Give is the final theme for our 5 Ways to Wellbeing campaign

Today we finish a special 5 Ways to Wellbeing campaign to get you thinking about looking after yourself and others during these Coronavirus times. It's so important!

Today's 5 Ways to Wellbeing theme:

GIVE is one of the important models of 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

GIVE refers to helping others, and this will in return enhance our health and wellbeing.

It does not cost anything to do something kind for one another, or to give a hand for a friend.

You can simply thank others, show a smile or wave your hand.

This will give us a sense of belonging and build a healthy rapport with the community.

It all starts with one person… YOU! 

To learn more about Give watch this great little video on the science of kindness by clicking on the 'read more' button below.

Bendigo family violence and domestic violence campaign aims to raise awareness in refugee communities

BENDIGO Community Health Services and Centre for Non-Violence have launched a new campaign to ensure important messages about family and domestic violence are reaching as many communities as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic.

BCHS has translated key messages provided by the Centre for Non-Violence into video and information sheet resources for the Karen community to detail forms of abuse which may be used by perpetrators, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions.

To watch the video in Karen language click on the 'read more' bottom below

To print out an information sheet in Karen language  pdf click here (736 KB)

Translated resources for the Afghan and South Sudanese communities are also being produced.

Centre for Non-Violence chief executive Margaret Augerinos says family and domestic violence affects all communities, and it is critical information is available to all women experiencing abuse.

“We know many women are experiencing abuse for the first time during this pandemic – and for others, the type of abuse they have been experiencing has escalated,” she said.

Bendigo HeadtoHelp hub for those in our community missing out on mental health support

Bendigo Community Health Services will open a new dedicated HeadtoHelp mental health hub from tomorrow (September 14).

Our CEO Gerard Jose said the HeadtoHelp hub would play a vital role in supporting people in need across Greater Bendigo, particularly during this Coronavirus pandemic.

"Bendigo Community Health Services welcomes the opportunity to further support people in need in our community through the new HeadtoHelp hub," Gerard said.

"We are well aware there are people out there struggling through this Coronavirus pandemic who are not getting the help they need and this initiative is the opportunity to reach out to them and provide that valuable support.

"Our staff are committed to HeadtoHelp and we believe this can make a real difference in the community."

Our HeadtoHelp hub will run from the Kangaroo Flat site at 19 Helm Street from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with anyone needing support to call 1800 595 212 for an appointment.

The hub has been established with the support of MurrayPHN and is one of 15 created across the state with the $26.9 million cost funded from a $31.9 million Federal Government mental health package announced in August to support Victorians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Bendigo HeadtoHelp hub will be one of six in regional Victoria with others in Warragul, Sale, Wodonga, Ballarat and Geelong.

In Greater Melbourne hubs will be located in Berwick, Frankston, Officer, Hawthorn, Yarra Junction, West Heidelberg, Broadmeadows, Wyndham Vale and Brunswick East.

To download and print out a flyer for the new Bendigo HeadtoHelp hub pdf click here (62 KB)

To download a sheet answering the most frequently asked questions about HeadtoHelp pdf click here (206 KB)

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the new HeadtoHelp hubs at 1.30pm today.