Support close to home is key at Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local
Local need, age-appropriate care and building on existing services are at the heart of the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local.
Created in response to key findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the local service launched over a year ago, with referrals from targeted services and partner organisations currently being received.
The Royal Commission found the limited service focus on the early years saw families with infants and children under the age of 12, as well as carers, falling through the cracks of the system, with the mental health and wellbeing of the whole family impacted as a result. Access to information about support services, treatment options and education programs was also found to be lacking.
In 2022 the Victorian State Government announced Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) would be the lead agency for the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local; one of three such services across the state. In support of providing a service that is meeting community needs across the region, in the places where families live, work and play, BCHS is working with eight partners including:
- Bendigo Health
- Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative
- Dhelkaya Health
- Echuca Regional Health
- Maryborough District Health Service
- Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
- North Central LLEN
- Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health.
These partners support the service to reach families in the following areas:
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Campaspe Shire
- Central Goldfields Shire
- Loddon Shire
- Macedon Ranges Shire
- Mount Alexander Shire.
Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local Senior Leader of Children’s Health Chantelle Ramsey says the service was designed and developed after extensive consultation and co-design with community, families and other service providers.
“Our amazing staff have been working hard ever since to ensure we are providing an equitable, responsive and multidisciplinary service,” Chantelle says.
“Our services are focused on the healthy development and emotional wellbeing of families with children aged 0-11.
“We have a range of specialist medical and allied health services, care coordination and family support that we offer as well as referral pathways elsewhere if need be.
“Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but we are here to help.
“We start by meeting with families to listen to their concerns and to learn about their child. Then, together, we put a plan in place according to their needs and coordinate care that best supports each family.”
BCHS Chief Operating Officer Naveen Tenneti says the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local fits seamlessly with BCHS’ vision for better health and wellbeing across generations.
“The launch of the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local has meant that our community can access an integrated service that has been tailored to local needs,” Naveen says.
“We are proud of the work our team have put in so far; their dedication has meant that BCHS is truly able to offer healthcare that covers the full lifespan of an individual.”
The team at the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local is working directly with local referrers to ensure services are reaching the children and families with the highest need in its communities. Referrals are currently being accepted via The Orange Door, Maternal and Child Health Services and other targeted referral points across the region.
For more information call 1800 433 977 or email icfhwlocals@bchs.com.au.
