This article about the development and progress of The Aurum Project was published in the Journal of the New Zealand Homeopathic Society 2015
THE BEGINNING OF THE AURUM PROJECT
Penny Barron, is a mum of three children, whose health problems made mothering a relentless round of sleepless nights, driving her beyond human limits. She despaired about her children’s recurrent ear infections, eczema, clinging behaviour, scratching and whining and …..
When Penny heard about homeopathy, she found a homeopath, tried it and saw huge changes in her children’s health. She was so impressed with the results she saw in her children, that she began to study homeopathy herself. She got herself a job as receptionist at the Harbord Homeopathic Clinic and soon saw the need for more research. She wanted to be able to back up her personal experience with data (after all she had a BSc herself). After gaining her Diploma in Homeopathy, she saw that there was no pathway for homeopathic researchers in Australia. There is no holding back a mother on a mission! Hence, the first Australian Charity for Homeopathy, The Aurum Project was born in 2005.
GETTING THE PAPERWORK IN
Setting up a charity involved writing documents like: ‘Australian Research Priorities’. It compelled us to summarise the conditions frequently treated by homeopaths in Australia such as: ear infections, eczema, asthma, anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders like ADHD.
We quickly realised that basic high-quality data collection of clinical results is very important to record. So the AP developed a building-blocks approach to fostering homeopathic research, starting with: literature reviews; data collection; auditing workshops; retrospective research and prospective outcome studies, all of which needed funding.
The AP applied for charity status, making donations and bequests possible. After more than a year of intense effort on a steep learning curve, AP received the certificates for the highest level charity status possible.
It is far from easy for a charity to source funding. In the beginning we received support from colleges, homeopathic pharmacies, individuals, and set up a website to gather members. The AP was and still is grateful for every donation, and contribution however small, which enables the AP to do its work. It has come a long way in ten years and established a good foundation from which to grow and help support homeopaths in Australasia.
ACHIEVEMENTS THUS FAR
Publications
2015 – Support of a literature review: To what extent can homeopathy replace antibiotics in Australian healthcare? For future publication.
2014 – Article: Analysis of a modern approach to the homeopathic treatment of chronic and acute ear problems in children in Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) journal.
2013 – Article: The value of observational studies in homeopathy in ATMS journal.
2013 – Article: Should homeopathy be considered as part of a treatment strategy for otitis media with effusion in children? Published in the PubMed-listed UK journal ‘Homeopathy’ by Alison Fixsen
2011 – Article: The proving of homeopathic melatonin 6x published in Links journal.
2011 – Support of literature reviews:
The use of homeopathy for treatment of otitis media
The use of homeopathy for the treatment of hypertension.
2009 – Article: Hyoscyamus niger: A Case Series Analysis in Similia journal and WellBeing magazine.
2007 – Book: Challenging Children: Success with Homeopathy. Twenty nine Australian homeopaths present case studies of successful treating children’s chronic health conditions.
THE BALI PROJECT SEMINARS: 2013, 2015
In the culmination of the goal of strengthening and supporting homeopaths through networking and information sharing, the AP has succeeded in producing two highly successful seven-day seminars in Ubud, Bali. The emphasis of The Bali Project is to utilise a rare opportunity to engage and learn with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere – and have fun. The Bali Project has been dubbed “so much more than a seminar” because it combines lectures, field trips and cross-fertilisation between practitioners from seven countries.
MELTING POTS
Originally created for The Bali Projects, Melting Pot ‘speed-learning’ sessions have become so popular they are now a signature feature of AP seminars.
SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS
Aurum Project activities continue to develop and grow. We aim to include research data from Australian and New Zealand clinics in its studies, surveys and reviews and publish more widely.
AP representatives attended the inaugural ‘One United Voice’ Sydney meeting in August 2015 which included wide representation from industry bodies, associations and pharmacies in Australasia.
GET INVOLVED AND HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK
We love homeopathy. We love working in The Aurum Project and there are lots of ways you can join us. Our new Members area will allow more collaboration and sharing of articles and videos and we are working on a new members directory. You can sign up as a member here.
