An Open Letter to Wimmera 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, Natimuk, Rupanyup, Marnoo, Watchem, Serviceton, Harrow, Rainbow, Yaapeet, Jeparit, 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 Grampians 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, Melbourne 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 Victoria) - 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