MerriNews
Volume 18. April 2018
Inside this issue:
1. WE HAVE A NEW, EASY NUMBER
2. HEALTHY SMILES FOR SCHOOLS
3. IDAHOBIT: THE PEACE PATROL
4. LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES PROGRAM
In this issue:
3. I ntroducing our new, easy number
4. Healthy smiles for local schools
5. Celebrating diversity
6. The Peace Patrol
7. Co-design leads to greater support for young carers
8. Living well with diabetes
Merri-Health @MerriHealth Merri Health
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2. | MerriNews April 2018
Welcome.
Welcome to the first edition for 2018. This year is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Merri Health, with services continuing to grow and new programs being developed. The year has started at a fast pace with the continuing expansion of a number of program areas, helping us to support communities across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
who have continued to participate in co-design activities across the organisation to ensure we develop and deliver services that truly meet your needs.
As an organisation we continue to invest in our facilities and infrastructure so that we can provide improved access and site experience for our growing client numbers.
2018 is set to be another exciting year as we continue striving to enrich diverse communities through the provision of quality health care and support services.
We are excited to be implementing Merri Health’s Community Relationships Framework that will further strengthen our partnering and co-design approaches with stakeholders, communities and our clients. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the many clients, carers and community members
Nigel Fidgeon Chief Executive Officer – Merri Health
1300 MERRIH Introducing our new, easy-to-remember phone number!
When you call 1300 637 744, you will now choose from the following options:
Press 1
for dental services
Press 2
for National Disability Insurance Scheme, disability and mental health services
Press 3
for aged services, if you are 65 years or older, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander 50 years or older.
Press 4 Last month we launched our new phone number, to replace all existing site numbers. You can now call 1300 637 744 and chose from the options to take you to the right service, person or team faster.
for health services, such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, podiatry, exercise and education classes, diabetes education, nursing and more
Press 5
for child, youth and family services. For all other enquiries, carer services, an interpreter or to speak to someone, callers will be asked to hold the line, which will be answered by our reception staff.
Why did we make this move? We listened to our community. In making this move, we’ve considered our community’s needs: >>
Accessibility friendly – clients will only need to remember one number, even if accessing multiple services
>>
Language friendly – clients will now be able to connect to OnCall Interpreters when we answer their call, to assist with their enquiry, if needed
>>
Plain English – we use language that is easy to understand
Community members were a part of the process from beginning to end, to ensure that the navigation system was easy to understand.
Merri Central opens its doors Following the loss of our support services office in 2017, we’ve bounced back, unveiling Merri Central in Coburg! The doors opened last month, with the new site housing our Wellness at Home and Population Health teams alongside support services.
MerriNews April 2018 | 3.
Locals helping homeless Local groups are working together to help the growing number of homeless in Moreland. A new shower and laundry service has been visiting Coburg weekly, to help restore dignity to those who are experiencing homelessness. Operated by OneVoice, the bus has helped them gain confidence and self-worth. Ray from OneVoice runs the service at the front of Merri Health’s Vic Place site and has seen first-hand the difference that a wash and clean clothes can make. “When they first come to the service, you can tell they haven’t had a shower in a long time. When they come out, it’s like they are a whole new person – they have a bounce in their step,” Ray said. The service helps bridge the gap between those experiencing homelessness and local services. “Unless you are really in the know, it can be hard to find a shower or other services that can help, so we take the shower to the people.” Merri Health has been operating a health clinic alongside the service to address their health concerns and ensure their health is not neglected. Community health nurse at Merri Health Jen Anderson, will perform a health assessment including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, specific women’s and men’s health checks and provide alcohol and drug support. “We know that people experiencing homelessness can neglect their physical health because of their circumstances and that homelessness can fuel futher problems, such as mental health. It’s important that they are supported to help take back control,” Jen said. The bus visits Merri Health’s Vic Place site every Wednesday from 9-12pm. 4. | MerriNews April 2018
Healthy smiles for local schools Primary school students will get a visit from the dentist, as part of a joint initative of Little Smiles and Ready, Set, Prep. More than 450 Moreland primary school students will benefit from free, in-school dental checks and education. Our dental team will teach children from grade prep to 2 about healthy eating and good oral hygiene, followed by an onsite dental screen.
“Fawkner is a very diverse area with children coming from many parts of the world. By delivering oral health education to newly arrived and culturally diverse children, we can improve their health through education, as well as connect them with quality, community-based dental services,” Jonathan said.
Sessions will run out of Fawkner, St Matthew’s, Moomba Park and St Mark’s primary schools.
Dental screens will occur during term one and two, with follow-up treatment offered at Merri Health’s Brunswick site.
Merri Health’s dental manager Jonathan Teoh, said the service will help children develop healthy habits and address access to dental services.
This project is an initiative of dental program Little Smiles and school ready program Ready, Set, Prep.
“If children develop good oral hygiene early in life, these practices will stay with them for life.
“By delivering oral health education to newly arrived and culturally diverse children, we can improve their health through education, as well as connect them with quality, community-based dental services.
”
- Jonathan Teoh, dental manager at Merri Health
Celebrating diversity Last month we celebrated diversity and highlighted our services that support migrant and refugee families to thrive.
Ready, Set, Prep Fawkner is home to high numbers of newly arrived refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families; many who are socially isolated and less familiar with the Australian educational system. Ready, Set, Prep addresses poor school readiness in four local schools; Fawkner, Moomba, St Mark’s and St Matthew’s primary schools. The program includes weekly education sessions for parents and carers of preschool aged children, and resources for families to support family engagement in a child’s education.
is based on evidence that sports participation improves physical and mental health and is a useful setting to form social connections. Since the project begun in September 2016, Count Me In has reached 172 children from 28 different schools and nine countries. Children have become involved in a variety of different sports, with families given the opportunity to meet and connect with new people outside of their communities. Count Me In is a collaboration between The University of Melbourne, Moreland City Council, Merri Health, local schools and local sports clubs and associations.
Count Me In
Urdu Speaking Women’s Group
Count Me In begun as a pilot project in 2016, aiming to increase sports participation for refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), migrant children and young people. The program
The Urdu Speaking Women’s Group have been meeting in Fawkner since 2015, providing newly arrived Urdu-speaking women with community support and social connectedness.
The group meet fortnightly for social activities and education via professional guest speakers. They’ve also embraced the use of messaging app Viber, to help them stay connected between meetings.
Little Smiles Little Smiles visits Moreland playgroups to help children and their family from vulnerable and marginalised communities, develop good oral health habits and connect with their local public dental service.
Get in touch For referrals and questions 1300 637 744 info@merrihealth.org.au
MerriNews April 2018 | 5.
The Peace Patrol Combating violence, harassment and discrimination in Fawkner.
Fawkner will host one of the largest art displays in Moreland for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The event will see more than 1,000 Moreland students and locals take part in the large-scale event on Monday, 30 April. Thousands of paint-filled water balloons will be used to create an 80 metre rainbow mural along the fence of Fawkner Police Station. Merri Health’s Community Arts and Development Officer Russ Pirie, said that the event showed Moreland’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive community. “The event is a fun and dynamic way for community members to engage in an act of LGBTIAQ+ allyship. Everyone is welcome to come along and be involved,” said Russ. IDAHOBIT is an annual celebration of sexual and gender diversities, raising awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by this group. This event is a Merri Health led initiative with support from Moreland City Council, Victoria Police, Bunnings Warehouse and Dulux.
Join in on the fun Monday, 30 April 12:30PM - 3:30PM Fawkner Police Station. 1151 Sydney Rd, Fawkner Find out more 1300 637 744 PHU.Schools@merrihealth.org.au
Carers get active Carer service challenges carers to prioritise their own health and wellbeing for Active April. Carer health and wellbeing coaches at Merri Health have embraced the Victorian Government initiative as a way of encouraging carers to increase exercise.
Active April will complement the team’s free monthly walking sessions, where they take part in light exercise while learning more about support services.
During the month of April, our carer service CarerLinks North, invite carers to join their Active April team and record their physical activity online, encouraging friendly competition.
As a fulltime carer of his father, Loddy Micucci has benefitted from the program which has helped him to reach his goals of increasing his physical activity levels.
Carer health and wellbeing coach and dietitian Collette Arnheim said the campaign is a great way to introduce carers to physical activity and connect with support services and other carers. “Staying active and healthy is important for all carers so that they can maintain their caring role. “Active April will help them see the big impact 30 minutes of exercise can have on their energy levels – and a bit of competition is a great motivator!” Collette said.
“The health coaching made me realise that it was okay to take time for myself and also supported me and guided me on how to do that,” Loddy said. Join a walk and talk session by calling our team on 03 9495 2500. CarerLinks North carer health and wellbeing coaching were awarded the Leading Age Services Australia, 2018 Excellence in Age Services Team Award for Victoria and Tasmania. They were recognised for their innovation and initiative in improving the lives of carers. Congratulations to the team for championing Merri Health’s value of innovation.
“The health coaching made me realise that it was okay to take time for myself and also supported me and guided me on how to do that.”
Co-design leads to greater support for young carers CarerLinks North’s young carer group program underwent a refresh to better support the needs of young carers living in the northern metropolitan region. The co-design process had led to a more relevant program that responds to their needs as carers. One of the issues facing young carers was the lack of opportunities to socialise and attend extracurricular activities due to the impact of their caring role. Since re-launching earlier this year, the program has helped 20 young carers to have regular respite in a youth-friendly environment. Young carers have participated in interactive workshops to empower and build capacity. The program enables young people to foster positive peer relationships with others who have similar experiences.
Are you a young carer? Join our young carer support program 03 9495 0200 CarerLinksNorth@merrihealth.org.au Watch the carer health and wellbeing coaching video https://goo.gl/XjREH4
Watch the young carer’s video: https://goo.gl/gxWPnc
MerriNews April 2018 | 7.
Living well with diabetes Education and support to help working people take control of their diabetes.
Working people with diabetes will benefit from a new education program running after hours.
“Living well with diabetes will be broken down into four sessions to ensure that all aspects are explored and discussed.
Diabetes educators at Merri Health will run a series of education sessions aimed at people in the work force to help them better understand and manage their diabetes.
“Some of the topics we will cover include treatment options, prevention of complications, healthy eating, reading food labels and foot care,” Joanne said.
Diabetes educator at Merri Health Joanne Hardy, said that the program will help working people learn the coping skills needed to juggle the chronic condition and their busy lives.
Living well with diabetes will run after hours following feedback from working clients wanting to access the program.
Get in touch For referrals and questions 1300 637 744 info@merrihealth.org.au
The program will begin on Monday, 23 July and continue weekly for four weeks.
Contact us: 1300 637 744 Brunswick 11 Glenlyon Road Brunswick VIC 3056
Brunswick West 382-386 Moreland Road Brunswick West VIC 3055
Coburg 93 Bell Street Coburg VIC 3058
Fawkner 79 Jukes Road Fawkner VIC 3060
Glenroy 5D Cromwell Street Glenroy VIC 3046
Merri Central Ground floor, Unit 4 19 Pentridge Boulevard Coburg VIC 3058
Thornbury 298 Victoria Road Thornbury VIC 3073
Victoria Street, Coburg 21 Victoria Street Coburg VIC 3058
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided by Merri Community Health Services and is for general information purposes only. While information is current at the time of publication, subsequent changes to events may occur. MCHS ventures to provide current and accurate information and we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability, with respect to this publication. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore at your own risk. In no event will MCHS and its employees be responsible or liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or significant loss or damage, or any type loss or damage whatsoever, suffered by any person as the result of reliance on information contained in this publication.