News

It’s been one year since headspace Lithgow opened, and in that time the centre has achieved incredible things for the community, and provided a place of refuge for young people dealing with challenging times.

Since doors opened, Bonnie Bassett, Satellite Lead/Senior Youth Care Coordinator, says the team have worked hard to create a fit-for-purpose centre, offering wrap-around supports ranging from mental health, general health, vocational and educational services, drug and alcohol and social groups.

headspace Lithgow have reported an increase in presentations related to feelings of anxiousness about the COVID-19 pandemic and ‘second wave’ fears.

Jason Eggins, headspace Lithgow Youth Care Coordinator says there are ways to manage anxiety and stress during the pandemic.

Following the success of the Push-Up Challenge which raised over $47,000 for headspace Canberra, the team will be using a portion of the funds to provide a custom mental health workshop to local Year 12 students at Radford College.

Students at the high school raised a substantial amount of money for the centre, prompting the team to give back through their We’ve Got Your Back initiative.

Construction has begun on phase two of the headspace Bathurst Greenspace – an outside space designed specifically for local young people.

Jake Byrne, headspace Bathurst Community Engagement Officer, says the second phase will see the finishing touches to the area.

“We’re going to be including a shade sail for summer months and, after speaking with young people, we’ll be incorporating more art spaces like a blackboard and another art wall to be designed by a local young person,” Mr Byrne said.

A revolutionary new take on tackling depression and anxiety is helping people across the Canberra and Western NSW regions access support.

Support to Skills, is a free, early intervention mental health coaching program through Marathon Health. The program helps apprentices access the support they need, while connecting their employers to free mental health training – all to address low apprenticeship completion rates and keep young people well and employed.

Research indicates that nearly half of all adults with diabetes will experience mental health challenges. This National Diabetes Week, Marathon Health’s Diabetes Educators are spreading awareness of the relationship between diabetes and your mental health.

Adjusting to, and coping with the lifestyle changes that accompany diabetes is stressful and can, over time, increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders or depression.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have released findings indicating more than a third of emergency department presentations were for non-emergency care.

Sophie Smith, Team Lead of Marathon Health’s After Hours services, says these findings show unnecessary pressure is being placed on emergency resources.

Photo: Nikki Murray, Marathon Health Occupational Therapist, conducting a virtual equipment prescription

A recent report by the National Rural Health Commissioner has proposed ways to address rural health inadequacies through investment in local allied health services, training and opportunities.

As the largest non-government employer of allied health staff in Western NSW, Marathon Health welcomes the report, which aligns well with the not-for-profits student placement program that develops employment pathways for allied health graduates to live and work in rural NSW.