One in five Australians are affected by mental illness annually, however early-intervention can play a crucial role in reducing the severity of mental health concerns. After the events of 2020, regional charity Marathon Health, are calling on the community to take advantage of free, early-intervention programs like NewAccess.

Joanne Symonds, Marathon Health NewAccess Coach, says the NewAccess program makes it simple to access support.

Starting a new school year can be exciting, but for some, it is common to feel anxious and stressed about change.

Preparation is key to dealing with situations where there are lots of unknowns. The more things feel familiar the more you can relax and feel confident with what is going on.

The festive season is a time to connect with people and celebrate the year, however for many in the LGBTIQA+ community it can mean dealing with unsupportive family members and communities.

Marathon Health are encouraging LGBTIQA+ people to find ways to ensure they are looking after themselves and their mental health during the Christmas period. 

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.

Therese Behan, Team Lead, After Hours, 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.

Image: headspace Dubbo staff

Christmas is a time to connect with people and celebrate the year, however for many the festive season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Financial issues, family conflict and loneliness can increase stress for young people with anxiety or depression.

headspace Dubbo is encouraging young people to find ways to ensure they look after their mental health during the festive season.

There is strong evidence to suggest that natural disasters, such as the recent bushfire crisis, can severely impact the mental health of people who are both directly and indirectly affected.

Chris McAlister, Marathon Health Portfolio Manager of Mental Health, says there are services available to people now, including the Mental Health Support for Bushfire Affected Australians program.

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.

With a focus on outreaching services to isolated and vulnerable people in Western and Southern NSW, Marathon Health has built one of the largest non-government, multi-disciplinary allied health and support coordination team in regional NSW.

Young people in the Orange region are able to access free information sessions, workshops and sexual health services through headspace Orange.

The free services have been designed to encourage engagement with the centre, educate about sexual health, and provide safe spaces for young people to socialise and learn new skills.