September Newsletter
17/09/2009 11:36:41 AM
LOTE News
September 2009
sids and kids Fact Sheet
Focus on safe sleeping
sids and kids have developed a Sleeping Baby fact sheet for Arabic, Farsi, Khmer, Somali, Sudanese and Vietnamese speaking communities.
On behalf of sids and kids, LOTE Marketing ran focus groups in each of these languages to test whether the messages conveyed in the fact sheets were clear. It was found that there are various cultural and generational differences around knowledge of safe sleeping practices. The fact sheets provide clear messages about what the safest sleeping practices are, in a way that is culturally acceptable. It was affirmed that particular visual symbols provide universally understood signs for communities who are not literate in their own language. The sessions also gave participants a chance to identify any confusing messages and images.
The focus groups and accompanying report of findings have helped sids and kids to ensure that their important messages make an impact on the target audience.
Health messages increasing knowledge, reducing anxiety
Is the information provided to CALD communities about gastroenteritis clear? What about that on chest pain? Or fever in children?
LOTE Marketing recently conducted six focus groups with Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese speaking communities on behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS). The groups talked about the perceived value of DHS fact sheets on a range of important health issues. As well as providing feedback on the usefulness of the information, the focus groups talked about ways that they like to receive health messages.
The accompanying report and recommendations have the potential to help DHS reduce health-related anxieties, and the subsequent impact on the health care system.
LOTE reaches Indigenous communities
For organizations interested in making their services more accessible to Indigenous communities, LOTE Marketing has contracted consultant Renai Dean to help. Renai is a Yorta Yorta descendent raised according to Aboriginal customs and culture. Based in Victoria, she has worked with Aboriginal communities for over 17 years.
She has a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood, Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Business, Graduate Business Management and Masters in Business Management.
Renai specializes in project leadership and community consultations with Indigenous communities. Through forums, focus groups and research she has played a significant role in improving conditions and issues that face some Aboriginal communities such as health, housing, family and child services, substance abuse and domestic violence.
LOTE Marketing is now available to advise on the best way to reach Indigenous communities with clear and effective messages.
Plain sailing with plain English
Writing in plain English means that a message is written for the reader in a style that is simple and concise. It is quicker to write, faster to read, and sounds friendlier.
For documents being prepared for translation, writing your original copy in plain English ensures that your message is useful and clear for the target audience.
LOTE Marketing has specialized writers on staff who can help prepare plain English language documents, as well as assess and improve existing materials for readability.