Improving recognition of mental health needs at end of life
Anxiety, depression, and demoralisation are common for people living with life-limiting illness, yet symptoms can sometimes be overlooked. The updated End-of-Life Essentials Patient Mental Health module explores how to identify when additional support may be needed, and provides practical guidance for compassionate, person-centred care. It also highlights the importance of self-care and supporting colleagues, recognising
Ministerial visit highlights youth mental health services in Coffs Harbour
On Wednesday 18 March 2026, headspace Coffs Harbour welcomed a visit from Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP,  Monika Wheeler, CEO and Aimee McNeill, Director of Integrated Community Wellbeing at Healthy North Coast to see firsthand how recent funding is improving access to youth mental health services and enhancing
Help us understand and improve nurse and midwife mental health in NSW
Mental health and wellbeing among nurses and midwives is a major public health issue, which has been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19. Having a healthy, highly functioning workforce is the key determinant of a good healthcare service (and therefore benefits the health of everyone in NSW). However, there is a critical lack of services
Share your thoughts: Community-led Safe Space in Wardell
Wardell Neighbourhood Centre has recently been endorsed to progress the establishment of a Community-led Safe Space, with the support and guidance of Roses in the Ocean. This initiative is part of a national effort to strengthen non-clinical, peer-led responses for people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal distress, grief, and loss. Community-led Safe Spaces are designed to
Local men supporting local men
Update 10 March 2026: The Grafton event has changed date from 24 March to 25 March. The Men’s Table, in partnership with Healthy North Coast, is inviting local men to come along to an upcoming Entree Dinner. The Men’s Table is a community group where men meet monthly over dinner to share the highs and
Wrapping up local IAR-DST training on the North Coast
Healthy North Coast has now wrapped up locally-delivered Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) training across the North Coast. The IAR-DST is a national Department of Disability, Health and Aged Care initiative that supports consistent, evidence-based decision making in mental health referrals. Healthy North Coast led the local delivery of IAR-DST training,
Get a $800 subsidy for Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is now offering GPs a $800 reimbursement that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPSST). FPS are specific mental health care treatment strategies, derived from evidence-based psychological therapies. They include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation and relaxation strategies. GPs skilled
headspace Grafton Open Day and refurbishment of centre
headspace Grafton hosted an Open Day to celebrate the newly refurbished centre and headspace Day, with the event themed ‘Make Space.’ The celebration was well-attended by the Clarence Valley Mayor and Councillors, Health Voyage staff, young people, and community members. The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Ken Gordon, followed by Aboriginal
Celebrating 25 Years of collaborative care: A psychologist’s journey in rural practice
Healthy North Coast and the wider health community extend their gratitude to Judi Bray for her dedication and the extraordinary contribution she has made to public health. To mark her 25 years of service in Grafton, and her upcoming retirement, Judi has kindly agreed to share a reflective account of her professional journey, including some
Referring to Medicare Mental Health services: Key information for health practitioners
Healthy North Coast would like to remind health professionals of the preferred pathway for referring consumers into community mental health services via Medicare Mental Health. This service is part of a statewide approach to improve access and navigation of mental health and treatment services. Medicare Mental Health offers a link to a centralised intake and
Resilient Kids Program Evaluation Report
Healthy North Coast is pleased to be able to share the first evaluation report from the Resilient Kids Program. The report, developed by Beacon Strategies, provides insights, learnings and recommendations from the delivery of the program between October 2023-October 2024. Following the 2022 flood events in the Northern Rivers, Healthy North Coast received a four-year
Right care, first time, where you live program on the North Coast
Recently, the first of three workshops for the Right care, first time, where you live program was delivered. Healthy North Coast was selected as one of eight urban and regional areas across Australia to be part of the Right care, first time, where you live program, delivered by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind
