Elvie helps create more inclusive care for families
When Elvie Yap became a mother, her world shifted in ways she never expected.
Once firmly career-focused, she found herself immersed in 20 months of full-time parenting, a time she describes as both rewarding and deeply challenging. Transitioning from professional life to caring for 2 young children brought new responsibilities, endless household tasks and the emotional weight of maintaining her own wellbeing.
Adding to this complexity was the reality of raising children in a culture vastly different from the one she grew up in.
This personal journey laid the foundation for her current work as a Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Community Ambassador and community leader focused on parenting and child wellbeing.
A path toward advocacy
When Elvie, originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, heard about the CAHS Community Ambassador program, she saw an opportunity to better understand the services available to families – and therefore help other parents, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, access reliable information.
Her impact was felt quickly.
“After hearing repeated concerns from parents about waiting in the Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) Emergency Department with no access to food, I raised this with CAHS,” Elvie said.
“Today, a vending machine has been installed, offering families a small but meaningful source of comfort during stressful moments.”
It’s a simple change, but one that demonstrates how consumer voices shape better experiences for families.
Connecting families before challenges arise
Elvie is passionate about early intervention and connecting families with available healthcare supports as early as possible.“I want every parent and parent-to-be to know where to find trustworthy information and how to access the services they need,” Elvie said.
“Reliable information should not be difficult to find. Every family deserves to feel confident navigating the health system.”
By becoming a CAHS Community Ambassador and understanding the range of CAHS services, she can help forge those connections.
“For me, inclusive health care is more than equal access, it’s equal understanding,” Elvie said.
Her vision is of a system where every individual, regardless of race, culture, language or gender can access the same services and fully comprehend each step of their health journey. A system that clearly communicates, offers culturally sensitive support and recognises the diverse realities of the families it serves.
The power of community leadership
Elvie believes that as a CAHS Community Ambassador, she can strengthen trust, improve communication and ensure health messages reach families in her community.“I hope my role will help break down barriers and empower parents with the knowledge they need to raise healthy, resilient children,” Elvie said.
“I encourage more community leaders to join the program. More voices will mean more perspectives and ultimately, more inclusive care.”
Learn more about the CAHS Community Ambassador program and subscribe to the Engage network if you’d like to hear of other opportunities to share your feedback with our health service.