Free face masks for the vulnerable now available at our Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat sites
We now have free disposable face masks for vulnerable Victorians at our Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat sites.
There is a limit of five masks per person and these will be provided pre-packaged for your safety.
The disposable face masks will be given to vulnerable people while we wait for free reusable face masks to arrive from the Department of Health and Human Services.
DHHS will give out 2.1 million reusable face masks to agencies that deliver services and support vulnerable Victorians to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Stay tuned to this post and we will let you know when the reusable face masks arrive. Until then below you will find details about the disposable face masks we have now and who is eligible for them.
Victorians who will be offered reusable face masks will include:
Bendigo e-scripts provide faster, safer and easier way to get your prescription medications
Bendigo Community Health Services has started using a new e-scripts system to provide a safer, faster and easier way for clients to access your prescription medications.
The free e-scripts service allows our GPs and health professionals to send you or a nominated person an electronic copy of your script that you can show to the pharmacy.
This takes out the need to wait for paper versions of your script to arrive or the need to visit a BCHS site to collect one – faster, safer, easier.
Some Bendigo pharmacies are also using apps that allow you to send the prescription straight to them but you need to ask if this service is available.
The e-script works on a barcode or token (QR Code) which when scanned provides all the information your pharmacist will need to fill your script.
To help us ensure the system works please make sure you provide or confirm your mobile phone number or email address to our Client Services staff when you book an appointment.
To read some of the most frequently asked questions around e-scripts and see a full list of pharmacies using e-scripts to our knowledge please click on the ‘read more’ button below.
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Give
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Give
Have you ever noticed how you feel when you help someone without expecting anything in return?
This is because helping others makes us feel good.
It gives us a sense of purpose, improves our self-worth and contributes to strong relationships.
Generosity can also start in small ways – at work, at home and with friends.
It can be as simple as taking the time to check in with an old friend, or offering your seat to someone on the bus or train.
If you take some time to practice empathy and identify ways you can improve the lives of those around you, everyone will reap the benefits.
5 Ways cookies were part of the ‘Give’ theme in our 2019 campaign.
Did you know?
Scientific studies show that helping others makes us happier. It increases life satisfaction, provides a sense of meaning, increases feelings of competence, improves our mood by releasing endorphins, and reduces stress.
How to help others:
- Take time to really listen when you ask someone how their weekend was, or bake a treat for someone who is having a tough time.
- Write a postcard of gratitude to show your appreciation for someone in your life.
- Volunteering is an awesome way to help others and get involved in the community. Find out more at your local volunteer resource centre.
- Read up on how to ask a friend how they’re going, helping a friend who’s stressed and looking after yourself while volunteering.
Check out the other 5 Ways to Wellbeing themes
What is 5 Ways to Wellbeing? Learn more!
Last updated: July 2020
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Connect
5 Ways to Wellbeing – Connect
Humans are social animals.
Our relationships contribute to feeling good, so its important to stay socially connected to others when we can.
Surrounding ourselves with people who not only offer a perspective and emotional support, but also reflect back our values and strengths, can help us maintain our resolve during tough times.
Life can be super-stressful, but nurturing a diverse array of relationships can make even the most challenging circumstances more bearable.
Did you know?
Research has shown social connectedness is at least as important for your health as regular exercise or eliminating nasties such as smoking.
How to build social connectedness:
-
Make the effort to schedule quality time with family and friends. Clear space in your diary for a meal, a movie or a marathon (running or Netflix) with the people you love.
-
Find your tribe! Joining a community group to meet people with common interests is a fast way to make meaningful connections. Volunteer for a charity or a cause that’s close to your heart, or try a group fitness activity at Peter Krenz Leisure Centre.
-
Tend to your existing relationships. Maybe check in on someone you haven’t spoken to for a while. Checking in on loved ones, no matter the (physical or emotional) distance, can help keep you grounded and connected to your support network.
-
Social media has made the world much smaller, and it’s now a simple matter to keep tabs on your people. The downside is that it’s too easy to substitute a quick click for a more personal and meaningful connection. Commit to spending time with others offline and in real life
Check out the other 5 Ways to Wellbeing themes:
What is 5 Ways to Wellbeing? Learn more!
Last updated: July 2020
5 Ways to Wellbeing
‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ introduces you to five simple and effective ways to improve your psychological and emotional health that are based on extensive international research. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body for your overall wellbeing. Like physical fitness, you can strengthen your psychological health in lots of small day-to-day ways. This will help you live a happier and a longer life as well as help you to cope with stress.
Our Health Promotion team deliver key events, workshops and campaigns to encourage the community to do the 5!
#BendigoTogether campaign rolls out yellow balloons so community can welcome refugees
Yellow balloons have been a symbol of Bendigo’s strength and togetherness since 2015, when they were used to stand up against racism, hatred and division.
And today, Believe in Bendigo and Bendigo Community Health Services are again using them to show the world that no matter where you come from, you are welcome in this city.
The #BendigoTogether campaign began in June to support the city’s Karen community after a series of COVID-19 related attacks.
Bendigo Community Health Services received reports of Karen community members being verbally abused, coughed on and called names linked to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The campaign has been a success so far, with members of the Karen community feeling very supported to the Bendigo community for showing them they are welcome, and they belong,” BCHS Cultural Diversity and Relationships team manager Kaye Graves said.
“Karen community members have reported seven incidences to police, and since the awareness campaign began, reports of these attacks to us have reduced.
“But we don’t want to be complacent.”
As numbers of coronavirus cases across Victoria rise, Believe in Bendigo spokesperson Margot Spalding said it is important the campaign continues.
“We have printed some amazing yellow wheelie balloon bin stickers and we’ll be delivering them to letterboxes around Bendigo in the next few weeks, she said.
“It’s a great chance for locals to show their support for all communities in Bendigo, to show that Bendigo welcomes everyone and won’t stand for hatred.
“Put your yellow balloon sticker on your council rubbish bin and take a stand against racism and abuse.
“Share a photo of you and your bin on social media and tag #BendigoTogether. If you want a sticker, but haven’t got one yet, message Believe in Bendigo on facebook and we’ll put one in your letterbox.”
Learn more about the #BendigoTogether campaign by reading our original launch post click here
RELATED INFORMATION:
Visit our Coronavirus Bendigo Refugee Resource Hub for the latest videos and information sheets in Karen, Dari and Dinka language: https://bit.ly/CoronavirusRefugees
We have launched a new Coronavirus Telephone Hotline for the Karen community with our Karen speaking staff taking calls and answering questions. Learn more
VIDEO: How to choose a safe face mask and wear them correctly in Karen, Dari and Dinka language. To watch click here
Refugee health the focus of our project with Manchester and La Trobe universities
Bendigo Community Health Services has been working with researchers from La Trobe University and Manchester Metropolitan University to improve the health and wellbeing of refugee communities.
BCHS Cultural Diversity and Relationships manager Kaye Graves said the project has delivered key information around the health of Karen people.
“The evidence-based advice offered in new information sheets through this project will help organisations working with the Karen community get a better understanding of their health and wellbeing needs which will improve their care and services,” Ms Graves said.
“We supported the university researchers to host a workshop with 52 members of the Karen community to gain a great understanding of health and wellbeing needs from the community’s perspective and what type of information should be included in this information sheet.
“The information sheet is easy to read and understand to ensure the organisations who use them can get to work on helping us improve the health and wellbeing of the Karen community. This is something that’s really important to us and we welcome all the help we can get in achieving our aim of supporting and caring for this special community.”
Ms Graves said the information sheets encouraged staff from service providers to improve access for the Karen community, show kindness, respect and be aware of health literacy needs.
“The information sheets provide key terms and concepts in Karen language to help with the communication between service providers and their clients,” Ms Graves said.
“For example Mee ter nay ba means not sleeping or Aw ter we ba means not eating. These are important terms that service providers can use when communicating with clients from the Karen community.
“There’s a few nice little phrases their too such as Gaw ler gay which is ‘good morning’ and Ta blute which is ‘thank you’ that can just improve the relationship between service provider and client.”
Ms Graves said the information sheets were now being distributed to service providers across the Greater Bendigo region and anyone wanting access should email bchscomms@bchs.com.au or call the Cultural Diversity team on 5406 1200.
“It was fantastic working with researchers from La Trobe University and Manchester Metropolitan University on this project and it’s really encouraging that organisations such as these are sharing a common interest in working to improve the health and wellbeing of the Karen community. It’s such important work and everything we can do to help other organisations understand the need and get to work on making a difference is just so valuable.”
Bendigo face mask request in regional Victoria’s battle against Coronavirus
UPDATE:
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced everyone must wear a face mask when out in public in regional Victoria from midnight on Sunday, August 2.
Anyone not wearing a face mask in public can be fined.
Mr Andrews said the move was designed to ‘jealously guard’ the low transmission rate in regional Victoria.
Free face masks for ‘vulnerable’ from DHHS
The Department of Health and Human Services is giving two free reusable face masks to ‘vulnerable’ residents in Victoria.
BCHS is a distribution point but the reusable face masks have not arrived yet so we are unable to hand them out sorry. We will let you know when they arrive.
We do have free disposable face masks for the vulnerable at our Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat sites with a limit of five per person in pre-packaged bags for your safety.
To see if you are eligible for the free face masks click here
To watch the video and see where to get tested in Bendigo please click the ‘read more’ button. Thank you.
Run For Dad Bendigo event on Father’s Day cancelled due to Coronavirus pandemic
The annual Run For Dad at Bendigo Racecourse on Father’s Day has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Organising committee spokesperson Keith Macdonald said ongoing uncertainty around the Coronavirus pandemic had left no choice but to cancel the popular September event for 2020.
The Bendigo Run For Dad raises community awareness about men’s health with proceeds supporting the Men’s Health Clinic at Bendigo Community Health Services and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
“We have held out as long as we could on making a decision about the Run For Dad but it’s become clear the ever changing landscape around the Coronavirus pandemic has meant we had to make a call,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Regional Victoria has done a great job in keeping the Coronavirus at bay but as we’ve seen in Melbourne in recent weeks this can change very quickly so we thought the best thing to do was take a break this year.
“We will continue to raise community awareness about the importance of men’s health while we wait for 2021 to roll around and we’ll bring the Run For Dad back in whatever format the ‘new normal’ allows.
“Until then we encourage everyone in the community to follow the Coronavirus rules to ensure you, your family and our community stay safe and well.”
Bendigo Community Health Services Nurse Practitioner Peter Strange said the organisation fully supported the decision to cancel the Run For Dad this year.
“Communities must focus on getting rid of this Coronavirus to keep everyone safe and well,” Mr Strange said.
Coronavirus Bendigo refugee hotline to answer questions from the Karen community
Bendigo Community Health Services has launched a free Coronavirus telephone hotline to further support the Karen community in Bendigo.
Karen speaking guides and case workers from the BCHS Settlement Services team will run the free Coronavirus Hotline Monday to Friday from 1pm to 4.30pm.
People can call 5406 1254 or call/send a text message to 0437 418 984.
If you are on a pre-paid mobile phone plan it’s okay, we will ring you straight back.
BCHS Community Engagement manager Rod Case said the hotline initiative was in response to a rise in Coronavirus concerns and questions from the Karen community and the need to ensure important information was fully understood.
The hotline further enhanced the #BendigoTogether campaign launched with Believe In Bendigo to support the Karen community after reports of Coronavirus abuse and taunts.
“Our Settlement Services team is seeing an increase in concern and questions from the Karen community around the Coronavirus,” Mr Case said.
“The Coronavirus hotline will take on a Karen focus because there are now more than 3000 members of that community in Bendigo but BCHS is providing support to Dari and Dinka speaking refugees too through our online Coronavirus Bendigo Refugee Resource Hub.
“The resource hub on our www.bchs.com.au website has now had more than 5200 visits. We launched this hub back in early March when we first saw a real need for Coronavirus information to support the refugee communities and now there’s 15 information sheets and 20 videos translated into Karen, Dari and Dinka language available.
“The response has been amazing reaching more than 72,000 people on social media with 14,670 views of the videos and 2262 downloads of information sheets. It’s clear this hub is having an impact in helping stop the spread of Coronavirus but while we have been really pleased with the support for the hub, the message from the refugee communities is clear they want someone to talk with about their concerns and questions too and that’s why we’re launching this free Coronavirus hotline.
“When people ring the hotline there will be a familiar voice on the other end of the line providing the right answers and information to put their minds at ease around Coronavirus and how to keep their families safe. If you have a pre-paid phone plan and are worried about the cost it’s okay – we will ring you straight back to help you out.”
