Encouraging young people to connect through sport

Encouraging young people to engage in sport will be the focus of a mixed volleyball tournament this weekend.

The Bendigo Community Health Services Karen Youth Sports Inclusion Project has drawn on the insights of a group of young Karen people who formed an advisory group, to explore ways to bring people together.

It was decided a volleyball competition would bring community together through friendly competition, and encourage young people to participate more in local sporting clubs and competitions.

Helping more families fight climate change

Ensuring more families can contribute to the fight against climate change has been the focus of a partnership between the Community Power Hub Loddon Mallee and Bendigo Community Health Services.

Supported by Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government, the Community Power Hub Loddon Mallee’s Solar on Low Income Homes Project has helped with the technical expertise and crowdfunding of the installation of 3kW solar systems on a number of homes throughout Bendigo.

They are now crowdfunding further to extend their reach and increase the number of homes provided with renewable energy.

“When we learn to celebrate and appreciate our differences, we are all given space to thrive”

“My hope is that as we continue to educate, provide positive visibility and show the world that transition and transgender people are valuable parts of the diversity that exists between all humans, then we can reduce those fears and provide safe places and people to come out to. No-one should have to live in fear.”

Zara Jones’ first 40 years were spent being perceived as a man, but in 2017 she came out as transgender – and is now committed to building connections, opportunities and empowerment for the trans and gender diverse community.

As the city prepares to celebrate inclusivity and equality during the Bendigo Pride Festival, Zara has spoken of how important it is for all people to be seen as individuals, with their own unique qualities and equally deserving of love and respect.

Supporting those caring for family or friends experiencing addiction

If you have a loved one or friend struggling with addiction, support is available.

People with family members or friends experiencing substance abuse or addiction are being encouraged to come together for connection and support.

Bendigo Community Health Services will soon recommence the eight-week Connect support program, which empowers people to support their loved one or friend experiencing addiction.

Capture a snapshot of history through the Women’s Resilience Project

Women are being invited to share a snapshot of recent history through a partnership between Bendigo Community Health Services and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee.

As we reflect on the past two years and the impact of Covid, we acknowledge women’s mental health has been more severely impacted in comparison to men (ABS, 2020).

Women reported higher rates of anxiety, insomnia, distress, and depression than males.

For this reason, the two organisations are continuing their series of workshops with women to boost resilience.

BCHS supports nationwide March4Justice movement

Bendigo Community Health Services supports this weekend’s nationwide March4Justice2.

#March4Justice is a respectful gathering to send a strong message to the nation’s leaders that now is the time for action to put an end to sexism, misogyny and dangerous workplace cultures.

It is long past the time for change.

The first march saw thousands gather across the country last year, amplifying women’s voices and providing a platform for them to share their collective experiences.

BCHS wins Victorian Health Promotion Award

The Bendigo Community Health Services Health Promotion team has won the Outstanding Health Promotion category at the 2021 Victorian Health Promotion Awards.

 The statewide awards recognise organisations and individuals who are making their communities happier and healthier.

 Bendigo Community Health Services was recognised for the 5 Ways to Wellbeing program.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing project works with key community leaders to deliver mental health promotion in a wide range of settings – including schools, early learning centres, community organisations and workplaces.

Community Diabetes Clinic

Community Diabetes Clinic

What is the BCHS Community Diabetes Clinic?

This is a specialised Diabetic GP led clinic seeking to assist local practices to better manage diabetic patients in partnership with the Bendigo Health Endocrinology clinic. The clinic is a collaboration of the BCHS Medical Practice and Chronic Disease Management program, providing interim specialised medical advice and support to people with Type 2 Diabetes.

To assist in managing complex patients prior to accessing the Bendigo Health Endocrinology clinic (which has extended wait periods), Bendigo Community Health Services offers expertise advice and support from Dr Jaskarandip Singh and Credentialed Diabetes Educators.

This service may be accessed by referral from General Practitioner or Practice Nurse (attention to Community Diabetes Clinic at Bendigo Community Health Services). The patient’s referring doctor will receive continued update reports which will support the holistic care of their patients.

EBD Architects appointed to begin work on masterplan for Bendigo Community Health Services

WORK will soon start on the development of a masterplan that will position Bendigo Community Health Services to meet the needs of the future.

The masterplan is being developed alongside an initial project to renovate and refurbish the organisation’s Eaglehawk site.

Following a $7.3 million cash injection through the Victorian Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, EBD Architects is working with BCHS in the early planning stages of a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility that will better meet the needs of the Eaglehawk community into the future.