A locally designed counselling initiative co-located at our Centre is quietly changing lives and filling a major gap in mental health support in regional Victoria. Lifeline Loddon Mallee's Counselling Service has been steadily growing over the past 12 months, now seeing up to five clients a day. With no Mental Health Care Plan or GP referral required, and sessions available both face-to-face and online, the service provides timely, affordable, and professional mental health care for people aged 17 and over. “To our knowledge, no other service in Victoria offers this kind of low-cost, short-term therapeutic support embedded in a primary care setting,” said Christine Adelwohrer, Lead Counsellor and a registered and accredited mental health practitioner with a Master of Mental Health. “We work therapeutically with people who may not meet the threshold for a crisis service but who are nonetheless experiencing significant distress.” Clients commonly present with generalised anxiety, depression, grief, pain management challenges, and major life transitions such as separation, retirement, or a health diagnosis. Many are referred by GPs at BPCC and other clinics in the region, with three to four new referrals received each week. Self-referrals are also welcomed. Key features of the service: • Eligibility: People aged 17 and older • Access: No GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan required • Referral sources: GPs, local services, self-referrals • Cost: $75 per session • Session length: 50 minutes during business hours, 30 minutes after hours • Delivery: Face-to-face The service is currently offered Monday to Wednesday, and Lifeline Loddon Mallee is planning to expand to after-hours sessions, in line with the operating hours of BPCC’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on these days. “We also support onward referrals,” Ms Adelwohrer added. “If someone needs longer-term support or is at risk of harm, we don’t hesitate to connect them to the right services.” Lifeline Loddon Mallee CEO Lisa Renato said the service is making a real difference to the mental health of the region. “We know that access to mental health support can be a huge barrier, particularly in regional areas. This service bridges that gap by being local, affordable, and immediate. It’s designed for people who need help now, not in weeks or months, and it’s working,” Ms Renato said. Bendigo Primary Care Centre General Manager Callum Wright said the partnership reflects BPCC’s commitment to supporting accessible mental health care. “We’re proud to provide the space for this initiative and to support Lifeline Loddon Mallee as the trial continues. Embedding mental health support within a primary care setting is a meaningful way to improve access and ensure people can get the help they need, when they need it.” Bookings and Enquiries: 0473 22 1662 or counselling@lifelinelm.org.au For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (fb)

This news story by ABC Central Victoria highlights the growing demand for concussion care in our region. The Bendigo Concussion Clinic, located within the Bendigo Primary Care Centre, is helping to meet this need by offering early assessment, baseline testing, and tailored rehabilitation for people recovering from head injuries. For more information: 📍 123 Arnold Street 📞 0455 921 094 💻 bendigoconcussion.com.au (fb)