cohealth

This Mental Health Month, we are celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Brimbank. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Brimbank provides free health and wellbeing treatment, care and support for people aged 26 and over – no appointments or referrals required. Since commencing operations in October 2022 the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local has provided over 10,800 hours of clinical support, 11,500 hours of wellbeing support and connected with more than 7280 community members. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals were a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, aimed at creating a more compassionate system that delivers integrated, accessible care to all Victorians. This achievement is made possible through the collaboration of cohealth, Clarity Health Care, the University of Melbourne and funded by the Victorian Government.

This week, cohealth joined representatives from 24 community health organisations at Parliament House asking MPs to show their support for Community Health First. We engaged in meaningful discussions about the important role community health plays in supporting Victorians, encouraging MPs to pledge their support for services like the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Brimbank, the Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub in Laverton, and cohealth at the Children's. Discover more about the incredible programs that are making a difference and how community health organisations have supported over 608,000 Victorians this past year: https://lnkd.in/gsPWVFhM

This World Mental Health Day, we’re proud to highlight our partnership with Quang Minh Buddhist Temple in Melbourne’s West, where we’re breaking down mental health stigma in the local Vietnamese community. After recognising that some people who came to the temple had mental health needs, the head monk of the temple, Abbot Thich Phuoc Tan, approached cohealth for help. Together, we are providing mental health training to spiritual leaders, offering in-language consultations through our bi-cultural workers, and improving access to our Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Brimbank. By working alongside Quang Minh Temple, we will continue to provide culturally sensitive care to diverse communities, ensuring that everyone feels respected and supported in their mental health journey. 

Our Priority Primary Care Centre - cohealth at the Children's - has cared for 10,000 babies and children since opening in May 2023! Through our partnership with the The Royal Children's Hospital we’re reducing the strain on the emergency department and helping children get care sooner. Our specialised paediatric GP’s and nurses work closely with the RCH’S emergency department practitioners. While RCH focuses on the most critical cases, our team handles the milder conditions and connects families with ongoing community care. Being located inside the hospital also means we can provide seamless support without the extra travel, making it easier for families to access the care they need.

Women and girls make up more than half of our population, yet their unique health needs are often overlooked. For migrant and refugee women, accessing adequate care can be especially challenging. This #WomensHealthWeek we're highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive services to best meet the health needs of women from diverse communities. cohealth’s Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) plays a crucial role in providing culturally sensitive care, offering free and confidential support to women affected by Female Genital Cutting or Circumcision (FGC). Our skilled FARREP team are experienced and trained community development workers who speak one or more languages of communities they support. FARREP ensures that women affected by FGC can navigate the Australian healthcare system with dignity and respect, bridging gaps and providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. Join us in advocating for a healthcare system that embraces culturally sensitive approaches, ensuring every woman receives the care she deserves.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day where we recognise and remember the lives lost and loved ones impacted by drug overdose.  This year’s theme “Together We Can” highlights the power of the community when we all stand together to end overdose and reduce stigma.  Our City Street Health team will be out in Melbourne CBD this week, encouraging conversations with the public about how to recognise and respond to an overdose. At cohealth, we believe people who use drugs should be treated with the same compassion and respect as everyone in our community.  Every day we work together to meet people where they are and provide the best support we can to keep people who use drugs healthy and safe. Together we can end overdose. #IOAD2024

cohealth welcomes the move to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old but is disappointed that the Victorian Government has abandoned plans to raise the age to 14 by 2027.   This decision contradicts the recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Report and will continue to disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.   Children and young people in youth justice settings are one of the most disadvantaged groups in our communities, and often have higher rates of trauma, abuse and neglect, and poorer physical and mental health.    They deserve trauma-informed support in the community to address the social determinants of health and underlying drivers of crime.   cohealth continues to urge the Victorian Government to invest in measures that support young people’s health and wellbeing and address systemic factors that influence their health outcomes, including raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14.    While the increase to 12 years old is step in the right direction, stopping there is disheartening, cohealth remains dedicated to advocating for the best outcomes for all young people.

This Homelessness week, we shine a spotlight on the cohealth Kangas and how the footy team is breaking down health care barriers and tackling social isolation. Formed more than 20 years ago as part of the Reclink Australia football league, the cohealth Kangas are made up of players who have experienced homelessness, drug and alcohol dependence and mental health challenges. Being part of the team not only promotes physical and mental well-being but provides cohealth an opportunity to connect participants with health and support services. cohealth uses training days and matches to check-in on participants, connect people with accommodation providers, and provide health referrals to GPs, AOD and mental health support services. The cohealth Kangas continue to transform lives on and off the footy field, fostering hope and connection where it’s needed most. #Homelessnessweek

Today is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. This year’s theme ‘Strong in Culture, Stronger Together’ highlights the strength that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children gain from their connection to culture, family, and community. At cohealth, our commitment to ‘care for all’ means providing culturally safe health and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Reducing barriers to accessing care can help children and their families maintain strong ties to their culture and enjoy happy, healthy futures. Artwork from ‘Walking Together’ created by Rhonda DiBlasi, a proud Warumungu Wathaurong woman, and Jamie Crooks, a proud Wadawurrung woman, from cohealth’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health team, Yakeen Tharn.

Happy NAIDOC Week! The sun shone brightly as we proudly marched alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coworkers, community, and allies. Today we celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of our First Nations people. We celebrate our incredible Yakeen Tharn team, who provide culturally safe pathways to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Together we walk in solidarity, honouring the enduring strength and resilience of First Nations communities. #NAIDOCWeek2024