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.
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.
