Health & Mental Health
Health:
Health issues affect us all!
Your health is one of the most important things in your life. Prevention and early detection of potential problems is vital to your ongoing well-being. Every Australian citizen is entitled to attend a public hospital and receive medical treatment free-of-charge. For health information or to find a health service in your area visit:
To find a General Practitioner (Doctor) in the Eastern Ranges (Maroondah, Casey, Manningham, Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Murrindindi) go to: www.ergpa.com.au
or call the Eastern Ranges GP Association on 9739-6751.
Bulk Billing : You can also see a bulk-billing GP (I.e. Doctor) free-of-charge if you have a Medicare card. Bulk-billing means that Medicare covers the cost of an appointment with a health practitioner. There are many GP’s available who bulk-bill and there are also some other health services such as physiotherapy or speech therapy that may bulk-bill – it’s a good idea to ask before you make an appointment. For more information on obtaining a Medicare card visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or call 13 20 11.
Health Care Cards: Health Care Cards entitle you to cheaper medicines as well as other concessions on public transport and car registration. You must be on a centrelink payment or be a low-income earner to be eligible. For more information visit www.centrelink.gov.au or call 13 2490.
EACH – Youth Clinic
What: A free, confidential, non-judgmental health clinic for people aged 12 to 25
When: Tuesday 3.45-5.30pm, Thursday 3-5.30pm (Drop in or make an appointment), and Friday 2-4pm (by appointmtent)
Where: 46 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood (Building B)
Phone: 9871 1800
Further Help:
- Frontyard Health Service (Statewide service located in the City) 9611 2409
- Knox Community Health Service (If you live in the City of Knox) 9757 6200
Web:
www.cyh.com
MY HEALTH MATE:the pocket symptom checker for men
What: an app. for men designed by the Alfred Hospital. In order to promote men’s health, The Alfred decided to approach the issue by creating an iPhone app that would encourage men to take a more proactive stance with regards to their health and well-being
Where: MyHealthMate is available for free download from the iTunes store
Mental Health:
Just like everyone has physical health, everybody has mental health. And just like physical health might suffer (like when you get sick), mental health might also suffer causing problems and disrupting someone’s life. If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, emotional or angry often or if it’s affecting your daily life you should talk to someone. This is nothing to be ashamed of and many people experience this.
If you have hurt yourself on purpose, have thought about suicide or feel like you are losing touch with reality you should also speak to someone straight away. The services below can help you work through these and other issues you may have.
Eastern Health Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS)
What: Mental health service for children and young people up to the age of 18 years who are displaying symptoms of psychiatric disorder or severe emotional and behavioural disturbance.
Where: Wundeela Centre: 21 Ware Crescent, Ringwood East
Cost: Free services provided to young people
Phone: 1300 721 927
Lifeworks
What: A community support program for people who experience mental illness. Offers a range of recreational and group developmental activities and one-on-one support.
Where: 9 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood
Cost: Free
Phone: 9879 4699
Halcyon
What: (same as lifeworks above), but has a specific group for young adults aged 18-25.
Where: 3 The Avenue, Ferntree Gully
Cost: Free
Phone: 9758 8508
Groundwork
What: Assists clients with a mental illness to find employment by identifying skills and interests, exploring training options and providing in-house personal development and job skills training. In addition we help identify and develop employment goals, assist in resume and job interview preparation and offer continued support after starting a job.
Where: 68 Charter St, Ringwood
Cost: Free
Phone: 9871 6350
GROW
What: A community of persons working towards mental health through mutual help and a 12-step program of recovery. Small groups of people who have experienced depression, anxiety or other mental or emotional distress, come together on a weekly basis to help each other deal with the challenges of life. There are various groups available throughout Melbourne.
Phone: 9528 2977
Web: www.grow.net.au
Further Help:
- Eating Disorders Foundation 9885 0318
- Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria 8486 4222
Web:
www.headroom.net.au
www.youthbeyondblue.com.au
www.itsallright.org
http://au.reachout.com/