Working hand in hand with our community to achieve healthier lives - QUALITY OF CARE REPORT - Bendigo Community Health Service
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Working hand in hand with our
community to achieve healthier lives.
QUALITY OF CARE REPORT
2015-2016
www.bchs.com.au
1
Inclusive Respect
VALUES
Respect – we build respectful relationships
through trust, empathy and collaboration.
Inclusive – we recognise and promote
Integrity
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Innovation
VISION accessible, safe and holistic health care as a
basic human right.
2016-2019 Consumer and Community-Centred
Organisation
Better health and wellbeing across Understand and respond to community
generations. Integrity – we are authentic and
needs and consumers’ lived experience.
accountable and we honour our obligations. Programs for equity
MISSION • Increase community awareness of BCHS
Innovation – through continuous learning, Commitment to achieving equitable health
so that the community knows what we
Working hand in hand with our we ensure an eligible, responsive and and wellbeing.
offer and how to access it.
community to achieve healthier lives. sustainable service. • Review existing programs to ensure they
• Establish and use systems to capture and
are achieving equitable health and social
respond to what we hear from consumers
outcomes.
and the community.
• Use evidence to establish service
• Drive consumer-centred practice across
models and place-based responses
all parts of the organisation.
either alone or in collaboration with
A new era for BCHS
others. • Successfully transition to consumer-led
and contestabled funding arrangements,
• Strengthen our focus on prevention
including establishing new business
through expanding our early years and
models which are consistent with our
family services programs.
mission and support organisational
Bendigo Community Health Services has
developed new strategic directions to reduce health “If we get this right, we will • Align our workforce capability and sustainability.
capacity to our programs.
inequity and break cycles of disadvantage in Bendigo.
make a fundamental change • Look for opportunities to increase the
The new directions deliver a strong focus on early years level of health literacy of our community
intervention and represent the biggest change in the in this city.” Kim Sykes, CEO so people are better able to be active in
organisation’s 40-year history. the management of their own health and
Board chairperson Geoff Bowyer and CEO Kim Sykes Quality, Safety and wellbeing.
and will be strengthened by valuable collaborations
outlined the new vision, mission, values and strategic with like-minded organisations. Consumer Experiences
directions to a gathering of community, business and local
Mr Bowyer said the board had endorsed the new vision, Deliver the best consumer experience
government leaders at a special function in The Capital
mission and values developed with considerable staff that is consistent quality, safe and
Theatre in June with favourable and encouraging feedback.
input. evidence-based. Sustainability
A new $2.6 million kidzspace centre being built
He said the new strategic directions would guide the • Build and use an outcomes framework Sustainable for purpose organisation.
at Kangaroo Flat will provide a key asset in the
organisation through the next three years on a path to
organisation’s plans to put very early intervention at the to improve performance and to report to • Develop business models which support
achieving real change for the community.
forefront of programs and services. our community (through the Community our mission and ensure organisational
Mr Bowyer said the new strategic directions represented Governance Committee) on the sustainability.
“If we get this right, we will make a fundamental change
four complementary areas of focus for the organisation: outcomes we are achieving.
in this city,” Ms Sykes said.
• Strengthen financial planning and
1. Programs for equity involving a commitment to • Strengthen clinical governance and
“We will remain a service available to all ages but the business systems.
achieving equitable health and wellbeing.
evidence clearly shows we must have a focus on very continuously improve quality and safety
• Develop and implement an ICT strategy.
early years if we are to change the unacceptable health 2. Consumer and community-centered organisation to culture.
and wellbeing consequences that too often come with a understand and respond to community needs and • Undertake required infrastructure
• All programs will have a strong practice
low income. consumers’ lived experience. planning.
framework with staff supported to deliver
“Our organisation strongly believes that health inequity is 3. Quality, Safety and Consumer Experiences to deliver identified outcomes. • Review and enhance Board governance.
not OK and staff of BCHS know we can make a stronger the best consumer experience that is of consistent
difference.” quality, safe and evidence-based.
Inclusive Respect
Ms Sykes said the new directions built on a lot of good 4. Sustainability to ensure a sustainable for purpose
work done by BCHS staff through a 40-year history organisation.
2
Integrity 3
Board of Directors
Welcome
Outgoing The report provides a sample of some of the great work done every day by our talented staff.
Directors: If you would like to know more, please visit our new website at www.bchs.com.au
Mary Leach,
November 2014 –
November 2015 This past year has been a difficult Cycles of disadvantage tend to We are also determined to do our
Geoff Bowyer, Jim Dannock, Dan Douglass, Tom Bailey, one for many people in our repeat over generations and children bit to break cycles of disadvantage
Chair Board director Board director Board director Virginia Dickson-Swift, community. from these backgrounds tend to so that more children reach their
November 2014 – have more trouble reaching their developmental milestones and get
August 2016 The effects of a tightening economy
developmental milestones and are to school more able to learn. This
are being felt, particularly by those
Ngairie Anderson, often less ‘school ready’ than their includes delivering very specialised
already struggling to make ends
November 2015 – peers. and targeted early years services
meet. Proud, hard-working families
August 2016 and listening more to families to
are accessing our ‘soup kitchen’ for They are prone to become
design services that will work for
Jim Dannock, the first time and more have needed disengaged from school and then
them and make a difference to their
June 2012 – help through our Coat Drive. at great risk of being caught in an
child’s future.
November 2015. unfortunately well-researched path.
There is significant disadvantage
Mark Gibson, Vicki Pearce, Vacant Vacant Re-elected January 2016 Our new kidzspace centre at
within our great city, with very real This is nor acceptable or fair and
Board director Board director Kangaroo Flat provides us with the
consequences. The correlation has been a driving force behind the
right environment (which children
between being born into an area of new strategic directions that focuses
and families have helped to design).
disadvantage and a range of very our effort toward addressing health
It’s co-location with the Helm Street
poor life outcomes is high. inequity.
Pre-School Centre, St John of God’s
These include being at much greater There are many organisations doing Raphael Centre and City of Greater
risk of: excellent work supporting people in Bendigo child and maternal services
need and we are privileged to work creates a powerful ‘Helm Street Hub’
• poor health (including living a
Acknowledgements shorter life but with a longer
period of disability).
with a number of them.
Any one of us can become
that will make a difference to our
city’s population across generations.
physically, emotionally or financially
• poor education.
Bendigo Community Health Services acknowledges the funding and support
provided by Commonwealth, State and Local Governments.
Co-location • engaging in delinquency and
vulnerable at any age and we will
Kim Sykes -
continue to work alongside great
The number of wonderful organisations we work with in Bendigo and beyond
services crime. local partners to offer our full range
Chief Executive Officer
is too great to list, however, we express our sincere thanks for all these • Primary Care Partnership of services to everyone. Geoff Bowyer -
• using alcohol or other drugs.
generous collaborations. Board Chair
• City of Greater Bendigo • poor employment options.
It would be impossible to deliver the quality of services and programs that we maternal and child health
do without such vital support. services
We look forward to working with you all into the future. • St John of God pathology
• Motor Neurone Disease
“Any one of us can become
Accreditations (MND) Association of
Victoria physically, emotionally or
• Australian General Practice Training Provider
• National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care
• Wesnet – The Women’s financially vulnerable at
Services Network
• Community Care Common Standards (HACC)
any age and we will
• St John of God Raphael
• Department of Health and Human Services Standards Centre continue to work alongside
• Quality Improvement Council Standards • MIND Australia great local partners to offer
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners • Loddon Mallee Pre-school our full range of services
(Standards for General Practices) Association
to everyone.”
• Bendigo Health Speech
Therapy
• Private clinicians
4 5
Our year by numbers
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
AtoZ of bchs services
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE
: 234
1,495
INCENTIVE PROGRAM (MHNIP) SESSIONS
> CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO ALLIED
psychological SERVICES : 300 BENDIGO
SESSIONS
: 100
(ATAPS) FOR CHILDREN UNDER ECHUCA
12 YEARS SESSIONS
COUNSELLING CLIENTS ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS CARER WELLBEING PROGRAM COMPLEX CASE SERVICE
GENERALIST COUNSELLING
TEAM PROVIDED 7,560 HOURS : 861 CLIENTS
COUNSELLING SERVICES
(ADULT & YOUTH)
Supports the health and wellbeing
needs of mental health carers and
Intense short term case
management and service
Brief and ongoing counselling assists mental health carers to coordination for eligible refugees
AOD SERVICES support, assessment and referrals access a broad range of services to and migrants.
PREVENTION AND POPULATION HEALTH
161
for individuals and families affected improve their health and wellbeing
by alcohol and drug use. Youth CULTURALLY SENSITIVE
164 198 124 437
alcohol and drug counselling CHILD HEALTH INVEST COUNSELLING
provides supportive counselling for Child Health Invest is our Community This service is available to people
young people 16 to 25 years. Paediatric team. It provides holistic, of a refugee background. It allows
MEN’S STRENGTH SESSIONS PARTICIPANTS and comprehensive health and you to talk in a relaxed private space
HEALTH CLINIC TRAINING WORKPLACE HEALTH NOVA HOUSE CLIENTS ALCOHOL AND DRUG wellbeing assessments for children. about your worries, and start to find
11,260
APPOINTMENTS CLIENTS PROMOTION COORDINATION AND RECOVERY A referral from a GP is required. ways to cope with them. You will
SUPPORT receive acceptance, support and
228 20 3,800
Provides support, advocacy and CHRONIC DISEASE respect in a safe, neutral and non-
linkage for individuals and families MANAGEMENT judgmental environment.
COMMUNITY HEALTH attending alcohol and drug treatment We will work with you and your
REFUGEES COMMUNITY APPOINTMENTS : APPOINTMENTS programs. Supports include; doctor to help you manage your COUNSELLING AND MENTAL
125
CASE EVENT WOMEN’S HEALTH housing, health, welfare, education diabetes or respiratory condition. HEALTH
SUPPORTED PROMOTIONS CLINIC and employment services. Brief and ongoing counselling,
COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN assessment, referral for individuals,
ALCOHOL AND DRUG GROUP Providing free meals weekly and families, children and groups
access to services in a safe, social
CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
PROGRAMS working towards better health and
Group programs include; Relapse and friendly environment. well being - depression, anxiety,
MENTAL HEALTH PLANS
400 62 81
Prevention, Skills for Life and addictive behaviours, relationship
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
1,149
Collaborative Therapy. These are and family difficulties, grief and loss.
Alcohol and Other Drugs,
facilitated by qualified alcohol and
Sexual Health, Chronic Disease DIABETES EDUCATION SERVICE
CHILDREN drug staff to assist in your treatment
Management. Specialist Infectious Education and information on
CHILDREN CARERS ATTENDING and recovery from alcohol and drug
Diseases program (Hepatitis C the management of diabetes for
FAMILY DAY CARE EARLY INTERVENTION
IMMUNISATIONS use.
and other BBV/STI). School and individuals, families or groups
1,379
workplace education and information
108
BLOOD BORNE VIRUS AND
29
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTABLE sessions available. Guest speakers DIABETES PREVENTION
CHILDREN are available to address groups on Free program to help understand
INFECTION CLINIC
PROVIDED Provides testing for Blood Borne a number of health and wellbeing how to prevent diabetes and
WITH FAMILY GROUPS ELMORE PLANNED Viruses (BBV) and Sexually issues. Workplace health and cardiovascular disease.
SERVICES HELD BY YPPP ACTIVITY GROUP Transmittable Infections (STI) as well wellbeing programs are also
ATTENDANCES as providing specific information and available.
health advice.
8,462 708
ADULT PAEDIATRIC
PODIATRY APPOINTMENTS
34,357
DOCTOR & NURSE
2,171 PHYSIOTHERAPY
APPOINTMENTS CONSULTATIONS
6 7
AtoZ of bchs services
EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY SUPPORT The services include: Generalist OPTIONS CLINIC RESIDENTIAL WITHDRAWAL STRENGTH TRAINING AND
INTERVENTION PARENTING PROGRAMS Counselling; Mental Health Nurse Sexual health and family planning SERVICE (NOVA HOUSE) WALKING PROGRAMS
Provides a family based program for These parenting programs Incentive Program; Psychological services for men and women Nova House is an adult residential Conducted at various locations
children (0-6 years of age) with a assist families to strengthen their Treatment Services; Refugee Torture withdrawal program for people throughout Bendigo and Elmore
developmental delay or disability. practical skills for family living and and Trauma Counselling and the NUTRITION undertaking alcohol and or drug to increase physical activity and
communication, promotes healthy StandBy program that provides Community kitchens - learn how withdrawal. The program is open provide social opportunities for
ELMORE PLANNED and harmonious relationships, support for those left behind to cook quickly, cheaply and get to individuals 21 years and over older persons. Strength training is
ACTIVITY GROUP supports families to build on positive after suicide. These services are the best nutritional value with who live in Victoria. An assessment for people aged 55+ to increase
Offers support to frail, aged or strategies to manage the challenges provided at no direct charge to this program. Nutrition sessions process is required to ensure people strength through weight training.
disabled men and women to assist facing families today. consumers and are available for - learn about simple healthy are suited for Nova House.
to maintain independence in the children, youth and adults. Mental eating including healthy weight
Elmore community. HEADSPACE Health Plans are required for the management. Supermarket tours - RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
Supports young people between Mental Health Nurse Incentive learn how to shop cheaply, quickly This service is designed for Provides pap smears, breast
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY the ages of 12 and 25 who are and buy the best and healthiest food individuals and families to learn health check and offers advice and
Program and the Psychological
Offers exercise and lifestyle support experiencing difficulties. Phone: for the dollar. more about lung health, asthma information on a range of women’s
Treatment Service. A referral is
to assist in the prevention and 5434 5345. management and smoking health issues including sexual and
not required for the Generalist
management of health conditions PHYSIOTHERAPY cessation. contraceptive health.
Counselling Services.
and rehabilitation. HEALTH JUSTICE PARTNERSHIPS Offers advice and treatment for
Works with families by directly MOBILE DRUG SAFETY WORKER treating injuries, pain and stiffness in SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY WORKPLACE AND EMPLOYMENT
FALLS AND BALANCE addressing their unmet legal needs, joints and/or muscles and adult and PLANNING
An experienced harm reduction HEALTH PROMOTION
EXERCISE PROGRAM working with health professionals paediatric physiotherapy services An informal and confidential setting
worker is available to individuals BCHS can work with you to develop
To reduce falls risks in adults, and advocates. to assist both men and women
anonymously to access NSP workplace health programs.
increase strength and balance. PODIATRY in making informed choices and
services and receive harm reduction
HELPING CHILDREN WITH Foot health for clients who are older, decisions on their sexual and YOUNG PREGNANT AND
FAMILY DAY CARE education, information and support.
AUTISM & BETTER START have a disability or a chronic illness. reproductive health. PARENTING PROGRAM
Provides quality care for children up SERVICES Diabetes foot health assessments
NEEDLE SYRINGE PROGRAM For young people aged 25 or
to 12 years of age in the homes of Please contact the Early Childhood and community education sessions SPECIALIST
(NSP) OUTREACH TEAM younger. Pregnant or parenting their
approved educators. Intervention Team for further available. PHARMACOTHERAPY
NSP provides clean injecting first child under the age of 4 years.
information. equipment, safe sex and health Specialist alcohol and drug medical Provides specific health information,
FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT QUIT SMOKING PROGRAM or nurse practitioners provide
information, harm reduction assistance and education about
Initial telephone response, MEDICAL PRACTICE Free program to help reduce or quit Methadone and Buprenorphine
education, support and referral pregnancy, birthing, parenting and
consultation and support to family A range of medical practitioners smoking. (Opiate Replacement Therapy)
to health and welfare services. life issues.
and carers of people who use offering general practice services treatment.
Phone: 1800 636 514. 7.30-10.45pm REFUGEE HEALTH NURSE
alcohol and drugs (including based in three locations. YOUTH COUNSELLING SERVICE
Tuesday – Saturday. Support individuals, families and
ICE). A qualified alcohol and drug STANDBY For young people under 25 years,
MEN’S HEALTH CLINIC refugee communities to improve their 24-hour coordinated response
counsellor will provide support, NON-RESIDENTIAL individual sessions and support
Offers a range of male friendly health and wellbeing. to support the needs of families,
information and education to you WITHDRAWAL SERVICE available. Includes alcohol and drug
services, including health friends and associates, schools ,
and your family. Provides non-residential withdrawal REFUGEE SETTLEMENT counselling.
assessments, information, referral work places, and community groups
treatment and support services SERVICES
FAMILY SERVICES and annual check-ups. who have been bereaved through YOUTH HEALTH SERVICES
in conjunction with your medical Provides services for people of
Assist and support families to suicide. Phone: 0439 173 310 Provides a youth friendly health
practitioner. Service is available refugee backgrounds from year one
develop, maintain and strengthen MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS 24 hours, 7 days a week. service including GPs, Nurses and
through; outreach, home based, to year five post arrival. Migrants
their independence, skills and Mental health related services Counsellors.
outpatient and in hospital supported with low English proficiency also
wellbeing and promote positive providing assessment and
withdrawal. eligible. Education about faith and
parenting skills. interventions specific to individual
presentations within an evidence culture available.
based, Recovery framework.
8 9
headspace Bendigo continues
to grow with more young people
turning to the service for support.
headspace is a free national youth headspace Bendigo continues headspace Bendigo is a consortia
mental health service for people to work within the community by consisting of Bendigo Community
aged 12 to 25 experiencing a linking with secondary and primary Health Services as lead agency,
difficult time. schools across central and northern Youth Support Advocacy Service,
victoria, training providers, TAFE and Mind Australia, Anglicare, Bendigo
At headspace Bendigo, young
sporting clubs. Healthcare Group and Murray PHN.
Elmore
people can access counselling
from mental health clinicians with Community engagement events run
expertise in working with youth. or supported by headspace Bendigo
included the third annual Don’t Blow
Young people can also get
A Head Gasket Youth Car Rally, AFL
assistance and support for their
Planned Activity Group/Walking Group
Central Victoria headspace Round
general health and wellbeing,
and Groovin’ The Moo music festival.
alcohol and drug use and education
and employment. headspace Bendigo is always
looking for ways to engage young
headspace Bendigo supported 634
people and continues to run a
new young people and offered 5114
successful Diversity Group and
occasions of service in the 2015-16
A range of health services are special 10th birthday cake. “Initially, people come for the Youth Reference Group.
financial year.
delivered through the Elmore exercise because they have been
Lesley said the social aspect of The service is also home to the
Primary Health Service at the told to or they feel they need to … headspace Bendigo data shows
the group was what kept bringing enormously popular therapy dog
Elmore Medical Practice in they continue to come because it’s 75.7 per cent of young people
people back each Tuesday and Hulli who wins over staff and clients
partnership with St Anthony so social and it’s good fun,” Sandra accessed the service for mental
Thursday. alike.
Family Medical Practice founder said. health-related support, 18.1 per
Doctor Adel Asaid. “It’s been wonderful for Elmore and cent for mental health assessment You can find headspace at
“They walk with different people
wonderful for us to be part of it,” and 3.8 per cent for support with 78-80 Pall Mall in Bendigo or call
The health and wellbeing of the every time and they have the
Lesley said. physical and sexual health concerns. 5434 5345.
community is supported through opportunity to meet locals.”
our Planned Activity Group which “We’re all happy to do what anyone The service has welcomed new You can also find the service
Sandra said the strength training
organises activities, a men’s else is doing … we’re not in a private practitioners who offer online at www.headspace.org.au/
program at Elmore was convenient
shed, Elmore Walking Group and continuous race. You walk to your bulk-billed mental health therapy to headspace-centres/bendigo or on
for residents.
strength training. pace. Some people go on, some young people out of the headspace Facebook at www.facebook.com/
people catch up and we get our “We have people recovering Bendigo site. pages/Headspace-Bendigo
The Elmore Walking Group
exercise. from hip replacements or knee
260 256
celebrated its 10th birthday in
replacements. They come rather
3717
March 2016 with a four-kilometre “We get our mouth exercise as
than go to Bendigo to do their headspace
LBGTIQ+ YOUTH
stroll and morning tea. well as our bodily exercise,” Lesley
physio exercises… they’ll get the appointments
laughed.
SERVICE
BCHS CEO Kim Sykes physio to send me the exercises in 2015
congratulated the group before Then Healthy Lifestyles program which is more convenient for them
2454
walkers Lesley Edmondston and facilitator Sandra Holmberg agreed rather than travelling.” headspace
Sam Dalton who have been with the social aspect was the secret to appointments ihshy clients HEY clients
the group since the start cut a the group’s success. JAN-JUNE 2016 (homeless youth)
(HEALTHY EQUAL YOUTH)
seen
10 11
kidzspace takes shape
The Bendigo Community Health
Services dream of building a
“A child’s future health, wellbeing
and development are shaped by
of children with a disability and St
John of God’s Raphael Centre for
“There is a need
revolutionary child and family the experience of their early years. mother’s experiencing post-natal to wrap services
services centre for the community Any family can build strengths depression.
is coming to life. that significantly contribute to their around children and
Builders expect to complete
Bendigo builders Walsh and
resilience and ability to bounce
back from the challenges of life if
kidzspace in November 2016. families that are
O’Meara started construction of
the $2.6 million State Government-
supported to do so.
The project designers most vulnerable in
funded centre on our Kangaroo Flat “(But) not all children have a
Flexibility, safety and accessibility our community and
site in March with the help of around good start to their lives and not all
12 local sub-contractors. families know how to deal with a
were key considerations in designing
Kidzspace.
kidzspace is designed
child’s illness, behavioural issues
kidzspace will bring all our early
or the stresses that some parents CBA Building Designers accepted
with that in mind.”
years and family support services
experience. the brief to create a state-of-the-
together under an Australian-first
art community-focused building
model designed to challenge “There is a need to wrap services
that was open, inviting and ever-
the traditional life paths for those around children and families that are
changing, with spaces that could
born into disadvantage and allow most vulnerable in our community
evolve with the needs of the public
children of all ages to reach their full and kidzspace is designed with that
and user groups.
potential. in mind.
Shane DeAraugo and Simon Bedson
BCHS CEO Kim Sykes said “It will work with kids and their
took about eight months to come
kidzspace would be a major asset families to make sure that every child
up with final plans for the Bendigo
for the organisation in delivering has the healthiest start possible for
Community Health Services facility.
new strategic directions which focus them, and we have a very big focus
heavily on early years. on addressing health inequality.” The designers said they were
pleased to be involved in such a
She said the centre aimed to kidzspace will complete an early
revolutionary project.
promote generational change that years health and wellbeing hub
would have a positive life-long at our Helm Street site that will “It’s a way of giving back and
impact on the health, education develop unprecedented support for supporting the growth and
and earning power of Bendigo vulnerable families by integrating development of our community,
youngsters. our community health platform in particular our kids,” Shane and
with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Simon said.
“Any child can reach their full
maternal and child health service,
potential if supported to do so,” “Providing safe and inviting
a kindergarten with a high number
she said. environments is important.”
The builders Many of the sub contractors Director Matt Bolton said his
expressed their satisfaction in company was happy to contribute to
BENDIGO construction company helping with a project designed to a vital community hub.
Walsh and O’Meara Builders is give children a better start in life.
overseeing the creation of kidzspace. “It does give you a sense of pride,”
Bendigo Plant Hire director Adam he said.
“I think it is fantastic for the city of Riley handled excavation work at the
Bendigo and I fully support it,” says Painter Bert McIvor echoed Matt’s
building site.
Walsh and O’Meara director and sentiment about kidzspace.
father-of-three Kevin Walsh. “I am well aware of the background
“It is certainly satisfying being
to this project and I think it’s fantastic.
As project manager, Kevin visited the involved in the local Bendigo
By having everything under the
Helm Street construction site most community and projects like this,”
one roof – that will go a long way
days to ensure the build progressed he said.
to making these services more
smoothly. accessible to families.”
Around 12 Bendigo-based You can read more about the
MPB Electrical installed the electricity
subcontractors were engaged to help sub contractors in a special blog
and data cables.
build kidzspace. called ‘Building kidzspace’ at
Xavier Wallace plays on a mound of dirt with the kidzspace site in the Designer Shane DeAraugo, Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Kim Sykes and
background. Kevin Walsh from Walsh and O’Meara Builders sign the kidzspace contracts. www.bchs.com.au
12 13
Dementia study provides
Community Connections 2015
Bendigo Community Health Services has spent The Community Connections project also focused on
18 months studying dementia through a new alcohol and other drugs support for consumers leaving
Community Connections project. our treatment programs and gaining community input
into the building design and services offered through
The project engaged people with dementia, partners,
our new $2.6 million kidzspace centre being built at
families and carers to learn how the condition impacts
Kangaroo Flat.
on lives and community.
“We developed strong, trusting relationships with a
number of our community members. The community
opened their homes to us, showed us their photo albums
of memories and even introduced us to their family,” a
BCHS Community Connections project team member
Dahlia & Arts Festival March 2015
said.
The study found little was known about dementia inside
Bendigo’s refugee community who instead referred to
the condition as ‘old person’s disease’.
Information collected during heartfelt interviews with
The famous corporate green while giant ‘like’ hands worn by our With a site at 3 Seymoure Street those living with dementia, their families and carers,
of Bendigo Community Health crew promoted the organisation’s in Eaglehawk, BCHS has proudly allowed our Community Connections project team
Services was to the fore once new social media platforms. supported the Dahlia and Arts members to build a web-based staff training system
again during the Dahlia and Festival for many years to celebrate that will allow Bendigo Community Health Services to
It was fantastic to see the crowd
Arts Festival street parade in with our local community, raise become a dementia-friendly organisation and assist
lining the main street of Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk during March 2015. awareness of our presence and others wanting to do the same.
applauding as the BCHS car and
services, increase community
Staff and family members – young crew rolled by.
participation in health promoting
and old – joined the street parade to
BCHS child and family services staff activities and, above all, have fun!
promote the organisation and engage
with the 10,000 strong crowd by
handing out showbags featuring fresh
returned to Eaglehawk the day after
the street parade to take part in the
Huge thanks to Norm Quinn who
supplied fresh apples, Toyworld who
Bowel cancer message a major focus
annual Family Fun Day.
apples and a drink bottle. provided games for the family fun Bendigo Community Health Services led a major
The BCHS stand was popular, day and UFS Eaglehawk Pharmacy
A sea of green balloons helped lift effort to raise community awareness of the
particularly the apple spirals and our who gave sunscreen for BCHS staff. To calculate your bowel cancer risk, visit
the profile of the BCHS contingent importance of bowel cancer screening through 2015
famous playdough recipe. www.cancervic.org.au/bowel-cancer-risk-calculator/
and 2016.
BCHS staff member Sarah Tarquinio co-ordinated phase
Men’s health week September 2014 two of the Department of Health and Human Services-
funded National Bowel Cancer Screening Project with
support of partners Murray Primary Health Network and
Men’s health was the topic for Centre in Bendigo on a day that A Men’s Health Challenge breakfast Bendigo Health.
Bendigo in September 2014 as promoted the benefits of activity and heard from a group of men who
Bendigo Community Health social interaction. revealed their learnings and lifestyle “Bowel cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed
Services organised activities to changes from a 10-week men’s cancer in Australia but 90 per cent of bowel cancers can
The seven-a-side tournament be successfully treated if found early,” Sarah said.
promote Men’s Health Week. health challenge under the guidance
featured teams from the Karen and
of Amy Holmes from Shape Health “Screening is essential for detecting bowel cancer early,
The week is designed to increase Afghan communities taking on each
and Fitness in Bendigo. and it is recommended that those aged between 50 and
awareness of men’s health issues other and organisations such as
such as depression, obesity, Victoria Police, headspace Bendigo, The annual Run For Dad provided 74 are screened every two years.
diabetes, cancer or heart disease, Country Fire Authority and the the traditional finale to Men’s “The National Bowel Cancer Screening Project is rolling
promote the benefits of making Bendigo Bank. Health Week with more than 200 out the provision of free bowel cancer screening to all
a healthy lifestyle change and people turning out to the Bendigo eligible people. By 2020, those aged between 50 and 74
Other events generating men’s health
encourage men to seek help if they Racecourse on Father’s Day. will be sent a free bowel screening kit every two years to
interest during the week included a
see a risk. complete in their own home.”
Men’s Shed Challenge Yacht Race Bendigo Community Health Services
The annual Multicultural Soccer on Lake Weeroona, a sports injuries will expand the Men’s Health Week The project used community members, public information
Tournament traditionally kicks off seminar hosted by Murray Primary to a Men’s Health Marathon next year sessions and stands, media advertising, community
Men’s Health Week with 28 teams Health Network and a Men In Sheds encompassing 11 days of activities. newsletters and social media platforms to promote the
doing battle at the Tom Flood Sports open day. important bowel screening message through the year.
14 15
Soup kitchen feeds a need
The Bendigo Community Health Bendigo Community Health Services “When I visited the Soup Kitchen and
Services soup kitchen feeds a CEO Kim Sykes said the Soup saw the appreciation from people
need in Bendigo. Kitchen catered for people who who are doing it a bit tough at the
wanted to sit down and share a meal moment, it was a good feeling
Free soup, bread, chicken and
with others or those who prefer to knowing we could do something to
salad is served from the kitchen
take a meal home. help out.”
between 4pm and 5pm each
Thursday in the arcade at 171 “We have been able to support For more information about the free
Hargreaves Street. many people across the community, soup kitchen call 5448 1600.
1045
serving anywhere between two and
Beck Legal provides financial
30 meals each week,” she said.
support for the Soup Kitchen to
cover plates, takeaway containers, Strath Village IGA manager Tim
knives, forks, napkins and food. Mannix said the store was quick to
jump on board when approached to
Strath Village IGA donates chickens,
support the Soup Kitchen.
JL King and Co gourmet salads,
Strath Hill Hot Bake bread and Café “Soup kitchen is a great idea to help
TOTAL MEALS
De Mill preparation support. out those in need,” Mr Mannix said.
SERVED
Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Kim Sykes and Pristine Dry
Cleaners manager Jane Townsend collect the first coats.
Bendigo Community Health Services
organisational development team
Success of Bendigo Community
member Bron Moore and IGA Strath
Village manager Tim Mannix with the
Soup Kitchen trolley.
Coat Drive warms hearts June 2015
Bendigo Community Health “The Bendigo community has again year’s event, two 10-year-olds who
Services wrapped up its annual shown its incredible generosity,” said used their Cub Scouts project to
Community Coat Drive with BCHS CEO Kim Sykes. collect coats, Bendigo Spirit WNBL
a heartfelt “thank you” to basketball star Kelsey Griffin who
“We were overwhelmed by the sheer
everyone who contributed to the donated items from her sporting
number of individuals, groups and
overwhelming success. collection, Member for Bendigo
businesses who came together
West Maree Edwards who gathered
By the end of the three-week to donate warm clothing to the
coats and businesses such as
campaign, about 2300 coats, struggling people in our city who
PRDnationwide Bendigo.
jumpers, jackets and blankets had need it most.”
been donated to bring warmth to the Ms Sykes said BCHS was indebted
“To everyone who took part in our
less fortunate during the cold winter to Pristine Drycleaners which worked
2016 coat drive, we say a sincere
months. tirelessly to ensure donated jackets,
thank you on their behalf.”
jumpers and blankets were cleaned.
This was up from 1839 items last
Among some of the notable efforts
year, representing an increase of She also thanked radio station 3BO
for the coat drive was a Bendigo
about 25 per cent. for their ongoing support and other
woman who started knitting blankets
media outlets that promoted the drive.
the day after the 2015 drive for this
“By the end of the three-week campaign, about 2300 coats,
jumpers, jackets and blankets had been donated to bring
warmth to the less fortunate during the cold winter months.”
16 17
Settlement Services - supporting Million stars make a difference
Bendigo’s newest citizens Karen and Afghan refugees attending
a Bendigo Community Health
in 2015 and International Women’s
Day on March 8 in 2016 for the One
Services women’s group weaved Million Stars To End Violence project.
The refugee journey from “Interest from the general public hundreds of stars in support of a
One Million Stars To End Violence is
homeland to a new life in Bendigo has encouraged us to share these special campaign seeking an end to
the idea of Brunswick artist Maryann
featured in a special exhibition inspiring and brave stories of all violence.
Talia Pau who was inspired by a
called Stories Told in August 2015. refugees finding their way to a new
The Safe Community Forum signed message in a sea of flowers after the
home in Bendigo,” Martine said.
The Bendigo Community Health Bendigo up to become a WEAVE 100 rape and murder of Jill Meagher in
Services settlement services team “These stories reveal what these new community with the aim of creating her community.
worked with Karen and Afghan citizens have endured in getting to 10,000 stars between November 25
families in Bendigo to record and Bendigo and making a new life here.
present personal stories showing
“The stories are told with honesty
the highlights and struggles of the
and deliver a beautiful insight into
Busy year for Settlement Services team
journey to Bendigo and creating a
different cultures.”
new life in a different place.
So popular was the original version of Greater Bendigo co-ordinator Art
BCHS Healthy Communities and
Stories Told that it returned through a and Cultural Maree Tonkin said
Lifestyle manager Martine Street The Bendigo Community Health “None of the families had visited a
partnership with the City of Greater Stories Told 2 was a fabulous
said the organisation had enjoyed Services Settlement Services team zoo before and most of them had
Bendigo’s Capital Venues and Events addition to the Festival of Cultures
a wonderful reaction to Stories Told had a busy year ensuring new never caught a train,” Sue said.
team to feature in the Festival of program.
exhibition. families arriving in Bendigo felt
Cultures during March 2016. “It was an economical, fun day for all
“The exhibition provides a platform
welcome, supported and active.
for participants to share their who participated,” Sue said.
“These stories reveal what these experiences with the broader Tours to places of interest which
As for the animals, Sue said the
new citizens have endured in getting to community. The arts play a vital role help new families learn more about
Australia are one of the popular
meerkats were a clear winner on the
in interpreting the experiences in
Bendigo and making a new life here.” creative ways,” she said. activities planned by the Settlement
day with the group.
Services team. “The meerkats were very amusing –
they loved them. They also loved the
Staff joined four parents and 18
seals,” Sue said.
children from the Karen community
on the train to Melbourne for a visit “The butterfly house was also very
to Melbourne Zoo in April 2016. popular – to have that interaction
with the butterflies was amazing.”
Settlement Services team member
Sue Ghalayini said the families had
been in Australia for under
12 months.
18 19Bendigo Community Health Service is committed to safety, quality and The Infection Control Working Group (ICWG) has been reinvigorated in the
providing positive and effective consumer experiences. The organisation has last 12 months. This was preceded by a significant review conducted by
rigorous systems in place to measure the extent to which consumers are Organisational Development. The Group’s membership has been broadened
satisfied with their experience of BCHS, and their outcomes and goals are to include representation from across the breadth of BCHS service areas.
positively met. We undertake a range of activities to ensure information and
The focus of the ICWG in the 15/16 year has been to consolidate its purpose
data is captured for analysis and to inform quality improvement opportunities,
and the BCHS need for effective Infection prevention specifically including:
Quality including:
• Service location and facilities, data, safety, infection rates and file audits • Hand Hygiene
• Focus groups and feedback loops Infection • Immunisation of staff
• Consumer feedback – complaints, suggestions and compliments collation
• Incident Reporting
control • Isolation areas for consumers arriving with potential infectious diseases
• Consumer outcomes report • A discrete Infection Control position servicing all sites of BCHS
The ICWG is planning to formally monitor BCHS Infection Control compliance
• Program evaluations
and supports a designated Infection Control Worker to operationalise the
Utilising our consumer groups to test particular areas of the business, such BCHS actions to adhere to Infection Control requirements in a health service
as our website design, is another strategy that helps to inform us that our setting.
marketing, language and engagement strategies are suitable for all members
of our diverse community.
BCHS reviewed our system of clinical governance to maintain a strong
focus on quality and safety while building stronger emphasis on the client
experience. We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Qualityworks
consultancy founder and managing director Cathy Balding who has helped
guide our approach. Community feedback and support matters
The BCHS Clinical Safety Action Group have worked collectively to develop Bendigo Community Health A paediatric physiotherapy/podiatry
a sub-group within the organisation to review, plan and implement an Services seeks compliments service survey showed 92.31 per
organisational wide approach to infection control, whilst developing and or complaints through special cent of clients were satisfied with the
implementing an education program that reflects principles of co-production feedback forms promoted on the care received by their child with 7.69
model. reception desk of all sites. per cent somewhat satisfied.
A pilot project was designed through the Alcohol and other Drugs therapy All forms completed by a consumer A sexual and reproductive health
Clinical group as part of the Community Connections project. are recorded at the Bendigo central clinic satisfaction survey found
safety
site. The compliments are shared 78.67 per cent of people learned
Through the Clinical Placement Network BCHS have been able to supervise
with staff. something new at their appointment
junior staff and support their development of skills, knowledge and
competency to provide safe, high quality care. Complaints are forwarded to senior with 13.33 per cent saying they had
managers for response and action. not learned anything and eight per
INCIDENTS JULY 2015 - JUNE 2016 cent not sure.
Staff performance, service value,
venue suitability and consumer Our podiatry service was the
CHEMICAL 0
subject of a client survey in 2016.
satisfaction are monitored through
CLINICAL 21
surveys distributed by email, hard The survey showed 38.89 per cent
ELECTRICAL 1 copy and through our social media of respondents found the service
FALL 7 platforms. useful, 77.78 per cent satisfactory,
FIRE 0 16.67 per cent interesting and 22.22
A client-patient satisfaction
per cent informative.
HAZARD 6 survey found 98.46 per cent of
IT ISSUE 1 people found it easy to make an Social media platforms Facebook,
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR 18 appointment with BCHS while 3.08 Twitter and Instagram are also used
INFECTION CONTROL 3 per cent found it difficult. to gather consumer feedback.
INTRUDER 1
98.46 %
78.67 %
NEAR MISS 5
people found PEOPLE LEARNED SOMETHING
NEEDLE STICK 1 it easy to make NEW AT THEIR APPOINTMENT
an appointment WITH SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE
OPERATIONAL 7 with BCHS HEALTH CLINIC
OVERDOSE 2
77.78%
92.31%
PERSONAL INJURY 15
people found PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
PROPERTY DAMAGE 0 THE PODIATRY and PODIATRY CLIENTS
SERVICE WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR
THEFT 2 SATISFACTORY CHILD’S CARE
VEHICLE 4
20 21Dual tools “While I am doing it for
my own professional
expands with development, this job is also
funding extension for my community because
I want to show that if people
The Bendigo Community Health Services Dual Tools are given a chance, we can
Project team used a funding extension to expand the
successful concept in the last financial year. SOS gets a tick do more and we can make a
BCHS designed Dual Tools in 2012 to ensure people
with an addiction to alcohol or other drugs and a from student users huge difference and we can
contribute to the broader
mental health condition could receive quality treatment.
USERS declared the Bendigo Community Health Services community.”
An online Learning Management System was built to web-based Student Orientation Space helpful, relevant
deliver e-learning modules after training was identified and easy to use during a feedback survey in October
as vital to ensuring organisations could best meet the 2015 and March 2016.
needs of people with multiple conditions.
The SOS is a web-based learning management system
The Dual Tools team used new funding to plan a designed to prepare students for a clinical placement.
pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of training
delivered by teleconferencing through the LMS and SOS aims to get students thinking about their placement
identify suitable video conferencing software. so they can get the most out of the experience and
covers topics such as pre-placement, quality and safety.
Further project achievements in the last financial year
included the development of two new modules, the Program-specific modules are available for children’s
uploading of four professional training videos, testing health and mental health.
the effectiveness of virtual training compared to face- The feedback survey formed part of a 12 month-
to-face live training and the presentation of Dual Tools evaluation of the SOS to ensure the learning
to the 2015 National Complex Needs Conference. management system remained fit for purpose.
Team members were delighted that almost 50 new staff
enrolled for training in the last financial year despite the
heavy focus on testing instead of project promotion.
“But of most benefit it gave me an insight into what to
expect for my placement which is important for me as Snora takes historic journey
from refugee to trainee
it assisted in alleviating anxiety levels,” one respondent
The funding extension was provided through the said of the SOS.
Commonwealth Government’s Substance Misuse The SOS was profiled during the Department of Health
Service Delivery Grants Fund for the 2015-2016 and Human Services International Health Week in the
financial year. Young Karen woman Gloria Snora helped ease the justice process for involving offenders ordered to carry
Melbourne Exhibition Centre during April 2016.
Soe Morris believes in making the Karen offenders and shown other out community work by the courts.
To learn more about the Dual Tools Project, visit To learn more about the SOS visit http://sos.bchs.com.au/ most of every opportunity and young members of her community
www.dualtools.com.au “This job is the first step towards a
turning dreams into reality – and she that there are exciting workplace
bright future for me,” she says.
wants others in her community to opportunities available to them.
aim for the stars. “While I am doing it for my own
“I was very shy at first because
professional development, this job
The former refugee and Bendigo it was a huge step for me and I
is also for my community because I
Community Health Services wasn’t sure if I was ready,” says the
want to show that if people are given
Settlement Services program client 21-year-old, who arrived in Bendigo
a chance, we can do more and we
has spent five months working as a from Thailand Karenni Refugee
can make a huge difference and
trainee community corrections officer Camp 2 in March 2011.
we can contribute to the broader
with the Department of Justice and
“I remember my very first day at community.”
Regulation in a role that has opened
work – I was so scared, nervous and
up professional pathways for others. The traineeship scheme was
worried that I may not be able to do
developed by managers at Justice
Gloria is the first Karen person to the tasks. But I did my very best and
and BCHS to support and build
be employed by the department at the end, I overcame all my fears
bridges with the local Karen
on a traineeship, but with plans to and gained my confidence back.
community and provide ongoing
continue the program and take on
“Having supportive team members employment pathways.
another trainee in 2017, she won’t be
and manager made a huge
the last. To read a feature version of this
difference.”
story, please visit www.bchs.com.au
Not only has the program given
As a community corrections officer, and search for Snora.
Gloria workplace experience in
Gloria has been managing cases
the human services field, it has
22 23Wonderful gesture spoils staff “I now feel more confident in
myself and look forward to
John ‘Jack’ Healey and his daughter Glenda Brooker interacting with other mums.”
cooked up a plan to deliver one of the kindest
gestures experienced by Bendigo Community Health
Services staff in some time.
Jack’s daughter Glenda Brooker read a notice on
a waiting room TV screen at our Eaglehawk site
encouraging people to nominate staff providing excellent
service for a Client Award.
Glenda was keen to have staff recognised given the
support her father had received to maintain his health,
wellbeing and mobility. There was just one problem …
how could you nominate them all?
“Because my dad needed such a lot of care and he
was constantly there, I felt like that we were part of the
furniture and we just about knew every staff member by
name there,’’ Glenda said.
“There are just too many wonderful people here at
BCHS that take care of my father. I could never fill out a
nomination for all of them.
“With all the attention that he’s had, not only there but at
the Anne Caudle Centre as well, my father is now able to gesture and recognition of the role they had played in
mow his lawns again and be so active again. It wasn’t like
that a few months ago.”
keeping him as healthy and active as possible.
“Jack is a lovely gentleman who always provides a bit of
Clients thankful of quality service
So instead of filling out the nomination forms, Glenda and humour and ‘cheek’ when he visits, and again we were
Jack put together a morning tea for the staff who care for very thankful for their kind thoughts,” Emma said.
Bendigo Community Health Services regularly receives kind words of appreciation from the people our staff
them and the entire Eaglehawk site.
Glenda who does a 160-kilometre round trip to help care for in their day-to-day duties.
Team member and podiatrist Emma Millard said the her father has also joined the BCHS Carers Wellbeing
staff involved in Jack’s care were delighted by the lovely Program. Our staff don’t seek recognition Testimonial - Workplace Health come through a workplace health
but certainly enjoy comments Program assessment also meant that the
and testimonials from consumers workplace was in a really good
“For a while I had been feeling
appreciative of their work and place to support me through the
generally unwell and had just put it
support. treatment.”
down to getting older.
Following is a selection of Testimonial – Podiatry team
“The (workplace) health assessment
feedback gathered from
revealed particularly high blood “Very satisfied. Welcomed by office
consumers in the 2015-2016
pressure and I was referred to my staff – given a cup of coffee as I
financial year:
GP which I followed up. was very early for my appointment
Testimonial – Young Pregnant (because of bus times).”
“The GP did some thorough testing
Parenting Program
prompted by the feedback from Testimonial – Reception staff
Going to group on a Tuesday with the assessment which revealed a
Wal is very impressed with all our
YPPP has helped me interact with chronic health condition which could
front reception staff. He said they
other young mums. The first time have been fatal if left untreated.
were ‘just lovely’. He observed
I went I felt really nervous but the
“I have now had the treatment which the staff whilst he was sitting in
other mums and staff made me
points towards all clear. reception. Nothing was too much
welcome and I felt included straight
trouble for them when assisting
away. The group has made me more “I have no doubt that without the
clients either on the phone or face
organised, I think about what I need health assessment I would not have
to face. They were respectful and
for the day and plan ahead so I don’t discovered the condition until too
positive. Wal noticed this as he
forget anything in my nappy bag. I late.
said that these days you don’t
now feel more confident in myself
“Obviously, the diagnosis was often see this! “They should all be
and look forward to interacting with
a huge outcome but having it commended … well done!” said Wal.
other mums.
Emma Millard (podiatrist), Dr Lee Ann Abraham (GP registrar), Jan Moore (diabetes nurse educator and chronic disease management nurse),
Astrid Codemo (podiatrist), Corey Nexhip (La Trobe Bendigo podiatry student), Dr Ratnavalli Subendran (GP) and Boska Wyatt (nurse practitioner).
24 25“If parents can give their Staff donate over 40,000
kids a minute or two to
digest their feelings and meals to Bendigo Foodshare
then acknowledge them,
the children can learn to A Bendigo Community Health “Bendigo Foodshare provide enough “It’s always rewarding to know you
regulate their emotions Services workplace giving food for about 14,000 people every have contributed in making someone
a lot better.’’ program has donated more month. That’s over one million else’s life a little easier and ensuring
than 40,000 meals to Bendigo kilograms of food each year. that such as basic need such as
Foodshare. food is being provided. For such a
“Foodshare can only run thanks
small donation the benefits to the
BCHS CEO Kim Sykes said staff to their volunteers. So we thought
community are huge.”
were keen to support Bendigo we could give them some valuable
Foodshare’s fantastic work in support. Just $1 will provide food for Another BCHS staff member Mary-
reducing food poverty in the 16 meals.” Anne Richardson was also keen
community. to help the community through the
BCHS staff member Angela
Workplace Giving Program.
“The food comes from 15 producers McKinley joined the Workplace
and retailers and is used for school Giving Program to support people “In an ideal world, everyone would
breakfast programs so our kids in the community benefitting from look out for the people in their
don’t go hungry, community meals Bendigo Foodshare. community and then there wouldn’t
groups who supply meals for those be anyone going without meals
“My contribution is automatically
doing it tough and emergency relief during tough times. Making a
deducted from my salary, so the
agencies to help those individuals donation each pay day to Bendigo
process is very easy. It is tax
and families experiencing extreme Foodshare is a small way that I can
deductible and you get a sense of
hardship,” Ms Sykes said. help look out for the people in our
community spirit and achievement
community.”
Paula May devotes 37 years
when you hear of the positive effects
that Bendigo Foodshare have had
locally,” Angela said.
to helping at-risk families
PAULA May is Bendigo Community Health Services’ “We might work to engage the parents with their child’s
longest-serving employee, devoting the past 37 school, or look at whether they are taking the child to the
years to helping local at-risk families reach their full dentist or the maternal and child health nurse.
potential.
“It is really about looking at the child’s development all “Foodshare can
The family support worker grew up in a single-parent the way along the line.” only run thanks to
family and understands many of the daily challenges
faced by the mums, dads and children she comes in
Paula is a huge advocate of positive parenting, reflective their volunteers.
contact with.
listening, and ensuring the child’s voice is heard. So we thought we
“If parents can give their kids a minute or two to digest could give them some
“I am sure that most of the lessons I have had to learn in
life have led me to this,” says Paula.
their feelings and then acknowledge them, the children valuable support. Just
can learn to regulate their emotions a lot better,’’ she $1 will provide food
“It feels like this is what I was meant to do.” says.
for 16 meals.”
Paula joined BCHS in 1979 and today works with the “Parents can then build better relationships with their kids
family services team to deliver the new Changing Futures and the attachment and bonding that develops is just
outreach program introduced by the Department of wonderful.
Health and Human Services on February 1.
“If you haven’t got a lot of money but you want to have
“We are part of the North Central Victoria Family Support fun, put a blanket on the lounge room floor and have a
Alliance, which includes also Anglicare Victoria and the picnic with your kids. Simple, fun things don’t have to cost
Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative. a lot.”
“The Child First workers at Anglicare allocate cases to the Paul May’s story featured as part of a Discovering BCHS
agencies and we go out and meet the families. We look blog introducing a range of our staff to the community.
at their hopes, dreams and goals and ask, what do they Find the blog at www.bchs.com.au
want to achieve? What do they want to change to make
life better for them?
26 27You can also read
