Write & Win!

    Join GLCH to support mental health of our community members, this RU OK? Day – Thursday 10 September 2020 

    Join GLCH to support mental health of our community members, this RU OK? Day – Thursday 10 September 2020 

     

    Our community has been through drought, fires and now a pandemic. So it’s completely understandable that you may not feel OK! 

     

    This is why we’re inviting local businesses, schools, organisations and individuals to support the mental health of our community, and celebrate mateship as part of R U OK? Day, by entering a poetry/short story writing competition. 

     

    RU OK? POETRY / SHORT STORY COMPETITION, Supported by Bairnsdale Advertiser  

     

    The theme for the competition is mental health, mateship and being there for one and other during challenging times (i.e. pandemic, bushfires, drought). For adults this may mean writing about things such as who do you turn to for support, where’s your happy place, what gets you through the tough times or what keeps you sane. For the kids, it may be more about what makes them feel happy, what makes them smile, or they may like to write about their friendships or favourite people. Your entry could be a poem or a short story (no more than 1,000 words).  

     

    The best four winning entries will be published in the Bairnsdale Advertiser, Lakes Post and Snowy River Mail on Wednesday 16 September. They’ll also be shared on GLCH’s social media pages, and displayed at all five GLCH locations in Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Nowa Nowa, Bruthen and Metung. Plus, each winner will receive an RU OK? Prize pack containing items such as:  

     

    • An AFL or soccer ball 

    • An apron 

    • A drawstring bag 

    • A cap 

    • A mug 

    • A lapel pin 

    • Post-it notes 

     

    HOW TO ENTER

     

    Entries are open to all East Gippsland residents from Monday 17 August.  

    Submissions must be emailed to marketing@glch.org.au no later than Sunday 6 September 2020.  

    Your submission must also include: 

    • Name 
    • Age (if under 18 years) 
    • Address (for prize delivery) 
    • Phone number 

     

    Click HERE for full competition Terms and Conditions.

    It’s totally OK, if you’re not OK

     

    GLCH is here to support you, and to help you support your staff, family, friends and network. Now, more than ever, is the time to work together to look after each other, and ask each other “R U OK?” 

    It’s important to understand how to continue the conversation if someone says they are NOT OK. You can do that by watching the below video or by downloading useful resources from ruok.org.au 

    If you’re not feeling OK, following are some useful contacts, sourced from The Hand that Feeds You calendar.
     
    Gippsland Lakes Complete Health offers a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing services to people who are experiencing a variety of issues and problems. Click HERE to view these services or call us on 5155 8300 to find out more. 

     

    Your GP and GP Services  

    If you don’t have a regular GP in Gippsland go to www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services  and in the box titled “Services”, click on the option “GP (General Practice)” and then enter your postcode in the Location box below. You can also tick the box for your current locations to help the website provide the best information. Click on “Search” and a map with a list of GP options will be shown. At the bottom of the list there may be more pages with GP listings. Click on the next number to see more GP or health provider options. 

    Mental Health Care Plan  

    A GP can make a referral for support through a mental health care plan. This entitles you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual/group appointments with a psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker in a year. Visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan  

    Other health services  

    Counselling and Support 24/7 Services 

    If you need help now and can’t wait for a GP appointment the following contact options are available: 

    Bush Nursing Centres 

    • Swifts Creek: 03 5159 4210 
    • Ensay: 03 5157 3215 
    • Buchan: 03 5155 9222 
    • Gelantipy: 03 5155 0274 
    • Cann River: 03 5158 6274          

    Mallacoota District Health & Support Service Inc: Call 03 5158 0243     

    Drug and Alcohol 24/7 Services 

    • DirectLine: Confidential Drug and Alcohol support line Victoria. Call 1800 88 82 36 or visit www.directline.org.au  
    • Family Drug Support Australia: Call 1300 36 81 86. Visit www.fds.org.au  

    Other Counselling and Support Services  

    • Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE): Free support, referral and information for Victorian women. Call 1300 134 130 or visit www.wire.org.au  
    • Men’s Referral Service (VIC): Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Weekends 9am-5pm. Call 1300 76 64 91 or visit www.ntv.org.au/get-help  
    • Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence support service. Call 1800 01 51 88. Visit www.safesteps.org.au  
    • ParentLine Victoria: This is a confidential telephone helpline that offers information and counselling about parenting and relationship issues. Call 13 22 89. Visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service 
    • Suicide Line: If you are based in Victoria Australia and need support call the counselling team now. Call 1300 651 251 or visit www.suicideline.org.au  

    Financial Services