Services and support
Strong feet project
Keeping our people strong on their feet, on Country and in community.
AMSANT’s strong feet project supports member services to prevent diabetes-related foot disease and reduce avoidable amputations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Northern Territory. We work with clinics, health workers and communities to strengthen routine foot checks, care pathways and follow-up, and to make sure the right support is in place early. Through practical training, better systems for tracking foot screenings and strong partnerships, the strong feet project helps keep people moving, connected to family and country, and living independent, active lives for longer.
What we do
The strong feet project focuses on foot health for people living with, or at risk of, diabetes and other chronic conditions. We support services to strengthen regular foot screening and early identification of problems, and to put clear pathways in place so people can get timely treatment, referrals and follow-up.
The project also works to improve how foot health information is recorded and tracked in clinical systems, and to build staff confidence to talk about foot care and support people to look after their feet at home. Our work is practical, hands-on and designed to fit the realities of remote, regional and urban services.
Why this program matters
Healthy feet are essential for walking on country, caring for family, working, playing sport and staying independent. Diabetes-related foot disease can lead to pain, infection and, too often, amputations, which are far more common for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory than elsewhere in Australia. When foot health is supported early and consistently, people have a much better chance of staying well and avoiding serious complications.
The strong feet project helps services identify problems early, support people to stay strong and mobile, and reduce avoidable hospital stays and amputations. It makes sure foot health is treated as a core part of chronic disease care, not an afterthought, and keeps quality of life and connection to community at the centre of care.
Our focus areas
The project promotes better policies and standards for foot health in Aboriginal primary health care and works on consistent recording of foot checks in Communicare and other systems. We provide training and mentoring so clinicians and Aboriginal health practitioners feel confident in preventing, recognising and managing diabetes-related foot problems.
How we support member services
We work with clinic teams to map foot care pathways and clarify roles, assist with building or refining tools in Communicare to record and recall people needing foot checks, and provide advice on linking with podiatry and high-risk foot services. Where requested, we also support community-based education and yarning activities about strong feet, falls prevention and staying active.
Who we work with
The strong feet project works with:
- Aboriginal health practitioners, nurses, doctors and allied health staff involved in chronic disease and foot
- care podiatrists and high-risk foot services in hospitals and specialist clinics
- community elders, leaders and local groups running health and wellbeing activities
- partner organisations such as regional PHNs, professional bodies and training providers supporting diabetes and foot health work.
Our impact
Through the strong feet project, AMSANT is helping services to:
- Increase the number and quality of foot checks for people with diabetes.
- Improve staff skills and confidence in recognising and managing foot problems early.
- Strengthen pathways between primary health care, podiatry and hospital services.
- Raise community awareness about the importance of looking after your feet.
Over time, we aim to see fewer serious infections and amputations, and more people staying active, independent and connected to Country, culture and community.
Current projects & initiatives
Diabetes foot project (Top End | Big Rivers | East Arnhem)
regional work to improve foot care for people with diabetes through better care pathways, training and routine screening.
Chronic conditions foot workshops
hands-on workshops for clinicians focusing on foot assessment, wound care and offloading techniques.
Falls, footcare and footcare yarning circles
community-led sessions with elders and local groups to talk about staying steady on your feet, caring for your feet at home and staying active.
Foot screening and Communicare tools
development and refinement of tools and templates in Communicare to support consistent recording and follow-up of foot checks.
Advocacy for podiatry access
ongoing advocacy for better access to podiatrists, footwear and equipment for Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory.
Resources & downloads
Foot screening tools and risk assessment guides, clinical pathways and best-practice guidelines for diabetes-related foot care and more can be found here…
Get in touch
To find out more about the Strong Feet Project, training opportunities or support for foot health in your service, please contact us.