Drug Warning – Adulterated Cocaine and Ketamine Circulating
Dangerously adulterated batches of the drugs cocaine and ketamine are circulating in Sydney and regional NSW. NSW Health has issued a warning due to fentanyl and acetylfentanyl toxicity in the drugs, which has already caused multiple hospitalisations. Fentanyl is a high potency opioid – up to 100 times stronger than morphine – meaning only a
Don’t Forget Your Cancer Screening, Ladies
Women are being reminded not to forget their regular breast cancer and cervical cancer screening tests during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. If you are due for a regular check-up, you should go to your GP for a cervical screening test and book your breast mammogram. A recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report
Free Online Events for Mental Health Awareness
With 20 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 expected to experience mental ill-health in any year, it is vitally important that community awareness is raised about mental health. That’s what the Mental Health Foundation Australia aims to do this month through its national mental health awareness campaign. The campaign theme is Mental Health Matters and
Men’s Surf Therapy Program is Making Waves
Gentlemen of Kingscliff and Lennox Head, if you’ve ever wanted to discover the buzz of surfing, your chance has arrived. The Waves of Wellness and Movember foundations have partnered up to offer six weeks of free learn-to-surf lessons for men aged 16 and up. The lessons will be held at Kingscliff Beach, Kingscliff from Thursday
Kempsey Libraries Hosts Mental Health Chat
Author Kim Hodges and guest Inga Jensen will discuss their lived experience of mental illness during a special live online chat next week. Kempsey Shire Libraries is hosting the event via Zoom on Wednesday 28 October from 4pm – 5:30pm. During the chat, Kim and Inga will talk about destigmatising mental ill-health, mental health during
Land a Great Prize During Mental Health Month
October is Mental Health Month and a trio of Clarence Valley service providers are dangling some enticing prizes in a fishing competition for local residents. headspace Grafton, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Service have combined to host the 2020 Mental Health Month Flathead Fishing Competition. There are first, second and
Coffs Café Bringing the Community Together
Coffs Harbour’s Community Care Options has opened a 1950s style café to help people living with disabilities socialise. It’s a welcoming space where anyone can go to catch up and meet new friends. There are colourful bench seats, a chequerboard floor and even a jukebox contributing to the atmosphere. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme,
Get Your Mental Health Back on Track
Footprints2Wellbeing is a free short-term program that promotes mental health recovery and wellness in people aged 12 and over. The program is delivered between Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads by health support organisations The Buttery, Wellways and Rekindling the Spirit. To be eligible, people must have reduced psychosocial functioning that is linked to a mental
October is Mental Health Month: Activate, Educate and Engage
October is National Mental Health Month. With one in five Australians experiencing some form of mental ill-health, the need to raise awareness and reduce stigma is vital. This year’s Mental Health Month theme is ‘Mental Health Matters’. The Mental Health Foundation Australia says it’s an opportunity to ‘activate, educate and engage’ Australians about mental health
A Coach Can Help You Cut Back on Drinking
The NSW Government’s Get Healthy service is offering free coaching to people who want to reduce their alcohol intake. If you want to drink less, it helps to have someone on your side to support you to make a change. You can now get that support over the phone from your own health coach. There
People Aged 20 – 29 Should Get a COVID Test if Feeling Sick
People aged 20–29 with symptoms of COVID-19 are being encouraged to get tested. This age group has had the highest number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the NSW community, according to Australian Government statistics. Symptoms include: Fever Cough Sore throat Difficulty breathing Loss of taste or smell. While no COVID-related deaths have been recorded in
Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline
The Butterfly Foundation offers a national helpline for people who are experiencing disordered eating. Phone 1800 33 4673. The line is staffed by mental health professionals with specialist training in eating disorders. The line provides referrals to professionals and services, counselling support, information, resources and online support programs for people experiencing eating disorders as well
