BCHS to lead new Loddon Infant, Child and Family Health Wellbeing Hub
Bendigo Community Health Services has been named as the lead agency for a new Loddon Infant, Child and Family Health Wellbeing hub.
The hub is one of three across Victoria announced today by the State and Federal governments.
Families across the Loddon region with children aged 0-11 years will have access to a one-stop shop for mental health care and health and wellbeing support, with the hub delivering a range of specialist medical and allied health services such as paediatricians, psychologists, parenting support and speech pathologists under one roof.
The hub will also provide free assessments for development issues and autism.
BCHS says women should have autonomy over their health
Bendigo Community Health Services supports a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health.
Following the dangerous US decision to overturn Roe V Wade, BCHS is concerned about the impact at a local level on women seeking pregnancy terminations (abortions).
BCHS provides specialist nurse-led care for women seeking terminations until 9 weeks gestation.
On average, our Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub supports four women a week to medically terminate a pregnancy, however the number of women phoning our service seeking information or referrals for surgical termination is much higher.
BCHS resumes Thursday Soup Kitchen
Bendigo Community Health Services will next week resume providing free meals to those who need them.
After a two-year break because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the soup kitchen will again operate out of Fork in the Road community hub each Thursday evening.
The Thursday Soup Kitchen operates in partnership with the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Clients working with the Department improve their cooking and customer service skills, by preparing meals for distribution to those who attend each week.
Need to continue supporting at-risk communities
A vital program working with some of the region’s most at-risk communities during the Covid-19 pandemic will end next month, leaving a significant gap in the city’s healthcare response.
Bendigo Community Health Services joins the Victorian Healthcare Association in urging the State Government to reconsider its decision to end the High Risk Accommodation Response program (HRAR) next month, when the state’s ambulance and hospital system is being hit with significant demand as a result of Covid-19 and influenza.
Through this program we have been able to reach people in ways that weren’t previously being met before the pandemic.
There’s no safe vape: BCHS calls for community conversations
On the eve of World Anti-Tobacco Day, Bendigo Community Health Services is calling for increased community conversation about the risks of vaping.
With a sharp increase in the number of young people using vapes, BCHS is asking parents, schools and young people to have conversations about the harmful realities of using e-cigarettes.
As noted by key Australian and international health organisations, there is increasing evidence of health-related harm caused by vaping.
BCHS encourages people to learn the facts about vaping, which include:
Healthcare agencies call for understanding as system is under pressure
With the state’s healthcare system under pressure, two of Bendigo’s GP and allied health service providers are calling for understanding from the community.
The high number of Covid-19 and influenza cases across the region has resulted in healthcare providers not only seeing a significant increase in demand for GPS, but also a reduced workforce.
Bendigo Community Health Services CEO, Gerard José, says the organisation is experiencing high demand for GP and other allied health appointments.
“We empathise with our Bendigo Health colleagues and understand the pressure they are under in our hospital’s emergency department,” he said.
Beyond Her Lens: Stories of Resilience
Beyond Her Lens: Stories of Resilience
A photographic exhibition exploring women’s resilience through the pandemic
Beyond Her Lens presents an insightful and resonant picture of women in Bendigo and their response to an unprecedented global crisis.
Fifteen women have turned the camera on themselves, their families, and their neighbourhoods, sharing intimate moments of their lives in Bendigo during a pandemic.
This photographic exhibition explores how local women have drawn on their strength and resilience, as the impact of COVID continues to unfold and present new challenges.
Join the movement to help Vic Kids Eat Well
Schools, sport clubs and other organisations working with young people are being invited to learn more about how they can help Vic Kids Eat Well.
Bendigo Community Health Services is supporting Vic Kids Eat Well, a new Victoria-wide initiative focusing on healthy food and drink options in places young people spend their time, including schools, outside school hours care, sports clubs, recreation facilities and council operated facilities.
Recent Department of Health data shows 41 per cent of children’s diets comes from highly processed food, while the Secondary Schools Canteens in Australia (Haynes, A et al) analysis found more than 77 per cent of secondary schools in Australia still sell sugary drinks.
BCHS 2022 federal and state elections statement
Community health services are critical to improving the health and well-being of all people, without prejudice.
In particular, their understanding of the unique needs and challenges of local communities means community health services are well-placed to respond through targeted programs and services.
This is particularly the case in areas where intersectional disadvantage may be evident – taking into account the social, physical and economic conditions that impact upon health.
Here’s where you can read our priorities for the 2022 Federal and State government elections.
Having a wardrobe clean-out? We need your coats
The Bendigo Community Coat Drive is happening again – and we need your help.
As the cold nights set in, and cooler days are ahead, there are many who need support to keep warm.
In previous years, we’ve been fortunate to receive more than 2700 donations from our community – and given the pressure Covid-19 has placed on many people, we’re hoping to see high numbers this year.
Bendigo Community Health Services Chief Executive Officer, Gerard José, is hopeful the return of the coat drive will bring comfort to many this winter.
