Did you know one in three adults aged 65 or over fall one or more times a year.
Falls can result in hip fracture, permanent disability and even death.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of falling and we're here to help you.
If you want to keep living independently then thinking about reducing the risk of falling is very important.
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.
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!
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.
Today we continue 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!
Just one message can go a long way in helping you feel Connected during these Coronavirus times.
It's day four of our 5 Ways to Wellbeing campaign designed to get your thinking about looking after yourself and others better with the theme 'Connect' being so important in times like these.
Go on ... reach out ... Connect!
We'd love to hear more about how you're feeling in these Coronavirus times.
But first we want you to watch this little video from Adriana to learn more about why it's so important to stay connected in times like these.
Click on the 'Read more' button below to see the video and the rest of our Connect post.
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 or Dari language click on the 'read more' bottom below
To print out an information sheet in Karen language pdf click here (736 KB)
To print out an information sheet in Dari language pdf click here (857 KB)
To print out an information sheet in Dinka language pdf click here (697 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.
Today we continue 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!
At times we might not be able to get the hang of things on our first go, but it’s important to never give up a keep trying!
You could discover a new subject or the history in the past.
There are many things to learn from home such as learning to sew, reading a book or a magazine, cooking a new dish, learn to play a musical instrument and so on.
This YouTube video has been posted by Mike Boyd (a YouTuber) early this year. He demonstrates a good range of skills you should learn during lockdown. These skills are really interesting and you’d possibly find them interesting too, enjoy the video!
(To watch please click on the 'read more' button below'.
Bendigo Community Health Services offers a great Active Living Program designed to ensure seniors can stay active, healthy and living independently.
Our exercise physiologists will work with you to make sure you live a healthy lifestyle that not only keeps you fit and active but makes sure you're aware of important issues such as falls and balance prevention.
We want you staying on your feet so you can continue living independently right!
(Click on the link below to learn more about different parts of our program)
Bendigo Diabetes Exercise Group
If you think working with our exercise physiologists can help you stay independent then give them a try. All you need to do is call 5406 1200.
Check out this great presentation from our exercise physiologist Joel about falls and how you can stay on your feet. Well worth a watch if you plan on living independently:
Are you ready for some exercise?
Our Exercise Physiologists Ash and Joel have made this great little video for you to follow and exercise from the comfort of your home.
There's a warm up, exercises and warm down.
What's more, Ash and Joel will show you have to do each exercise correctly.
Please note: Fees outlined in the brochures below were correct at the time they were added to this post but can change. Please check with your Exercise Physiologist.
To download and print out our Exercise Physiology Program brochure pdf click here (749 KB)
Our Active Living Program staff are working hard through these Coronavirus times.
Keeping in touch with our clients is a major priority so we've created a great newsletter with news and tips on how to stay active.
Staying active has never been more important!
There's also a 'Fun Corner' with activities to keep your mind active!
Click on the link to read each edition:
Active Living Program newsletter pdf Edition 1 (335 KB)
Active Living Program newsletter pdf Edition 2 (375 KB)
Active Living Program newsletter pdf Edition 3 (408 KB)
Active Living Program newsletter pdf Edition 4 (355 KB)
Last updated: September 14, 2020
Today we begin 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!
Although we are not allowed outside the house, unless for essentials, remember there is a lot you can do at home!
You can dance, stretch, do yoga and many other exercises and workouts at home.
You can even do gardening!
Being active will help reduce all your stress and worries.
Check out the following video of Lance demonstrating and explaining how to be active during COVID-19! To watch click on the 'read more' button below.
Child Protection Week drawing and colouring competition. Three prize packs up for grabs: Learn more
Our Strong Families team works with children and families on many different things that impact on parenting.
National Child Protection Week from September 6 to September 12 is very important to our team and the theme 'Putting Children First' is exactly how they work.
Family Services staff work closely with parents and children to keep them safe and make sure the developmental, social and wellbeing needs of the children are met.
Our staff do a needs and risk assessment for the family and then work with them to set goals and put things in place to meet those goals.
The program can work with any family but we have a focus on helping vulnerable young people and their families who are likely to experience greater challenges, issues and risks.
Our work usually occurs in the family home but due to the Coronavirus panedmic this has been put on hold. Instead our staff have found new ways to support families such as using phones.
Child Safety and the child’s best interests is at the heart of everything that the Strong Families program does.
When reflecting on Child Protection Week, there are a lot of ways that the program helps to keep children safe including:
Our Strong Families team is holding a drawing and colouring competition to raise awareness of Child Protection Week 2020 and the important role this plays in our community.
We want you to draw your favourite thing in the whole world ... could be your family, an animal, a favourite toy, your house, a friend or anything you like.
Me and my best friend!
Then colour the picture in or decorate the picture however you like!
Get the person who cares for you to take a picture of your drawing and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send to our Facebook page via messenger.
We've got three great prize packs up for grabs for the drawings we like most.
With these Coronavirus restrictions in place so many families are finding it difficult to keep the children busy. These prize packs should help that with a range of items including:
Please send us your drawing by 5pm on Monday (September 21) so we can pick our favourites. Yep, we extended the deadline!
We want to show everyone your drawings so please make sure you put your first name and your age on the drawing somewhere. Just your first name!
Have fun!
Bendigo Community Health Services is committed to child safety.
To learn more about our Strong Families team and how they work to support families and children in the community click here
For all events, information stands, men’s health week, women’s health week and the like
Find out more about our amazing staff
Our kidzspace project
BCHS recognises and thanks our volunteers
BCHS recognises and thanks our partners
News from our executive
Celebrating BCHS's milestones
Bendigo Community Health Services runs the Men's Health Marathon in late August and early September each year - 11 days of activities designed to get men out, active and thinking seriously about their health.
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.
To learn more click here
Have you had a COVID-19 vaccination? If you are aged 60 or over and would like to make an appointment at our COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic please call our Client Services staff on 5406 1200 to get the next available. If you are aged under 60, want to get vaccinated immediately or are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine we recommend the Bendigo Health Vaccination Hub at 113-133 Mollison Street, Bendigo. Call 1800 675 398. There's lots of information getting around about the vaccine and its risks. Please only use reliable sources to make your decision. We recommend the Department of Health click here
