News

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. 

The recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report that found country Australians have “shorter lives, higher levels of disease and injury, and poorer access to health services,” is an all too familiar story – according to Marathon Health.

The not-for-profit is one of the few country health organisations based in country Australia with the core purpose to identify, deliver and sustain services to people within these communities.

Bryan Hoolahan, Marathon Health Executive of Governance and Quality, says the report makes the need for investment in country healthcare organisations all the more important.

Applications are open for headspace Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo, Orange, Lithgow and Queanbeyan 2020 Youth Reference Groups. Young people aged between 12-25, with an interest in mental health, youth issues and a desire to learn new skills, are encouraged to apply.

Amy Mines, headspace Community Engagement Coordinator, says joining the Youth Reference Group is a unique chance for young people to shape headspace messages and services, and meet like-minded young people.

As the largest non-government employer of allied health staff in Western NSW, Marathon Health is excited to celebrate Occupational Therapy Week 2019 and highlight the great work of our ten regional occupational therapists across country NSW.

Occupational therapists (OTs) work to support people of all abilities to engage in activities they find meaningful. Marathon Health OTs support adults and children, their families and carers in a number of different ways – including under the NDIS and within specific programs.

Hayley White, Marathon Health OT, says they work across many towns in Central, Southern and Western NSW to provide people living in rural areas choice and access to an occupational therapy service as close as possible to their home – and even in their homes.

In recognition of National Nutrition Week, Marathon Health dietitians and representatives from our headspace centres, are eager to promote the ways our diet can affect our mental health.

Amy Mines from headspace says that binge eating, eating unhealthy snacks or the more extreme end of the spectrum, starvation, are all coping mechanisms than can negatively impact our wellbeing.

“It’s not uncommon for people to turn to food, or turn off food, when they aren’t mentally well. That’s not to say that all junk food is bad but it is about moderation and practicing healthy coping mechanisms like taking time out to go for a walk, read a book, hang out with friends,” comments Ms Mines.

Understanding, awareness and recognition of mental health has come a long way in recent years. Though we still have room to improve, his Mental Health Week is a time to recognise the strides made by country Australia to support themselves, their mates, their employees, colleagues and family members.

One program that really illustrates this shift is NewAccess. Developed by Beyond Blue and delivered locally by Marathon Health, NewAccess allows anyone aged over 16 who needs support, access to six free sessions of mental health coaching – from the location and by the medium of their choosing.

The time has come again for year 12 students across the community to sit their HSC. For some students, this can be a period of increased stress and anxiety.

Nat Oliver, headspace Queanbeyan Community Engagement Coordinator, says it’s important to remain empathetic to young people as they navigate this stressful period.

“There can be a lot of expectations to achieve placed on young people. It’s important for parents, carers and even friends to make sure people studying for their HSC also take some time to get back into life and do things they enjoy.”

In celebration of the first week of Mental Health Month, the team at headspace Lithgow would like to thank Family First Credit Union for their exceptional support of the centre.