My Health My Voice February 2024
Issue 41 | February 2024
NWMPHN launches new Community Participation Plan
We believe all communities should have a say in decisions that impact them. As a primary health network, NWMPHN’s role is to improve the health of the people who live and work in our region.
We have launched our Community Participation Plan 2024-26, which outlines our commitment to include everyone living and working in our region in all that we do.
It was developed with the help of residents, and NWMPHN’s People Bank, Community Council, Expert Advisory Groups, senior leadership team and staff.
It includes an action plan that has meaningful and measurable steps that will help turn ideas into reality. It will be used by NWMPHN staff to design, develop and evaluate the services we fund and deliver.
Thank you to everyone who was involved!
You can find out more here.
Community update
We’re moving to Docklands!
We are pleased to announce that North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network is embarking on a significant journey as we relocate our office from 369 Royal Parade, Parkville to 737 Bourke Street, Docklands.
During the transition, all our staff will work from home for a couple of weeks, but there will be no interruption to services or activities.
We will be fully installed into our new premises on 18 March 2024.
Please note our new postal address: Level 6, 737 Bourke Street, Docklands 3008, Melbourne.
Our phone numbers remain unchanged.
Update on our Digital Tools in Mental Health project
In 2023 we kicked off a project to help us understand what health care clinicians and consumers think about digital tools and how they might use them to support mental wellbeing. Some examples include online self-help tools, mindfulness apps, and self-assessment trackers.
We asked the Monash University Design Health Collab team to interview service providers and consumers living in the NWMPHN region. This is what the team heard:
- It is not always clear what a digital tool is, and why or how to use them.
- Digital tools can be helpful in supporting health behaviours, social connection and providing health information.
- People often use digital tools because they are convenient and give some support between their appointments.
- Even though they can be helpful, they don’t replace care provided by a clinician.
- Not everyone can access digital tools.
- There are concerns about user privacy of current tools.
We are now thinking about next steps for this project. To find out more and to get involved, please contact Paige Carter-Feltrin.
Free health and wellbeing support in Melbourne’s west
The Living Well program by IPC Health provides free health and wellbeing support for people aged 18 and over in Melbourne’s west.
The program will help you to:
- learn how to make healthier choices
- stay motivated and improve your confidence
- learn how to turn your health goals into long-lasting habits.
The Living Well team are health professionals who will listen to your concerns and provide tailored support and education on topics such as:
- healthy eating
- being more active
- reducing or quitting smoking
- improving sleep habits
- building social connections
- managing health conditions
The program is available for adults living in the Wyndham and Brimbank local government areas.
For more information, see this flyer or email livingwell@ipchealth.com.au.
Free HIV self-testing delivery service available now
HIVTest.au is a free, accessible and discreet HIV self-testing kit delivery service that provides one year’s worth of kits to people over 18.
This means you can test regularly in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Results are available in 15 minutes.
To order, all you need to do is provide a name, address, contact email, and your age. You will then receive a discreet, unidentifiable express post package.
Find out more here.
Recipe
Ingredients:
Dressing
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Salad
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Method:
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar.
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and add the peas. Cook for 2 minutes, then drain and run under cool tap water. Allow to cool and dry then transfer to a medium bowl.
- Heat frypan with a splash of olive oil; add currants and pine nuts and simmer until currants are hydrated and pinenuts golden, then remove from heat.
- Cut the zucchini into ribbons by running a peeler down the length. Once the strips get too wide for the peeler, rotate zucchinis and continue peeling. Place in the bowl with the peas, pine nuts and currants. Add the mint and dressing and toss gently.
- Pile the salad onto a platter in a mound. Serve topped with goats’ cheese and extra mint leaves.
Want to get more involved?
Our People Bank is a register of people who would like to help us to improve the health of people in north western Melbourne.
