Aunty Molly’s Story – reducing stigma through story and culture
A Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service has published the book Aunty Molly’s Journey to help build understanding of dementia and tackle stigma in a culturally meaningful way.
The Bidgerdii Community Health Service used funding from Dementia Australia’s Diversity Small Grant program to develop and publish the book, which draws on the lived experiences of community members.
Bidgerdii Programs Manager Lauren Noller said the aim was to tackle misunderstandings, stigma and shame around dementia in a culturally appropriate way.
This was particularly important as dementia is estimated to be three to five times more prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non-Indigenous Australians.
The book follows Aunty Molly, a proud elder who begins to notice changes in her memory.
“Aunty Molly is fictional but everything in the book is based on the stories and experiences collected from local elders at a series of yarning sessions we held,” Lauren said.
“The book is dedicated to our elders because we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Through Molly’s journey, she learns there is no shame in speaking up, asking questions and seeking help from her doctor, family and community.
“It doesn't matter if you're non-Indigenous, anyone could pick up this book and go: ‘This is what my mum is going through’.
“Aunty Molly doesn't belong to anyone, she belongs to everybody.”
Bidgerdii CEO Marissa Smith said capturing the stories through yarning sessions was key to telling the story in an authentic way.
“What came out of those yarning circles is in their words – it's their journeys and experiences, shared with other elders who are going through the same experience,” she said.
“This is breaking down barriers and making people feel a lot safer.
“The more education and more awareness we can put out among the community the better.”
About the Diversity Small Grants program
Dementia Australia’s Diversity Small Grants provides funding to support organisations and groups to raise awareness of dementia in their communities.
Find out more about the Diversity Small Grants program on our website.
Support and resources
If you would like advice or information about any type of dementia-related issue you can contact the National Dementia Helpline.
The National Dementia Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.
The Dementia Australia Library Service has a range of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Visit the library website to find books, videos, guides and other resources.
Dementia Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan reaffirms our commitment to making reconciliation a core part of our culture, systems and every aspect of our work.
You can view it on our website.
