably housed, or attending an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) service were provided with education and support.
Key figures
50 people
were diagnosed with Hepatitis C (21% homeless or at risk)
29 people
completed treatment and were cured (not including patients under specialist care or treated elsewhere)
POCT Rapid Syphilis Testing
In response to rising syphilis rates in Southeast Queensland and with the support of Queensland Health's Public Health Unit, this project integrated rapid syphilis testing (POCT) into Micah Projects outreach nursing services to improve sexual health access for marginalised populations, especially vulnerable women. The initiative demonstrated effectiveness in delivering this service and will be able to continue its integration into care, alongside the current Hepatitis C program that has been running for several years.
Homeless to Home (H2H) Health Network
The H2H Health Network focused on collaborating with key stakeholders to identify the health needs of people entering and exiting prisons.
H2H Health Network Reconvened
The Homeless to Home H2H Health Network was reconvened by Micah Projects in March 2024 and plays a vital role in addressing the complex health and social needs of individuals exiting prison and navigating the health system.
The network fosters collaboration across government, non-government, and community organisations, enabling knowledge sharing and care coordination, and is supported by St Vincent’s Health Australia.
By bringing together diverse sectors — housing, health, social services, and justice, it promotes person-centred, trauma-sensitive approaches to care. Through quarterly forums the network strengthens partnerships, helps identify service gaps, and advocates for holistic solutions to create better outcomes for marginalised populations.
Key figures
4 forums
were held by the H2H Network
206 people
attended the forums representing their sectors, services and specialties
Publications
COVID‐19 vaccination outreach
Implementing a COVID‐19 vaccination outreach service for people experiencing homelessness
Home and Healthy Evaluation
Home and Healthy Evaluation Final Report
Health Home Hope
2024 Inclusive Health Partnerships: Health Home Hope
Homefront
Works with the Princess Alexandra Hospital to support people following discharge with ongoing case management and coordinated care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Key figures
107 individuals
supported by Homefront over 2,073 episodes of care
Homefront Mater
Is a partnership between Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater at Home and Micah Projects, providing intensive supports to improve access to primary healthcare, housing and social supports in the community. This year, Mater Homefront presented at the Clinical Excellence Showcase with Queensland Health.
Key figures
113 individuals
supported by Homefront Mater over 2,028 instances of care
Working Together to Connect Care (WTCC)
Is a collaboration between Metro North Health and community service providers operating through the Brisbane North PHN. It targets vulnerable individuals who present frequently to an Emergency Department and would benefit from comprehensive case management that addresses the social determinants of health.
Key figures
118 individuals
supported by WTTCC over 2,139 episodes of care
GP Outreach Clinics
In partnership with 3rd Space, GP Outreach Clinics have been highly beneficial, as many people who come for basic needs like food or a shower are not typically linked with a GP.
An integrated approach, working closely with onsite staff and the Inclusive Health and Wellness Hub, has allowed for opportunistic healthcare access. Through these clinics, individuals have not only received medical care but have also been connected to essential services including psychology and Services Australia, enhancing holistic support.
Bric Housing, Spring Hill
in partnership with Mission Australia
The Park Hotel, Spring Hill
in partnership with St Vincent De Paul
Women’s Health and Equality Queensland, Stones Corner
temporarily on hold from 31/5/2024 due to relocation of premises
Young Mothers for Young Women, Coorparoo
Micah Projects (ceased 2/5/2024)
3rd Space, Fortitude Valley
commenced in March 2024
Greenslopes House
commenced June 2024
Service Navigator
The Service Navigator on the team provides a rapid short-term response to people experiencing situational crises which are impacting their mental health and wellbeing. They also act as a resource to other providers across the region who would like support navigating the housing service system.
NDIS and Health Integration Navigator
The NDIS and Health Integration Navigator supports participants and their treating doctors to collate evidence and engage with service systems including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Centrelink, QCAT and Hospital & Health Services.
“[The Home & Healthy worker] has been trustworthy as a person for me to go to when I’m at a crisis point and need support right then”
Home and Healthy Consortium
Across the consortium, Home and Healthy teams support participants who have been unable to engage with mainstream services for various reasons.
Most participants have significant histories of trauma, chronic health issues, negative and/or involuntary interactions with service systems and regularly experience violence.
The key focus of Home and Healthy is to support participants in their individual recovery journey through recognising their uniqueness and resilience, building trust, addressing immediate risk and crisis, supporting their engagement with service systems to build their capacity for independence and working side by side on their goals.
Micah Projects' Inclusive Health Partnerships Service
