News

Heading back to school can be a difficult time for some young people, but local health service headspace, is ready to help.

Clinical Lead at headspace Bathurst, Melinda Lake, said there can be a number of reasons that can make returning to school difficult.

“It’s not uncommon for young people to have difficulty making new friends, feel pressured to achieve, encounter bullying orto experience a mental health concern. These stressors can make the next few weeks an uncertain time,” Ms Lake said.

The widespread loss and distress resulting from the current bushfires can affect anyone – whether you’ve been impacted by the fires directly or not. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there are services available.

headspace Community Engagement Coordinator, Amy Mines, said it’s important to remember that everyone responds to trauma and grief in different ways. What works for some, may not work for you – but ignoring thoughts and feelings won’t resolve the problem.

Marathon Health is urging the community to remember their After Hours medical services over the Christmas and New Year period for urgent non-emergency medical attention.

Marathon Health Portfolio Manager - Primary Health Services, Shellie Burgess said the holiday season is traditionally a busy time for emergency departments across NSW, which puts pressure on emergency resources and extends waiting times for people who don’t need urgent medical care.

The Christmas period is fast approaching and while for some that means a lot of festive fun, for others it can be a more challenging time.To help manage your wellbeing, Marathon Health’s clinical team have advised there are a number of things you can do such as meditation, exercising and taking time for yourself.

Practising mindfulness is a great way to help manage stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or need a moment to yourself, try practicing some breathing exercises. There are many resources online, or apps to download, for you to keep handy if you need them.

Marathon Health is proud to announce the launch of a new office in Braddon – to be officially opened by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, MLA.

The not-for-profit first began delivering services to the Canberra region in 2017; while the following year saw the organisation take over as lead agency of the headspace Canberra and Queanbeyan centres.

Presently, Marathon Health is the largest provider of headspace services nationally, and the largest employer of allied health staff in Western NSW – positioning them as a major player in country health and wellbeing.

This International Day of Persons with a Disability (IDPwD), Marathon Health is reaffirming their commitment to creating a sustainable workforce for regional Australia, ensuring choice and control for NDIS participants.

“Country Australians are waiting weeks, if not months, to access specialist support through their NDIS plans. The gap between rural healthcare and our metro counterparts is obvious, and it’s something we are committed to addressing,” comments Justine Summers, Executive Manager of Service Delivery.

In the last financial year, the not-for-profit’s staff travelled over 1.2 million kilometres to provide services to participants – a number of who have stated they’d otherwise be travelling vast distances to access that same support.

This International Day of Persons with a Disability (IDPwD), Marathon Health is reaffirming their commitment to creating a sustainable workforce for regional Australia, with the announcement of a large mental health team now open to referrals.

“Country Australians are waiting weeks, if not months, to access mental health support. The gap between rural healthcare and our metro counterparts is obvious, and it’s something we are dedicated to addressing,” comments Justine Summers, Executive Manager of Service Delivery.

A new mental health program for same-sex attracted and gender diverse people aged 16 and over, will be available soon in the ACT.

Equal Ground aims to address research that suggests a disproportionate number of same-sex attracted and gender diverse people experience poorer mental health outcomes, and have a higher risk of suicidal behaviour than their peers.

These outcomes paint an alarming picture – illustrating the need for quality, inclusive mental health services tailored to the specific needs of the LGBTIQA+ community.