Coronavirus multicultural refugee support work and community response amazing – thank you Bendigo
It’s been quite the journey this Coronavirus battle.
We reported back to government last week about what we’ve been doing to support the refugee communities in Bendigo through this pandemic.
The community response has been truly incredible so we’ve put together a little ‘our journey’ video to show you what we’ve achieved so far and say a big thank you to everyone for supporting our work.
This has always been about helping YOU and your families to stay safe and we hope our work has been helpful in that regard.
Thank you to the community, our partners and government for your support in helping us to help those in need.
To download an information sheet on our journey with the community response and highlights click here
To see all our videos and information sheets in Karen, Dari and Dinka please visit our online Coronavirus Refugee Resource Hub by clicking here
Last updated: September 3, 2020
Bendigo day care – take the time to say thank you to Early Childhood Educators
Take the time to say thank you!
That’s the theme of Early Childhood Educators Day today.
We are so grateful for the valuable work of all our Early Childhood Educators in looking after children across Greater Bendigo.
Our Bendigo Family Day Care staff have supported the team of Early Childhood Educators for more than 40 years as an accredited service.
We are so proud of the work the Early Childhood Educators do in caring for children from Heathcote to Wedderburn, Goornong to Kangaroo Flat.
It’s a pretty important job right!
We think it takes a pretty special person to become an Early Childhood Educator and to raise awareness on this special day we’d like to introduce you to one of our great team – Jordana.
Can you tell us why you chose to become a Family Day Care Educator?
Workplace health program redesign: Expression of interest for consultant support
Bendigo Community Health Services has offered a Workplace Health program for 15 years.
It’s about helping businesses and employees in our community to pursue a healthy lifestyle and protect them in times of need such as flu season.
We have completed a review of the program in line with our new Strategic Directions 2019-2024 with a focus on demand, impact and resourcing.
It’s time to redesign the program.
We are seeking some independent advice from a qualified consultancy agency or individual to make sure our new Workplace Health program meets the needs of the community and is sustainable to continue supporting businesses and employees well into the future.
The consultant will review the present program and future opportunities and provide a report with recommendations to help with the redevelopment and redesign of our Workplace Health Program.
Does that sound like something your organisation can help us with?
Please direct any questions to our Director of Primary Health Care Services Graem Kelly by email on graemkelly@bchs.com.au or calling (03) 5406 1479.
The EOI documents are available at http://www.tenders.net/ or you can access them by clicking on this link: BCHS Workplace Health Program Redevelopment Redesign EOI
La Trobe University student Astrid Bester wins Bendigo Community Health Services Award
A big congratulations to Astrid Bester on winning the 2020 Bendigo Community Health Services Award at La Trobe University Bendigo.
The award recognises the Bachelor of Health Sciences student with the best academic, public health practice performance and attitude to client care.
Well done Astrid.
We were chuffed to receive this ‘thank you’ from Astrid too:
“Dear Bendigo Community Health Services,
“Given the circumstances, I am saddened that I will not be able to thank you in person this year.
Achievement Program champions: Health a top priority for Goodstart Kangaroo Flat
Meet our new healthy lifestyle champions!
Goodstart Early Learning Kangaroo Flat has the health of children and families at heart by becoming the first early childhood service in the City of Greater Bendigo to tick off all six Achievement Program health priorities. A brilliant effort!
The Victorian Government has recognised Goodstart Early Learning Kangaroo Flat for bringing change and awareness in these areas – healthy eating and oral health, sun protection, mental health and wellbeing, physical activity and movement, safe environments and tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
“We’re are so proud of Goodstart. They have made health and wellbeing a huge part of their centre and that can improve the lifestyles of so many children and families,” said BCHS Health Promotion Officer Siobhan Sullivan.
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Take Notice
Mindfulness is taking a minute to focus on the now.
It’s the practice of being aware of the present moment and focusing your attention on that and nothing else.
When we’re faced with looming deadlines, endless inboxes and mountains of work, taking the time to refocus and centre our attention can help us to regain a sense of calm and control.
Pausing gives your body and mind the chance to take stock of the situation and enables you to respond more skillfully.
Practising mindfulness alsomany long-term benefits, including improvements in your overall mood, and an increased ability to make decisions and to regulate emotions.
Now, who doesn’t have time for that!
Did you know?
It’s also been found that participating in eight weeks of mindfulness training can reduce work-related stress, boost job satisfaction and raise job performance. Is there anything mindfulness can’t do?
How to build mindfulness:
- Just breathe. Stop for a moment and focus on your breath. Feel every part of the inhale and every part of the exhale. Then resume whatever you’re doing with a greater sense of calm.
- Take a moment to focus on your 5 senses, (feel, hear, touch, smell and taste) when you are going for a walk or eating food.
- Learn to meditate. Mindfulness meditation can be a great tool for attention training, and for building a sense of resilience and calm. For a start, try Smiling Mind mindfulness app or headspace mindfulness · Learn more about mindfulness can help during the coronavirus outbreak at BeyondBlue
Check out the other 5 Ways to Wellbeing themes
What is 5 Ways to Wellbeing? Learn more!
Last updated: August 2020
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Keep Learning
Learning new things can boost our self-confidence and self-esteem, and help us to find meaning and purpose in life.
It’s a great way to keep your brain active and healthy for a long and busy life.
And in a world that is changing faster than ever, there are so many opportunities to learn, and that includes outside of the workplace and school.
Cryptic crosswords got you puzzled?
Is there a new recipe calling you?
Approach the world with curiosity and look for small opportunities to keep learning.
Did you know?
The adult brain is capable of rewiring itself well into middle age, incorporating decades of experiences and behaviours. Research suggests that during middle age, our minds are calmer, less neurotic and better able to navigate social situations.
How to keep learning:
- Mix it up. Something as simple as changing the route you take on your walk to work or jogging along a new path will challenge the established pathways in your brain.
- Parlez-vous français? Learning a new language is a fun and effective way to broaden your mind. You could also watch a foreign film without the subtitles and see how much you can pick up about what’s going on just by using your brain differently. Start learning a new language using Duolingo.
- Set yourself a goal. Taking on a new responsibility at work, or tackling your grandma’s famous trifle recipe, will teach you new things and help build your confidence.
- Read up on how challenging a fixed mindset can help you to keep learning and how to set goals like a boss.
Check out the other 5 Ways to Wellbeing themes
What is 5 Ways to Wellbeing? Learn more!
Last updated: August 2020
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Be Active
What we do with our body can have a powerful effect on our mental wellbeing. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep – can keep us feeling strong, calm, focused and more resilient.
Minimise the time spent sitting or lying down each day to increase your health and wellbeing. The recommendation for individuals is at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity on most days of the week. It doesn’t have to be a spin class; try three brisk 10-minute walks throughout the day.
Stay safe and prevent injury during exercise by following some sensible tips:
1. Start Simple: Increase your activity levels gradually. Begin with simple activities, such as walking, gardening or doing small household tasks. Take a short 10-minute walk around the block when you wake up in the morning, at lunchtime, and when you return from work.
2. Do what is enjoyable: Do activities you enjoy with family and friends. You can also use the links below to find options and group activities in your local area. Over time, these activities will become easier, more interesting, relaxing, and satisfying.
3. Make a plan and stick to it: Work out a regular routine for being active. Don’t forget that every step counts and it is even better when stairs are involved!
Did you know?
Exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that’s responsible for memory. Researchers found people who did 10 minutes of gentle exercise performed better on memory tests than those who sat still.
How to boost your physical health:
- Rise and shine. Getting up 15 minutes earlier to go for a walk will start your day off on the right foot.
- Routine is key. Find a time that works for you to go to bed and wake up, and stick with it! Good sleep habits are a fast ticket to catching those zzzs.
- Bust the 3pm slump. We’re all guilty of grabbing a sugary snack when the inevitable afternoon fatigue sets in. But that probably just makes you feel a whole lot worse. Skip the sugar and grab some fruit or nuts – and try going for a brisk five-minute walk in the sunshine. You’ll feel energised for longer and ready to tackle the last few hours of work.
- Read up on how to get a good night’s sleep, find out how to exercise when you’re not motivated and learn how swimming, in particular, can benefit your mental health. · Apps to find to track your activity include Active April and This Girl Can
Check out the other 5 Ways to Wellbeing themes
What is 5 Ways to Wellbeing? Learn more!
Last updated: July 2020
Coronavirus refugee resources from ‘local’ agencies should be trusted and respected
Bendigo Community Health Services has urged refugee communities to ‘trust’ translated Coronavirus information distributed by ‘local’ agencies.
BCHS Cultural, Diversity and Relationships manager Kaye Graves said Bendigo organisations put a lot of effort into making sure the Coronavirus information shared with ‘local’ communities was correct and trusted.
“There have been media reports today that identify some of the information getting into the community with the best intentions is not being understood,” Ms Graves said. “We can assure people that the information put out by BCHS and other organisations in Bendigo such as Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services is created with the community’s input and feedback so it’s trusted and correct,” Ms Graves said.
BCHS provides information to clients and the wider community through an online Coronavirus Refugee Resource Hub that has attracted more than 7000 visits since March.
BCHS hosts a free Coronavirus Telephone Hotline for the Karen community that has supported around 120 people with questions on testing, close contact, what happens if you test positive and recreational things such as can you go fishing. Feedback shows each caller shares the information with around five family members or friends.
“Messaging is all about trust with people of refugee background,” Ms Graves said.
“Sometimes we find translated information is just too complex. It’s really important to understand that health literacy levels vary greatly across refugee communities so it’s essential information is delivered by people who are seen as trusted in the simplest terms possible so the message is understood by everyone.
We are closing our sites on Monday to give staff a well-earned and much-needed break
All Bendigo Community Health Services sites will be closed on Monday (August 17).
Our CEO Gerard has made the decision to give staff a much-needed and well-earned break.
It’s been a long six months for our staff as we continue to deliver ‘essential services’ through this Coronavirus pandemic.
And with no end in sight in this Coronavirus battle for the moment at least, it’s important to thank our staff for that hard work and give them an extended break to have some time out for themselves and families.
We are so proud of all our staff for the effort they have put in during these unprecedented times – many working in roles like never before but meeting that challenge day in, day out.
So this ‘long’ weekend is for them.
Tuesday they will return and be #thereforyou on the frontline again.
We offer a big thanks to the Bendigo community for your support and kindness during this time too. What a great community we have!
Care details for after-hours or days we are closed
If you have an emergency ring 000 immediately.
If you need non-emergency, after-hours medical advice please try Nurse On Call 1300 606 024 or the healthdirect GP Helpline 1800 022 222.
Acknowledgement of Country
Bendigo Community Health Services acknowledge we live, work and enjoy Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung country. We extend our appreciation to the Jaara and Taungurung peoples. We pay respect to Elders past and present for their continued holding of memories, traditions, culture and community aspirations.
We recognise sovereignty has never been ceded and express our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of colonisation and their lasting impact. May we walk forward together in harmony and the spirit of healing. It was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Image credit: Healing a Community by Paige Charles-Morgan
Acknowledgement of Country
Bendigo Community Health Services acknowledge we live, work and enjoy Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung country. We extend our appreciation to the Jaara and Taungurung peoples. We pay respect to Elders past and present for their continued holding of memories, traditions, culture and community aspirations.
We recognise sovereignty has never been ceded and express our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of colonisation and their lasting impact. May we walk forward together in harmony and the spirit of healing. It was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Image credit: Healing a Community by Paige Charles-Morgan
Our locations
Bendigo
Central
165-171 Hargreaves Street
Now open for our women’s, men’s and sexual health clinics on a strictly ‘appointment only’ basis. Call 5406 1200 if you have a question.
Eaglehawk
3 Seymoure Street, Eaglehawk
(Currently closed for refurbishment)
Phone: 03 5406 1200
Bendigo
Central
165-171 Hargreaves Street
Now open for our women’s, men’s and sexual health clinics on a strictly ‘appointment only’ basis. Call 5406 1200 if you have a question.
Eaglehawk
3 Seymoure Street, Eaglehawk
(Currently closed for refurbishment)
Phone: 03 5406 1200
