An Open Letter to Communities

It is with great regret that I write to inform you that our Mobile Op Shop venture will finish this week.

The Mobile Op Shop, a project of the Wimmera Youth and Community Mobile Centre, travelled to Mitre, Minimay, Glenorchy, Pomonal, , , Marnoo, Watchem, Serviceton, Harrow, Rainbow, Yaapeet, , Goroke and Apsley during a 12-month pilot period.

It provided access to affordable new and second-hand clothing at minimal cost as well as an informal method of outreach and communication with people in outlying areas of the Wimmera.

During the pilot, coordinator Susan Griffiths and her crew of dedicated volunteers developed robust relationships with businesses, community groups and individuals in the communities the Mobile Op Shop visited.

Wimmera UnitingCare would like to thank everyone who supported the project by donating clothing, volunteering, providing information or promotion and all those who browsed the huge array of items the shop had to offer.

Although the project received wonderful feedback and some great outcomes, unfortunately the costs associated with running the Mobile Op Shop are too great for the agency to continue.

The costs associated with coordinating projects, maintaining the vehicle and general running expenses have resulted in the Board reconsidering its allocation and a decision has been made to cease all operations and associated activities of the Wimmera Youth and Community Mobile Centre.

As for what the future is for the vehicle itself is still undecided.

Although the end of the project will come as a disappointment to some, Wimmera UnitingCare sees this as an opportunity to reassess the agency’s strategic objectives and look at other ways we can be support and strengthen individuals, families and communities in our region.

Yours sincerely

Barrie Elvish Chief Executive Officer

Single Session Family Consultation Training

Single Session Family Consultations provide a framework to help practitioners make the most of each encounter with clients (whether it be an individual/couple/family session) and offer a unique opportunity to meaningfully engage families/affected others who may seek out a support service only once or twice at a time.

This two day workshop draws together principles from Single Session Work and Family Sensitive Practice.

Who should attend? Professionals including counsellors, therapists, case managers, team leaders or managers interested in incorporating family work into their everyday practice whilst utilising the framework of a SSW approach. For registration details contact Reception at Community Health Horsham office on 53621200.

Places are limited

Where: SH & CC, Patrick St. Stawell (Jade Room)

When: 22nd and 23rd of September 2014 Cost: $150 (lunch/morning tea provided)

Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness Developed by the MS Australia Social Workers, this session will provide you with resources and information to assist your clients in self-management when living with a chronic illness. Topics covered will include: maintaining relationships, work related issues, entitlements & planning for the future. Date, Time & Venue: Tuesday 8 July, 1:30-4:30pm. The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Rd Blackburn Cost: $70 Contact: Andrea Salmon Education Program Coordinator. [email protected] Ph: 9845 2700 For more information click here

Understanding the Impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Young People

ME/CFS Australia(VicTasNT) has the pleasure of announcing an upcoming seminar devoted to developing understanding of the impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Young People.

It is estimated 2 - 7 in every 1000 young people are afflicted by this condition. This seminar aims to provide professionals and clinicians with the necessary knowledge and understanding to adequately respond to this group. Join ME/CFS expert, Dr Kathy Rowe; paediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital, for what should be a very valuable seminar. Dr Rowe has over 30 years of experience working with young people living with ME/CFS. She has achieved outstanding national, and international recognition for her work in adolescent health. She is an expert in the area of chronic fatigue syndrome, and championed its cause when it was not fashionable. Prof Leonard Jason, Director of the Centre for Community Research at De Paul University, Chicago, referred to her work as "the most elegant and important in the field" and stated that "the entire field has benefited from the precision and rigor of her methods."

Supporting Dr Rowe will be child and adolescent psychologist Lisa Ellis (Active Health Clinic) and Annie Keogh (Carer’s ) - both providing insight into supportive strategies.

When & Where: Thursday July 24th between 2pm – 5pm at the Alfred Hospital in Prahran Click here for Seminar Details and registration. Or for more information contact ME/CFS Australia (VicTasNT) on 03 9529 1344 or Email: [email protected]

Demoralisation - A Common Challenge in Palliative and Cancer Care Guest Speaker: Prof David Kissane Date: Wednesday 16 July, 6pm - 8pm. Venue: Baxter Theatre, Education Resource Centre, Ballarat Health Services, Drummond St Nth, Ballarat. Videoconferencing available on request – please contact Robyn McIntyre [email protected] or Lea Marshall [email protected] directly to request. Please RSVP your attendance via the RSVP link.

Pharmacotherapy Training Networking Health Victoria (NHV) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) with support from the Victorian Government Department of Health are offering pharmacotherapy workshops for General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners. The training will focus on clinicians prescribing to Aboriginal patients and those working within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. The training will take place at 259 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo on Saturday 28 June from 8.45am-4.30pm. Full details are registration is available from Networking Health Victoria.

Youth Mental Health First Aid July 2nd & 3rd This course teaches first aid skills for adult members of the public to give initial help to adolescents experiencing mental health problems, in a mental health crisis situation, or in the early stages of a mental illness. If you’re interested in attending this 14-hour Youth MHFA course, please visit www.mhfa.com.au

Incidence of Insulin-Treated Diabetes in Australia 2000-2011 Incidence of insulin-treated diabetes in Australia 2000-2011 presents the latest available national data on new cases of insulin-treated diabetes from Australia's National Diabetes Register. In 2011, there were 2,367 new cases of type 1 diabetes in Australia, equating to 11 new cases per 100,000 population. This rate has remained stable over the last decade, with between 10 and 12 new cases per 100,000 population per year. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication- detail/?id=60129546997

Australia's Hospital Statistics 2012-13 Australian hospital statistics 2012-13 presents a detailed overview of Australia's public and private hospitals. In 2012- 13, there were about 9.4 million separations from hospitals, including: 5.2 million same-day acute separations 3.7 million overnight acute separations About 450,000 sub-acute and non-acute separations. There were also 7.9 million non-admitted patient emergency services and more than 46 million outpatient services provided by public hospitals. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129546922

Cervical Screening in Australia 2011-2012 Cervical screening in Australia 2011-2012 presents the latest national statistics monitoring the National Cervical Screening Program, which aims to reduce incidence, morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer. Around 58% of women in the target age group of 20-69 took part in the program, with more than 3.7 million women screening in 2011 and 2012. Cervical cancer incidence for women of all ages remains at a historical low of 7 new cases per 100,000 women, and deaths are also low, historically and by international standards, at 2 deaths per 100,000 women. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129546865

Report - Supporting Fathers Who Are Homeless This issue of the Institute of Child Protection Studies’ (ICPS) Research to Practice Series discusses the issues experienced by homeless fathers, the impact of their identity and role as fathers on their experiences of homelessness, and implications for policy and programs to better support fathers who are homeless. http://aifs.govspace.gov.au/2014/04/09/supporting-fathers-who-are homeless/

Understanding Child Neglect Child neglect is one of the most common forms of maltreatment. Neglect is a topic that encompasses complex issues, many of which are also emerging research areas. This paper aims to provide a broad overview of these issues in relation to current thinking and to generate discussion points for practitioners, policy makers and researchers. http://www.aifs.gov.au/cfca/pubs/papers/a146596/index.html

Lifeline - Suicide Prevention and Support Program This program supports individuals who are in a current suicidal crisis (or supporting someone who is), across Victoria by providing regular telephone counselling for a period of up to 8 weeks and people can self-refer by contacting 03 5136 3500 or emailing [email protected]. See Attached flyer for further details. http://www.llg.org.au/

Climate Change, a Health Crisis or Health Opportunity? Following last week's release of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on impacts adaptation and vulnerability, the Global Climate and Health Alliance (of which Australia's Climate and Health Alliance is a founding member) has issued a briefing report, short film and infographic on climate change and health to explain the implications of the report to health professionals, media, policymakers and the wider community. http://www.climateandhealthalliance.org/ipcc

KidsMatter - Video Resources for Health Professionals KidsMatter has developed a set of video resources that help primary schools understand the benefits of connecting with local health agencies. The following packages will be particularly helpful to health and community professionals working in education. "Our new video resources for schools also feature topics relevant to health and community professionals. We help schools understand the benefits of partnering with local health agencies, as well as the importance of developing decision making procedures for students experiencing mental health difficulties." https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/health-and-community/enewsletter/video-resources-health-professionals

ACI Pain Management Network - Chronic Pain Toolkit for Clinicians This website is designed to help gain a better understanding of pain. The site contains information to enable people to develop skills and knowledge in the self management of pain in partnership with healthcare providers. Early assessment and effective management of pain is essential to prevent its progression to Chronic Pain. Best evidence for effective management and prevention of chronic pain is to use an interdisciplinary bio-psychosocial approach to people in pain. View the tools and resources to help guide management. http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/health-professionals

Play Safe - A New Sexual Health Website NSW Health are celebrating the launch of their brand spanking new website- Play Safe. The site was developed in consultation with the NSW Youth Advisory Council and aims to easily connect young people aged 15-24 years old with sexual health information and sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing, treatment and prevention services via an online platform. NSW STIPU has been actively involved in developing the Play Safe website and is keen to spread the word about it to GPs, primary health care nurses, and allied health staff as well as highlight how their service can support young people by letting them know about the new site. https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/?no_intro=1

Doing More with What You Know: A Tool Kit on Knowledge Exchange These tools include a variety of ways to complement your work and go beyond traditional information dissemination. They offer a range of strategies for grounding and mobilizing your work in communities. This toolkit is part of the Provisional Centre for Excellence For Child and Youth Mental Health efforts to promote and support the improvement of the child and youth mental health system. http://www.excellenceforchildandyouth.ca/sites/default/files/ketoolkit.pdf

Integration of Primary Health Services: Being Put Together Does Not Mean They Will Work Together This paper reports on an Australian experience of co-locating a range of different primary health services into one building, with the aim of providing integrated services. The authors discuss some of the early challenges involved with moving services together and the reasons why collaborative and integrated working relationships to improve the clients' journey, may remain elusive. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/7/66

Consumer Involvement Toolkit Increasingly, people affected by cancer and the broader community are seeking to be active participants in decision- making about their health. Evidence suggests that involving consumers leads to improved health outcomes, a more trusted health system and a more satisfied workforce. Based on the principles of the National Framework for Consumer Involvement in Cancer Control, Cancer Australia has developed web-based practical tools to assist, CEOs and Executives, Service Managers, Health Professionals, Researchers, Policy Makers and Consumers to actively engage with consumers around a shared focus and vision. http://www.consumerinvolvement.canceraustralia.gov.au/

Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued a report, titled Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability which details the impacts of climate change to date, the future risks from a changing climate, and the opportunities for effective action to reduce risks. The Global Climate and Health Alliance has published a complimentary report summarising and interpreting the scientific literature presented by the IPCC to deliver a concise and robust message about the implications of the report for health. Climate Change Health Impacts and Opportunities highlights the key risks including but not limited to higher mortality and morbidity during periods of extreme heat, food insecurity and breakdown of food systems and breakdown of infrastructure, networks and critical services such as electricity, water supply, and health and emergency services. The report also identifies five actions for health professionals including reducing the contribution made by health services to climate change, expansion of research and innovation, creation of positive synergies between public health improvement like sustainable diets, food production and active transport, engage in advocacy and building a global partnership between health professionals and climate change sector. This document and supporting materials including an excellent short video can be found at http://www.climateandhealthalliance.org/ipcc

How Do We Repair The Broken Families?

What is the leading contributor to early death and ill health for Victorian women in the prime of their life? That leading contributor to death and long-term poor health among women aged 15 to 45 is violence in the home or within an intimate relationship. http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-editorial/how-do-we-repair-the- broken-families-20140519-38k15.html

Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria Webinar – Optimal Use of Opioids in Musculoskeletal Pain

Date and Time: 7-8pm (AEST), Wednesday 16 July 2014

Presenter: Dr Malcolm Hogg, Specialist in Anaesthesia and Pain Management; President, Australian Pain Society. Dr. Hogg supervises a coordinated range of interdisciplinary pain services with specific interests in the optimal management of acute trauma pain to prevent chronicity and in the care of the older person with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Audience: Health professionals of various disciplines across the musculoskeletal health and other sectors

Webinar overview: Opioid analgesics are established therapy for acute pain states, including that from musculoskeletal trauma. The role for opioids in persistent non-cancer pain is less clear, however, due to lack of population benefits in clinical trials, lowered effectiveness in long term dosing and potential for harm. In well selected patients, however, benefit of opioid therapy can be attained as part of a multimodal approach, incorporating patient education, adjuvant medications, an exercise program and regular review. The potential for aberrant opioid use behaviors and subsequent management requires consideration at both initiation and in the review phase of long term therapy. An approach to the assessment of patients with musculoskeletal pain and guidelines for opioid therapy in non-cancer pain will be presented and discussed.

For further information and to register, click here: http://www2.redbackconferencing.com.au/16JULY2014

For further information about other webinars in the ‘MSK Health’ webinar series, click here: http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/Courses-and-Events/Musculoskeletal-Health-Webinar-Series

Free Online Program Proven to Help Children with Anxiety Launched- beyondblue, 28 May 2014 A free, evidence-based program that has been proven to help prevent and treat anxiety in young people is now available online. The BRAVE program is an online self-help course that allows young people aged between eight and 17 and their parents to seek support for anxiety in the comfort of their own homes. http://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/news/news/2014/05/28/free-online-program-proven-to-help-children- with-anxiety-launched

There’s No Such Thing As Safe Sexting A new iPad app designed to inform and educate teenagers on the social and legal consequences of sexting is now available on iTunes. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/news/archive/Pages/nosuchthing.aspx

Partnerships Improving Rural Sexual and Reproductive Health

Women’s Health Grampians along with key partners are developing regional partnerships seeking to increase women’s access to timely and appropriate family planning services in the Grampians region.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Access to Family Planning Services Survey Report published in 2012 confirmed anecdotal evidence that rural women experience difficulties with limited or no access to local family planning services, privacy and transport identified as the major barriers. It also indicated there is an opportunity to improve the provision of information to service providers and the community about referral pathways. To understand more about women’s access to services the partnership group is currently planning work to map the sexual health services available within our region. They will use this information to develop a regional referral guide for sexual health.

If you would like to be involved in this consultation or have any information relating to sexual health services within the region they would be very happy to hear from you.

Please contact Shannon Hill on 5322 4100 or email [email protected] or for more information visit www.whg.org.au

Geoff Witmitz – Executive Officer Donna Bridge – Agency Liaison Officer [email protected] [email protected] p: 5362 1225 m: 0428 358 672 p: 5362 1221 m: 0429 174 763

Sarah Natali – Agency Liaison Officer Jan Hall – Grampians Region HACC Project Officer [email protected] [email protected] p: 5362 1223 m: 0468 387 121 p: 5362 1221

Ruth Williams – Evaluation Officer [email protected] p: 5362 1224

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