NEWS
WHAT IS PIMHAG?
The Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group (PIMHAG) is an independent and self-funding group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to improving medical and health services for the people of Phillip Island. We have been advocating for over 16 years for improved Medical and Health services for Phillip Island and Wonthaggi Hospital
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
What a great couple of days we had on October 8th and 9th, when PIMHAG held the first of three 2-day Standard Mental Health First Aid Training programs at the Phillip Island RSL.
Fifteen people, from all walks of life, completed the course and became certified Mental Health First Aiders. Presented by the extremely knowledgeable Kellie Buissink. A psychiatric nurse and mental health clinician, who has worked at La Trobe Regional Health since 2002, the participants were loaded with information about recognising someone who may be experiencing mental health issues and how to respond. In addition, all participants went home with an extremely comprehensive manual along with their certificates.
PIMHAG is extremely grateful to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) for the grant which enabled PIMHAG to offer the course at a significantly reduced cost for participants. We are also very grateful to our generous RSL who provided the accommodation and amenities for the course.
As mentioned, this was the first of what we hope will be a total of 3 courses, with the next 2 being in the first 6 months of 2026. We will keep you advised of the dates when we finalise them.
THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR NEW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS
PIMHAG CONTINUES ITS MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
Peter Paul, President, and Jenny Lonergan, Acting Secretary, are excited that PIMHAG in
conjunction with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Latrobe Regional
Health, can offer the Standard MENTAL HEALTH First Aid (MHFA) course to Phillip Island
community members. This course is for adults to assist adults, and follows our very
successful Mental Health forums in September 2024 and February 2025.
Normally the (MHFA) course would cost $80 for community groups, but with our
successful grant of $4900 the cost of the 2-day course has been reduced to $30.
Participation is limited to 24 persons and applicants MUST be able to complete the 2
full days on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October, for certification. NO EXCEPTIONS.
You must use the QR code to register.
We are very appreciative of the Phillip Island RSL providing their facilities in order to
undertake the course.
For further information, contact Jenny Lonergan on jenny.lonergan@gmail.com
PHILLIP ISLAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL UPDATE
With thanks to Bass Coast Health – 14th November 2024
MENTAL HEALTH FORUM
With thanks to the Phillip Island Advertiser – 18th September 2024
11th September 2024
The Phillip Island RSL sponsored this major Community Mental Health Forum, organised by Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group (PIMHAG). The acute need for the establishment of mental health services on Phillip Island was the focus of the forum, with representatives from key providers across the state in attendance.
PIMHAG president Peter Paul said “…with a community hospital due to open next year in Cowes, PIMHAG’s focus is now being directed toward the establishment of vastly improved mental health services for Phillip Island.” He said data collected over the last ten years by PIMHAG, throughout its quest for the establishment of 24/7 public health care and a hospital in Cowes, had identified significant gaps in the delivery of mental health services locally. “There is no viable seven day a week point of call for anyone seeking mental health service assistance on Phillip Island; and a lack of communication and co-ordination between individual mental health organisations that consult on a weekly or monthly basis needs to be addressed.”
“The purpose of the forum is to bring together those involved in any way, shape or form in the delivery of mental health programs on the island, and to identify the best way forward,” Mr Paul said. “It is about us getting together to commence advocating for appropriate mental health services for the Phillip Island community and beyond. With a new hospital opening in March, in which space has been provided for this purpose, we as a community now need to lobby hard in support of Bass Coast Health to enable it to deliver the mental health services that are sorely needed here. There will be a follow up forum in February next year to keep the community informed on our progress on this vital issue.”
NEW DEFRIBILLATORS
With thanks to the Phillip Island Advertiser – 4th September 2024
