For many Australians experiencing homelessness, availability to healthcare is limited because of barriers such as access, financial issues, transport, judgement, anxiety, and health literacy issues. Sunny Street provides accessible healthcare to those sleeping rough and doing it tough.
Co-founders Dr Nova Evans and Sonia Goodwin met in early 2017 while working in the public health system. While they both found their current roles challenging and enjoyable, they questioned whether they were truly reaching those individuals and families in the community who were vulnerable and unable to access mainstream healthcare.
It was through this that they decided to search for a way to positively impact their local communities’ healthcare at an individual, family and regional level.
In March 2018 they took action by resigning on the same day from their public sector managerial roles.
“With 20 to 30 years of our professional years left to make a difference, we felt that we would be able to influence the healthcare system by creating a new model of care and working outside the system,” Sonia says.
After several weeks of research, the Sunny Street concept emerged.
“Nova and I are excited about healthcare disruption, thinking outside the box for solutions to challenges and actioning change,” Sonia says.
“We are proud of our business model, we are not a charity or not-for-profit, but a social enterprise to secure our own sustainability. We also accept donations of medical equipment, and are supported by grants or financial contributions from businesses and local community groups.”
Sunny Street is a mobile doctor-and-nurse outreach service that provides healthcare to those experiencing homelessness and complex vulnerability. It is a service built on a conversation-based healthcare model. Sonia adds: “We meet people where they are at their healthcare journey.
“Sunny Street adds two-hour wraparound healthcare clinics to local community centres or groups providing food and laundry services to vulnerable people, thereby providing an immediate access point for those seeking urgent care and support.
“We offer connection, general health assessments, health education and promotion, wound care, immunisations, chronic disease management, sexually transmitted infection screening, cervical screening and referrals.
“We are honoured to lovingly provide care and connection to those experiencing homelessness, people post incarceration, youth discharged from juvenile detention centres, women and children in domestic violence shelters, and any Australian experiencing vulnerability.”
And they are succeeding. In six months they have had over 4000 consults and conversations and have more than 190 volunteers, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics and support personnel.
In the past 14 months Sunny Street has expanded across southeast Queensland providing outreach clinics in Gympie, Tewantin, Nambour, Maroochydore, Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley and Ipswich.
“Our highlights come from our patients, those who continually see our Sunny Street team. Every clinic has a great impact and a tremendous amount of health education, conversations and hugs,” Sonia says.
“We have sat with people who have not seen a doctor in 30 years, those who have cried after being heard, or who have not understood the impact of their medications or disease process and want to understand. There are moments when you are sitting with someone sleeping rough and having a tough time and you just simply listen, offer comfort and hold space for this person. There are moments when you change someone's life for the better by treating a health issue, or by intervening with a person who feels that there is no hope and our team saves a life. Those moments are the highlights.”
While the highlights have been many, keeping up with this kind of rapid expansion also comes with its own challenges. Sonia says: “We always require product donations and financial contributions. We also require volunteers to assist the development of the service in roles such as marketing, promotion, and volunteer management. Every effort helps Sunny Street to grow and provide greater impact in the lives of vulnerable Australians.
“Nova and I self-funded Sunny Street initially and ran the clinics from the back of a car. Now our funding primarily comes from the Medicare Benefits Scheme, however there are major limitations with billing and providing a conversation-based healthcare model focused on outcomes.”
They also gain their funding through a Go Fund Me Page, from local Zonta and Rotary groups fundraising, and in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions they are given support from the central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast Primary Health Networks.
Looking to the future, the Sunny Street team will expand into Logan and is aiming to set up a clinic at the Gold Coast. It is also looking to expand nationally to Melbourne and Adelaide.
“The priority is to continue to provide care and connection wherever the service can provide a positive impact on Australian individuals and communities.”
