Schools, sporting clubs, youth groups, and other organisations involved in supporting young people up to the age of 25 years, can now apply for a Murrumbidgee Youth Community Grant to receive funding for activities aimed at building resilience and positive mental health and wellbeing.

The popularity of Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Murrumbidgee Community Grants for various community activities supporting mental health and wellbeing in drought affected communities, has now seen the full allocation of $1.2 million exhausted, and as a result is taking a break.

Both Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) made a commitment to improving maternal and child health across the region with the signing of the Murrumbidgee Maternal and Child Health Strategy 2019-2022 today.

After a comprehensive review into how MPHN funds mental health services across the region, and subsequent tender process to establish the new MyStep to Mental Wellbeing, MPHN is pleased to announce Grand Pacific Health and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) as the providers to deliver this activity.

MPHN have released its 2019 Annual Report showcasing its various work using a person-centred approach. CEO, Melissa Neal said preparing an annual report provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements and assess future direction.

Thirty of the Murrumbidgee region’s general practitioners, practice nurses, GP registrars and medical students attended the renowned Hot Topics, UK’s most popular GP update course which has been specifically adapted for Australia, in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 12 October.

MPHN’s partnerships are making an impact for people in the region and on the health industry as a whole.

MPHN is pleased to announce Wellways Australia have been appointed the providers for the Continuity of Support (CoS) program, providing psychosocial support services for those living with severe mental illness.

The West Wyalong community is being asked to prioritise local health needs at a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 29 October at 6pm at the West Wyalong Country Club.

It’s part of a joint community-led project between the West Wyalong community, MPHN and Murrumbidgee Local Health District and comes after a recent presentation by and to the community about the identified health needs of the region.

MPHN’s 2019 Primary Healthcare Award winners have been announced! The awards recognise the valuable and significant work being undertaken by health professionals, organisations and communities to improve health outcomes across the region.

Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, and those that don’t will most likely know someone that does.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that connecting with others is important; both for our own health and wellbeing as well as theirs.

In recent months many members of the West Wyalong community have contributed to identifying the health needs of our region as part of a community-led project with MPHN and Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

These identified health needs will be presented to the West Wyalong community on Tuesday 8 October, 6pm, at the West Wyalong Country Golf Club.

With October being Mental Health Month, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the critical work we progress on a daily basis to support wellbeing and mental health.

After evaluating 22 high calibre nominations for its 2019 Primary Healthcare Awards, MPHN is pleased to announce the eight finalists.

After a comprehensive review into how allied health services are funded across the region, and subsequent tender process to establish the new Murrumbidgee Wellness and Resilience model of care, MPHN is pleased to announce Fuel Your Life as the lead contractor to deliver this activity.

During this week on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and R U OK? Day (12 September) we’re reminded to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember that every day of the year we should support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

People in the Murrumbidgee area who have breathing difficulties related to asthma and hay fever need to prepare now for the start of the spring thunderstorm season, advises Murrumbidgee Asthma Collaborative.

MPHN is providing locals an opportunity to share their stories about health in our region in an effort to learn more about what is working well, what can be improved and ideas to better support communities in addressing health needs.

MPHN has been undertaking a review of our mental health stepped care model to help to inform how we commission mental health services in the future and many people from across our region have provided feedback on their experience accessing mental health services we fund.

MPHN has organised free farmer health checks at the NSW Farmers shed at Henty Machinery Field Days, made possible with funding from the Australian Government’s ‘Empowering Our Communities’ initiative to support mental health and wellbeing in drought affected communities.