Author: Mart Mativo
Finalist – 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards!
We are thrilled to be a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards!
Our Chronic Pain Service (CPS) has been recognised in the ‘Care Closer to Home’ award category.
Chronic and persistent pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged 45 and over. Alongside debilitating pain comes an increased risk of depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem and social isolation.
CPS is improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for clients, reducing care wait times and easing the pressure on hospital waitlists. 2022 data confirms the CPS’ excellent results.
- 83% of patients reported making at least some overall improvement
- 77.8% reported an improvement in their physical abilities
- 60% reporting clinically significant improvement in anxiety
- 72.7% made a clinically significant improvement in how pain interferes with their daily life
- median wait times were 16.5 days, down from 28 days in March
- 100% respondents said the pain service positively influenced other areas of their life, work and/or relationships
- 100% would recommend the service to a friend
It was very effective! It has greatly helped me in managing my stress and anxiety related to pain and as a consequence reduced the pain itself.” – CPS client
We’re proud of this achievement, the dedication and innovation shown by our team and the ongoing support of our funding partner North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards celebrate excellence in public healthcare and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare workers, volunteers, and public health services.
Winners will be announced at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on 16 November 2023.
Merger Exploration – Banyule Community Health and Merri Health
Banyule Community Health and Merri Health are highly respected, community driven organisations with similar histories, shared values, and great people. From this basis of strength, the respective Boards of Banyule Community Health and Merri Health have approved the exploration of a merger between our two organisations.
If the exploration phase is successful, a merger of our organisations will enable us to improve services to our communities, and to develop and grow to meet current and future needs.
We are excited as we commence this process. Together, as strong organisations we will be able to bring to fruition a vision for the combined entity to provide improved service offerings for clients and our communities, be better prepared for our evolving care sector and increase opportunities for staff. Banyule Community Health and Merri Health come together at a time of strength and stability, to look towards the future with this shared vision.
There are a few steps to take in the process and we are currently undertaking appropriate due diligence across both organisations and developing an action plan to guide the process. Subject to a number of approval processes, a formal merger could come into effect in the next Financial Year.
The intention of the merger is to:
- build and grow a combined entity that will strengthen and increase access to services and programs in our communities. This will not impact on our existing services.
- build on our strong history and culture to grow and evolve in the best interests of our communities and clients.
- develop a new “name/brand” that represents our past and our vision for the future. We will involve you and the broader community in helping us develop this new brand.
- strengthen opportunities and certainty to existing staff.
Importantly, we want to ensure your feedback is heard and any questions answered promptly. You can send any questions to [email protected] or click here for “Frequently Asked Questions”. We are eager to discuss our shared vision with you and will keep you informed as soon as possible.
We truly believe that the exploration of a merger is a positive step for both organisations and we look forward to building an improved service for our communities.
Michael Smith & Mick Geary Benjamin Maxfield & Tassia Michaleas
Chair & CEO Chair & CEO
Banyule Community Health Merri Health
Celebrating Carers with High Tea at the MCG
Over 400 unpaid carers took centre stage at our Carer Gateway ‘Carers High Tea at the MCG’ on Sunday 8 October, to celebrate National Carers Week early.
Running from Sunday 15 to Saturday 21 October 2023, National Carers Week recognises and celebrates the tireless work of 2.6 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member, partner or friend.
Sunshine and blue skies at the MCG provided a joyous canopy for the High Tea that saw carers across Victoria gather to enjoy some downtime at one of Australia’s premiere sporting venues. The event was an opportunity for carers to come together and be acknowledged for the essential role they play, every day, every week.
Tassia Michaleas, Merri Health CEO said “It is truly an honour to join you today to celebrate National Carers Week and the tireless work carers everywhere do. We recognise the loving care and hard work carers provide every day; and we look forward to continuing to support you and carers statewide each day.”
Carers enjoyed a serene Wayapa Wuurrk mindfulness session led by Lee Couch, an Aboriginal woman from the Gamilaroi community. This laid the foundation for a day filled with personal stories and laughter.
Actor and comedian Genevieve Morris connected deeply with the audience as she shared her own bittersweet caregiving journey, while Hawthorn AFL great Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico’s humour – broad and bold as his moustache – tickled the funny bone of anyone who has cared for an elderly loved one. The event was skillfully hosted by comedian and broadcaster Claire Hooper, who kept the atmosphere lively and engaging.
A panel discussion featuring carers Andrea McDowell, Vanessa Ponza, and Tim Chilvers provided insights into their personal caregiving experience.
Three lucky carers won hotel getaways for well-deserved breaks, and 100 received passes to explore the Sports Museum; a highlight for many who may not otherwise have the chance to experience it.
Carer Gateway’s Carers High Tea at the MCG was a heartwarming platform for learning, laughter, and connection in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. The positive feedback showed that events such as this are not just popular, but essential to help generate a sense of community and appreciation for carers.
First Nations carers receive vital first aid training
In July, Merri Health partnered with paramedics from Ambulance Victoria to host a ‘Call, Push, Shock’ session and demonstration for the Wandarra group at the Lynda Blundell Community Centre.
Wandarra, an important Aboriginal community organisation in Broadmeadows, is also home to remarkable First Nations carers who hold a vital role in the community.
The ‘Call, Push Shock’ initiative is a potential life-saver that equips community members with the training to respond effectively to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The process involves dialling Triple Zero (000), administering chest compressions, and utilising an AED (defibrillator) to buy crucial time until paramedics arrive.
Wandarra members were invited to participate in the essential first aid training, which encompassed recognising signs of cardiac arrest, performing CPR, and effectively using an AED machine.
Sharon, a Wandarra member, shared her thoughts on the session: “It was a really practical and easy-to-understand session from Ambulance Victoria, and we would love to have them again!”
Merri Health has proudly supported the Wandarra group for over a decade and looks forward to organising more exciting events in the future.
Carers trained on understanding dementia-related behaviour
Merri Health partnered with Dementia Australia to deliver an introduction to dementia support services for carers.
To mark Dementia Action Week, Merri Health’s Dementia Carer Peer Support Group gathered for an educational session led by counsellors from Dementia Australia.
The support group, which convenes monthly, is open to carers who care for individuals living with dementia and offers a valuable platform to share their experiences in their caregiving roles.
Participants received important information on the impact and challenges of dementia behaviour in a person diagnosed with dementia, as well as strategies for carers to better understand and respond to behaviour changes. Information included insightful communication techniques addressing unmet needs, understanding the story of why a change in behaviour may be occurring and suggestions in problem solving the situation.
Attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences of caring for a person living with dementia and were given the opportunity to develop new friendships and networks.
Sia, an attendee who spoke to the group, shared her thoughts on the experience. “I was very happy with the event. It was really well run, and the information was clear and easy to understand.”
The session was in time for Dementia Action Week, which runs from September 18-22 and encourages everyone to act now for a dementia-friendly future.
Merri Health’s Dementia Carer Peer Support Group convenes on the second Friday of each month from 10:30am to 12pm at the Glenroy Golf Club, Glenroy. If you would like to join the group, contact please contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
School kids get first-ever dental care with Smile Squad
Merri Health’s Smile Squad has celebrated a year of delivering free dental care to students in Melbourne’s North, including many who had not visited a dentist before.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children were not able to access dental appointments due to restrictions, resulting in children going without treatment and having an increased risk of escalated dental problems.
Since launching in April 2022, Merri Health’s Smile Squad has brought healthzy smiles to a high number of children who have not received any sort of dental care previously.
This included 28 per cent of children who signed up for Smile Squad services at Coburg North Primary School, who needed care for more significant dental issues.
At Glenroy Central Primary School where over 70 percent of students signed up to receive Smile Squad care 36 percent needed treatments for dental decay, requiring multiple sessions.
Merri Health CEO Tassia Michaleas said, “We’re proud to celebrate a year of bringing kids the dental care they deserve and need through Smile Squad. Early treatment and education that helps kids care for their teeth sets them up for lifelong better oral health.”
Smile Squad is led by Dental Health Services Victoria and delivered by community dental agencies across the state.
All state primary and secondary schools in Moreland have access to Smile Squad – all they have to do is sign up.
Mental Health Minister discusses our innovative mental health support
Increasing prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in older adults sees the need for mental health support continue to rise.
Merri Health was delighted to welcome the Minister for Mental Health, Gabrielle Williams MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, Tim Richardson MP and local MP Anthony Cianflone to meet staff and clients from our mental health services.
Our CEO Tassia Michaleas provided a tour to demonstrate our key role in Victoria’s mental health system to support the community right where they live and work!
Merri Health CEO, Tassia Michaleas said, “We have consistently delivered essential services like counselling for more than 20 years, and demand for these services continues to rise.”
“We’ve been able to adapt our services to meet the needs of the community.” Tassia said.
A client from our Stepped Care for Older Adults program shared his moving, raw and heartfelt story, “My quality of life has been improved, I couldn’t turn back now, I’m managing my emotions and I’m cooking again.”
82% of program participants has reduced levels of loneliness after completing the program. Funded by the North Western Primary Health Network.
Our Annual Report wins GOLD!
We’re delighted our Annual Report has been awarded GOLD in the 2023 Australasian Reporting Awards (ARAs).
The awards recognises excellence in reporting and transparent, balanced communications benchmarked against world best practice criteria.
Our 2022 Annual Report judged in this year’s awards celebrates Merri Health’s Partnerships in Care with over 140 organisations, and leading healthcare outcomes.
Merri Health Marketing and Communications Manager said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised for our willingness to communicate transparently and effectively through our stories, achievements and challenges in this report.”
“We’re proud of our successful, collaborative partnerships with over 140 value-aligned organisations to deliver critical world-class care and respond to the needs of our community.”
This is the first year Merri Health has achieved gold for our Annual Report in the ARAs, after receiving silver in 2022 and 2021.
The national awards were announced at the 73rd ARA awards in Sydney last night.
Take a look at our 2022 Annual Report.
Keep an eye out for the 2023 report later this year!
Celebrating IDAHOBIT and standing up against discrimination
We stepped out with Merri-bek City Council and community members in support of ending homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and intersex discrimination in our communities.
Merri Health is a proud Rainbow Tick accredited organisation and we’re committed to support the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities and providing safe and welcoming spaces and have inclusive policies and procedures to make sure everyone feels safe accessing our services.
We offer LGBTIQA+ training to all staff and deliver Upstander training to build a community of allies to change broader social norms that drive discrimination.
Supporting LGBTIQA+ communities is important in addressing health inequalities and discrimination faced by many communities.
People that identify LGBTIQA+ experience poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide than the broader community. They are also at a higher risk of some health conditions and may not access support or services due to fear of discrimination.
If you’re looking for opportunities to show your support to LGBTIQA+ folks and learn more about ending discrimination, Minus 18 have a range of accessible resources for all ages.
Counselling and support for LGBTIQA+ people to talk about impacts of their alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental and queer-affirmative space is available here.
Carer coaching program helps carers find the balance
A tailored carer coaching program aimed to support unpaid carers across Melbourne’s north.
The carer coaching program was put together was put together to help carers find the balance between their caring role and their wellbeing.
Following either in-person or over the phone coaching sessions an activity was put in place to support goals such as improving confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness and more.
Carers took part in art therapy sessions, Mornington Peninsula tour and meditation retreat.
A carer that was part of the program said:
“Loved every bit, the connection, feeling like I actually matter and the conversation with beautiful people.”
Register for support
You are a carer if you look after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time or request a call back here.