But evening, welcome to focal point here on this Sunday Radio in ninety seven am and I'd like we, I right here got old on the internet through the TuneIn Radio Vision Australia radio. I'd like your favorite podcast or streaming service or on your digital radio. Peter Guereca on behalf of trying to pay and in particular saying a very warm welcome and a very good evening to you on the program tonight, we'll catch up with Jenny Trump talking about a red hot week coming up very, very soon. Happening right now. In fact, Jenny, from the Hot Research Institute talked about some very interesting news regarding hot research and hot conditions and things that you may like to look out for. Keep your heart in good health. Keep your heart in good shape. We'll also catch up with Bill Butler from the Australian Institute of Company Directors a chance for you to do a scholarship which will hopefully help you get onto a board, a board of interest that is to you. So we'll speak to feel about that. That sounds really exciting, that we'll speak to actually going from Mind Australia to New Hub, some mental health and wellbeing hubs opening around Victoria. So the listing in that area, I would like to access some of this information. Very, very welcome. Very, very accessible. So, Andrew, at that news first before listing through eleven ninety seven a.m., I'd like around the clock for your listening pleasure. Matthew Lycan, Sam Rickard. I take over the program with Studio one and before we got here from Matthew and or Sam, some great news through from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, Daryl Simpson, who many of you would know from many, many years of being involved with the world back in the old days. And now, of course, with Vision Australia radio now was recognised recently. So with a little bit of luck and a little bit of arm twisting, we're trying to get the rather shy Don Simpson on the program next week. But congratulations now. Some well-deserved recognition. Well done to Dallas Simpson. So what's coming up on Studio one tonight?

But evening, welcome to focal point here on this Sunday Radio in ninety seven am and I'd like we, I right here got old on the internet through the TuneIn Radio Vision Australia radio. I'd like your favorite podcast or streaming service or on your digital radio. Peter Guereca on behalf of trying to pay and in particular saying a very warm welcome and a very good evening to you on the program tonight, we'll catch up with Jenny Trump talking about a red hot week coming up very, very soon. Happening right now. In fact, Jenny, from the Hot Research Institute talked about some very interesting news regarding hot research and hot conditions and things that you may like to look out for. Keep your heart in good health. Keep your heart in good shape. We'll also catch up with Bill Butler from the Australian Institute of Company Directors a chance for you to do a scholarship which will hopefully help you get onto a board, a board of interest that is to you. So we'll speak to feel about that. That sounds really exciting, that we'll speak to actually going from Mind Australia to New Hub, some mental health and wellbeing hubs opening around Victoria. So the listing in that area, I would like to access some of this information. Very, very welcome. Very, very accessible. So, Andrew, at that news first before listing through eleven ninety seven a.m., I'd like around the clock for your listening pleasure. Matthew Lycan, Sam Rickard. I take over the program with Studio one and before we got here from Matthew and or Sam, some great news through from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, Daryl Simpson, who many of you would know from many, many years of being involved with the world back in the old days. And now, of course, with Vision Australia radio now was recognised recently. So with a little bit of luck and a little bit of arm twisting, we're trying to get the rather shy Don Simpson on the program next week. But congratulations now. Some well-deserved recognition. Well done to Dallas Simpson. So what's coming up on Studio one tonight?

So tonight Matthew is talking to Dave Steele, who's also known as the blind poet. They talk about a number of things, some of it poetry, but a lot of it just about being a blind dad. Well, I don't know if you knew Peter, but I actually write poetry myself. Here's one I wrote earlier there was a man from

So tonight Matthew is talking to Dave Steele, who's also known as the blind poet. They talk about a number of things, some of it poetry, but a lot of it just about being a blind dad. Well, I don't know if you knew Peter, but I actually write poetry myself. Here's one I wrote earlier there was a man from

Nantucket is a very important month for heart health and awareness of heart health. I speak about it from Heart Health Australia and speak to Jenny Battle. Jenny, thanks for your time and welcome. Thank you so much for having me. There was February. The important month is called a Valentine's Day part of the deal as far as the hot dogs. Yeah, so it started

Nantucket is a very important month for heart health and awareness of heart health. I speak about it from Heart Health Australia and speak to Jenny Battle. Jenny, thanks for your time and welcome. Thank you so much for having me. There was February. The important month is called a Valentine's Day part of the deal as far as the hot dogs. Yeah, so it started

initially as Wear Red Day on the 14th of February, which is sort of the day of the hot, the day of love and the day you sort of do things for people you care about and it's kind of extended into into read them. So we invite people every February to participate and read fit and wear red on behalf of someone I care about who's been impacted by heart disease, whether it's themselves a family member or whether it's a care of someone who's been impacted by someone who's passed away.

initially as Wear Red Day on the 14th of February, which is sort of the day of the hot, the day of love and the day you sort of do things for people you care about and it's kind of extended into into read them. So we invite people every February to participate and read fit and wear red on behalf of someone I care about who's been impacted by heart disease, whether it's themselves a family member or whether it's a care of someone who's been impacted by someone who's passed away.

Now I like your slogan. If you like, wear red close to your heart to try and keep someone a little bit longer.

Now I like your slogan. If you like, wear red close to your heart to try and keep someone a little bit longer.

Yeah, absolutely. So our vision of Heart Research Australia is to keep families together for longer. You know, there's so many wonderful stories we've had of people who have been able to benefit from all of the developments that have happened over the years in terms of heart research, and they've been able to see grandchildren, see their children get married and and so on. And you know, these are the moments and the opportunities that you know, you just do anything to have your family members with you for a bit longer. So we try to use this opportunity to give people the education my need so that I know what to look for and what they can do to, you know, make sure they seek medical treatment soon.

Yeah, absolutely. So our vision of Heart Research Australia is to keep families together for longer. You know, there's so many wonderful stories we've had of people who have been able to benefit from all of the developments that have happened over the years in terms of heart research, and they've been able to see grandchildren, see their children get married and and so on. And you know, these are the moments and the opportunities that you know, you just do anything to have your family members with you for a bit longer. So we try to use this opportunity to give people the education my need so that I know what to look for and what they can do to, you know, make sure they seek medical treatment soon.

And their symptoms aren't always as we want to think they are or should be.

And their symptoms aren't always as we want to think they are or should be.

Yeah, no, absolutely. So a lot of people think that having a heart attack is like how it's portrayed in the movie, so, you know, someone clutching at their chest and falling to the ground. But unfortunately, that that's actually not the case. While chest discomfort is still the most common symptom of having a heart attack. There are many different signs and symptoms towards that, which is why we've created a wallet this red flag, which people can get for free on our website hot research dot com. So this highlights the difference in symptoms that women often experience versus men. As I was saying, there are so many different symptoms. Women tend to experience more of the symptoms that aren't the classic chest pain, so that can often be misdiagnosed or just brushed away thinking it's something else.

Yeah, no, absolutely. So a lot of people think that having a heart attack is like how it's portrayed in the movie, so, you know, someone clutching at their chest and falling to the ground. But unfortunately, that that's actually not the case. While chest discomfort is still the most common symptom of having a heart attack. There are many different signs and symptoms towards that, which is why we've created a wallet this red flag, which people can get for free on our website hot research dot com. So this highlights the difference in symptoms that women often experience versus men. As I was saying, there are so many different symptoms. Women tend to experience more of the symptoms that aren't the classic chest pain, so that can often be misdiagnosed or just brushed away thinking it's something else.

Sometimes kind of indigestion. You're mistaken or blamed if you like for it when it isn't the case.

Sometimes kind of indigestion. You're mistaken or blamed if you like for it when it isn't the case.

Yeah, just fatigue and nausea and sort of pain in the back or in the arm and people just kind of. Especially, you know, so many people feel, you know, exhausted, especially at the moment, know everything that's going on sorry. You know, and just just to the to the kind of end point, you know, I don't think there are many people who are listening who aren't aware of what the early warning signs are of COVID right now. And if you look at the death rates of COVID versus heart disease and the number of people who are actually aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, it's really shocking. Sorry, four out of five women aren't even aware that heart disease is something that can, you know, is one of the leading causes of death.

Yeah, just fatigue and nausea and sort of pain in the back or in the arm and people just kind of. Especially, you know, so many people feel, you know, exhausted, especially at the moment, know everything that's going on sorry. You know, and just just to the to the kind of end point, you know, I don't think there are many people who are listening who aren't aware of what the early warning signs are of COVID right now. And if you look at the death rates of COVID versus heart disease and the number of people who are actually aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, it's really shocking. Sorry, four out of five women aren't even aware that heart disease is something that can, you know, is one of the leading causes of death.

That's a great point, isn't it? Sort of bouncing it up with COVID symptoms and, you know, COVID casualties, if you like. I mean it, it kind of does put it into perspective a bit, doesn't it, that you know, you should be looking after a heart as well?

That's a great point, isn't it? Sort of bouncing it up with COVID symptoms and, you know, COVID casualties, if you like. I mean it, it kind of does put it into perspective a bit, doesn't it, that you know, you should be looking after a heart as well?

Absolutely. And I think, you know, unfortunately, a lot of things have been overshadowed at the moment treating this COVID pandemic, particularly with, you know, people getting heart health checks. One of the things we really advocate for, particularly for everybody, but for women, as well as to get there. Women are over the age of 45 to go and get a heart health check, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent should be over 30 should be getting a heart health check. And a lot of those things have been sort of put to the side with COVID and having to do telehealth appointments and and so on, and we really urging people to continue to put their heart health as a priority. And you know, if you don't do anything else, just go to our website hot research dot com today, you and that has and we've got two new videos, which we've just put out. So one focus specifically on women's health and one focused on men's heart health, as well as as I mentioned before, that free wallet card.

Absolutely. And I think, you know, unfortunately, a lot of things have been overshadowed at the moment treating this COVID pandemic, particularly with, you know, people getting heart health checks. One of the things we really advocate for, particularly for everybody, but for women, as well as to get there. Women are over the age of 45 to go and get a heart health check, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent should be over 30 should be getting a heart health check. And a lot of those things have been sort of put to the side with COVID and having to do telehealth appointments and and so on, and we really urging people to continue to put their heart health as a priority. And you know, if you don't do anything else, just go to our website hot research dot com today, you and that has and we've got two new videos, which we've just put out. So one focus specifically on women's health and one focused on men's heart health, as well as as I mentioned before, that free wallet card.

What about some of the research that's gone on? I mean, I guess kind of ideas we kind of instinctively know give up smoking, try and exercise, eat better things that sort of not just the heart health, but just the general health. Is this sort of anything new or any sort of variation on those themes that researchers come up with in the last 10, 15 years? Yeah. Well, I think

What about some of the research that's gone on? I mean, I guess kind of ideas we kind of instinctively know give up smoking, try and exercise, eat better things that sort of not just the heart health, but just the general health. Is this sort of anything new or any sort of variation on those themes that researchers come up with in the last 10, 15 years? Yeah. Well, I think

one of the issues that has come out of this, you know, donate bad food and don't smoke has sort of led to this perception that heart disease is something that only happens if you're a smoker or if you're old and overweight or you make that food and you drink a lot of alcohol. That seems to be this myth that's out there at the moment. And, you know, just that we've got a researcher at the moment who's been working on a project where she's a cardiologist and as an artist, she works out at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, and she's noticed that people coming in to the emergency department presenting with a heart attack, the number of people who don't have any of the modifiable risk factors like my kids having hypertension or heart disease in the family, those people with no risk factors has risen from 13 percent to twenty seven percent over the last few years. So this is a real concern where people don't have those risk factors. Some say it's the biggest thing people can do is to know what the signs and symptoms are asked or if they appear they can get on top of them early, as well as getting a heart health check so that they're on top of everything that's going on with their heart health. And we talk about the four MS, which is males amazement, measurement and mindfulness, which we talk about in these hot health videos up there, the four simple steps we talk about. It's also on our website about how people can help remain as heart healthy as they possibly can. So one of the key things which we talk about is measurement. So knowing your numbers, knowing what your cholesterol is, knowing what your blood pressure is, and said that way, if every time you go to the doctor, you get down to it, you can then say whether they're going up, whether they're going down, you can get on top of them quickly.

one of the issues that has come out of this, you know, donate bad food and don't smoke has sort of led to this perception that heart disease is something that only happens if you're a smoker or if you're old and overweight or you make that food and you drink a lot of alcohol. That seems to be this myth that's out there at the moment. And, you know, just that we've got a researcher at the moment who's been working on a project where she's a cardiologist and as an artist, she works out at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, and she's noticed that people coming in to the emergency department presenting with a heart attack, the number of people who don't have any of the modifiable risk factors like my kids having hypertension or heart disease in the family, those people with no risk factors has risen from 13 percent to twenty seven percent over the last few years. So this is a real concern where people don't have those risk factors. Some say it's the biggest thing people can do is to know what the signs and symptoms are asked or if they appear they can get on top of them early, as well as getting a heart health check so that they're on top of everything that's going on with their heart health. And we talk about the four MS, which is males amazement, measurement and mindfulness, which we talk about in these hot health videos up there, the four simple steps we talk about. It's also on our website about how people can help remain as heart healthy as they possibly can. So one of the key things which we talk about is measurement. So knowing your numbers, knowing what your cholesterol is, knowing what your blood pressure is, and said that way, if every time you go to the doctor, you get down to it, you can then say whether they're going up, whether they're going down, you can get on top of them quickly.

So most of us, that's what we eat.

So most of us, that's what we eat.

Yeah, being eating intelligently, being mindful what we eat and movement. So just just being active, you know, we're not telling everybody to stop training for a marathon that, you know, if you're going to the park, if there's an opportunity, take stairs or take the lift, take the stairs. So just keep moving to the site, any age at any level of fitness, you know, just go for a walk around the block, take your, you know, we've seen a lot of people working from home for a car event, and I think one of the beautiful things I've seen is people that are on the fine having a meeting. So if you've got a meeting and you can take it at the right, just go for a walk and have your meeting. Obviously walk slightly, but any movement you can do is better than nothing. So. And the other one is measurements, which I've spoken about in mindfulness. Mindfulness is something that one of the people what things people don't realize is that depression and anxiety are also risk factors for heart disease. So taking a moment to just be mindful to help try and bring those stress levels down is something that can really make a significant improvement in people's everyday life, as well as in their heart health.

Yeah, being eating intelligently, being mindful what we eat and movement. So just just being active, you know, we're not telling everybody to stop training for a marathon that, you know, if you're going to the park, if there's an opportunity, take stairs or take the lift, take the stairs. So just keep moving to the site, any age at any level of fitness, you know, just go for a walk around the block, take your, you know, we've seen a lot of people working from home for a car event, and I think one of the beautiful things I've seen is people that are on the fine having a meeting. So if you've got a meeting and you can take it at the right, just go for a walk and have your meeting. Obviously walk slightly, but any movement you can do is better than nothing. So. And the other one is measurements, which I've spoken about in mindfulness. Mindfulness is something that one of the people what things people don't realize is that depression and anxiety are also risk factors for heart disease. So taking a moment to just be mindful to help try and bring those stress levels down is something that can really make a significant improvement in people's everyday life, as well as in their heart health.

The pandemic is kind of contracted almost everything that you said and that we probably had. We probably stay more. Still, we express all the time so we can't do mindfulness. And I guess all those measurements go the wrong way for doing this in public.

The pandemic is kind of contracted almost everything that you said and that we probably had. We probably stay more. Still, we express all the time so we can't do mindfulness. And I guess all those measurements go the wrong way for doing this in public.

It's a matter of kind of carving out that time. So. One of the benefits of COVID is so many people are working from home, and I've seen so many, so many parents up at the school gate with you, business shirts on and you know, so it's clearly having a lot of Zoom meetings, but they're walking their kids to school. As I've said, people outside having having meetings, if you're working from home, you've got the opportunity to prepare healthier food and be more vigilant in terms of prepping your food and just having it there, ready to go when you're saving your time, when you commute. So instead of having to, you know, have a 20 minute train trip, use that time to have a 20 minute walk in the morning. So I think it's just trying to really prioritize your own health. And I think we're also guilty of being caught up in all of the urgent work we have to do and all of the everyday things that we have on and to really take that time to put yourself first. And I think that's one of the things that we really encourage people to do

It's a matter of kind of carving out that time. So. One of the benefits of COVID is so many people are working from home, and I've seen so many, so many parents up at the school gate with you, business shirts on and you know, so it's clearly having a lot of Zoom meetings, but they're walking their kids to school. As I've said, people outside having having meetings, if you're working from home, you've got the opportunity to prepare healthier food and be more vigilant in terms of prepping your food and just having it there, ready to go when you're saving your time, when you commute. So instead of having to, you know, have a 20 minute train trip, use that time to have a 20 minute walk in the morning. So I think it's just trying to really prioritize your own health. And I think we're also guilty of being caught up in all of the urgent work we have to do and all of the everyday things that we have on and to really take that time to put yourself first. And I think that's one of the things that we really encourage people to do

is, you say, if you've got kids or grandkids, maybe you're going to get married, they're going to have children. You kind of want to be around to see that particular event. That's going to be a motivating factor, doesn't it?

is, you say, if you've got kids or grandkids, maybe you're going to get married, they're going to have children. You kind of want to be around to see that particular event. That's going to be a motivating factor, doesn't it?

Yeah, absolutely. We have one of our wonderful ambassadors. He does a lot of webinars that we have for our heart health club, and he openly talks about the impact that, you know, developments in hot research have had on his life. And, you know, he's been able to say he's been able to finish work. He's now retired. He's got his grandchildren, he's got so many grandchildren, which is just so wonderful. He's had a camper van and he's been driving around the whole of Australia with his wife, and he's just really living his best life now. And he's just, he's so grateful. He said, you know, to think that my family wouldn't have had me around for these times, it's just it just worth anything, can you?

Yeah, absolutely. We have one of our wonderful ambassadors. He does a lot of webinars that we have for our heart health club, and he openly talks about the impact that, you know, developments in hot research have had on his life. And, you know, he's been able to say he's been able to finish work. He's now retired. He's got his grandchildren, he's got so many grandchildren, which is just so wonderful. He's had a camper van and he's been driving around the whole of Australia with his wife, and he's just really living his best life now. And he's just, he's so grateful. He said, you know, to think that my family wouldn't have had me around for these times, it's just it just worth anything, can you?

Obviously, prevention is the best cure. It's a tried and proven sign. But by the same token, you know, if someone does have a heart attack, I've spoken to a number of people that have had a heart attack and done some incredible things after that. You know that the heart is a pretty amazing organ. It can recover very well. And you know, the heart attack is at the end of your life, assuming you survive it.

Obviously, prevention is the best cure. It's a tried and proven sign. But by the same token, you know, if someone does have a heart attack, I've spoken to a number of people that have had a heart attack and done some incredible things after that. You know that the heart is a pretty amazing organ. It can recover very well. And you know, the heart attack is at the end of your life, assuming you survive it.

Yeah, absolutely. And I think that's the key point is if you survive it. So that's the important thing with identifying those early warning signs and getting treatment as soon as you can. Because the longer you delay seeking urgent medical attention, the more risk of heart muscle dying. And that can lead to heart failure, and there's no cure for that. Obviously, our research is that basically we've got a few researchers working on that, but at the moment, at the moment, there's no cure. The earlier people can get to hospital and this is what we've got with the wallet. We've got on one side, we have the signs and symptoms of a heart attack for men versus women. And then on the back, we have a heart attack action plan. So if you notice any of those warning signs and call triple zero, we have a full action plan on the back of steps that you can take. And you know, that can just really mean the difference between life and death for people who get to hospital early and can get the medical treatment early. And there is some over the years we've seen so many wonderful developments that have happened. So, you know, we're really very fortunate with our healthcare system. We've got amazing, such amazing, amazing doctors like the conversations we have with our researchers. It's just mind blowing that absolutely so incredible what the things they come up with and the things they think of. Some, you know, my daughter herself was born with heart disease and she had a heart surgery when she was only a couple of days old, the size of a walnut. So that can do absolutely incredible things. You just need to know what to look for and get urgent treatment.

Yeah, absolutely. And I think that's the key point is if you survive it. So that's the important thing with identifying those early warning signs and getting treatment as soon as you can. Because the longer you delay seeking urgent medical attention, the more risk of heart muscle dying. And that can lead to heart failure, and there's no cure for that. Obviously, our research is that basically we've got a few researchers working on that, but at the moment, at the moment, there's no cure. The earlier people can get to hospital and this is what we've got with the wallet. We've got on one side, we have the signs and symptoms of a heart attack for men versus women. And then on the back, we have a heart attack action plan. So if you notice any of those warning signs and call triple zero, we have a full action plan on the back of steps that you can take. And you know, that can just really mean the difference between life and death for people who get to hospital early and can get the medical treatment early. And there is some over the years we've seen so many wonderful developments that have happened. So, you know, we're really very fortunate with our healthcare system. We've got amazing, such amazing, amazing doctors like the conversations we have with our researchers. It's just mind blowing that absolutely so incredible what the things they come up with and the things they think of. Some, you know, my daughter herself was born with heart disease and she had a heart surgery when she was only a couple of days old, the size of a walnut. So that can do absolutely incredible things. You just need to know what to look for and get urgent treatment.

I was thinking when you were speaking, Jenny, you seemed very, very passionate, atheistic about this, that there probably is a bit of a story behind that behind Jenny.

I was thinking when you were speaking, Jenny, you seemed very, very passionate, atheistic about this, that there probably is a bit of a story behind that behind Jenny.

Yeah, yeah, there absolutely is. I used to work in the corporate world for you to go, but you know, my my daughter was born with congenital heart disease, so she had only a few days old, had a couple of surgeries, including open heart surgery. So obviously heart rate, that is something I'm so incredibly passionate about because I think, you know, if it hadn't been for those people who invested in heart research to enable that work to be done in her heart was inside of a walnut. So how how people can operate on a heart that small, it's just mind blowing. And we're so grateful for that. And I just want to kind of give back to all the people who have, you know, have the opportunity to have the benefit of what I've had to have their family together for so much, for so much wonderful time at the moments we've had with my daughter. I mean, she's going into a tomorrow. So it's just she's an absolute little firecracker and we love it a bit. So we're so grateful to have such. And so I just trying to give back to other people are as lucky as way.

Yeah, yeah, there absolutely is. I used to work in the corporate world for you to go, but you know, my my daughter was born with congenital heart disease, so she had only a few days old, had a couple of surgeries, including open heart surgery. So obviously heart rate, that is something I'm so incredibly passionate about because I think, you know, if it hadn't been for those people who invested in heart research to enable that work to be done in her heart was inside of a walnut. So how how people can operate on a heart that small, it's just mind blowing. And we're so grateful for that. And I just want to kind of give back to all the people who have, you know, have the opportunity to have the benefit of what I've had to have their family together for so much, for so much wonderful time at the moments we've had with my daughter. I mean, she's going into a tomorrow. So it's just she's an absolute little firecracker and we love it a bit. So we're so grateful to have such. And so I just trying to give back to other people are as lucky as way.

That's a living proof, literally, isn't it? Yeah, terrific. Well, Jenny, happy February to you and thank you

That's a living proof, literally, isn't it? Yeah, terrific. Well, Jenny, happy February to you and thank you

for having us on and helping us raise awareness and get this message out there.

for having us on and helping us raise awareness and get this message out there.

So what's the website OkCupid do? Want to find out more and get it done like the wallet, which is obviously free and good information? I mean, it could literally save your life 100 percent.

So what's the website OkCupid do? Want to find out more and get it done like the wallet, which is obviously free and good information? I mean, it could literally save your life 100 percent.

So it's hot research dot com, are you? And we've got the videos on there. We have the free wallet card, which you can order. And we've had so much, we've got a whole lot of research that our researchers are working on and a lot of really important lifesaving information on this, so please check that out. It's really, really important and as you say, it could save your life or somebody else is around you.

So it's hot research dot com, are you? And we've got the videos on there. We have the free wallet card, which you can order. And we've had so much, we've got a whole lot of research that our researchers are working on and a lot of really important lifesaving information on this, so please check that out. It's really, really important and as you say, it could save your life or somebody else is around you.

Jenny, love your passion. It's wonderful.

Jenny, love your passion. It's wonderful.

It's lovely to chat with you. Thank you so much.

It's lovely to chat with you. Thank you so much.

That's Jenny backdrop there from the Hart Research talking about Red Fed Month, which of course, is this particular month to have someone close to your heart be here even longer. Keep in touch with Vision Australia Radio Adelaide on eleven ninety seven am. Well, this is a scholarship, no scholarship, so you're going to pick a number of people's interest to tell us more about it. It's great work in the program through Butler Phillips from the Australian Institute of Company Directors till graduation. Thanks for your time.

That's Jenny backdrop there from the Hart Research talking about Red Fed Month, which of course, is this particular month to have someone close to your heart be here even longer. Keep in touch with Vision Australia Radio Adelaide on eleven ninety seven am. Well, this is a scholarship, no scholarship, so you're going to pick a number of people's interest to tell us more about it. It's great work in the program through Butler Phillips from the Australian Institute of Company Directors till graduation. Thanks for your time.

Thank you, Peter. Great to be here.

Thank you, Peter. Great to be here.

Now, this sounds like a tremendous initiative, and I reckon you won't have to stand by to get caught up in the stampede. I think there might be a few people putting their hand up for it to look just a bit about the background of how this has come about. Absolutely.

Now, this sounds like a tremendous initiative, and I reckon you won't have to stand by to get caught up in the stampede. I think there might be a few people putting their hand up for it to look just a bit about the background of how this has come about. Absolutely.

And we've been delighted to kick this off this year in conjunction with the Australian Network on Disability, to make some scholarships available for people with disability, to do programs that we think will be really useful for them under the company directors course or the Foundations of directorship program, both run by ICD and will really help to improve the understanding of governance for those people who are undertaking the program.

And we've been delighted to kick this off this year in conjunction with the Australian Network on Disability, to make some scholarships available for people with disability, to do programs that we think will be really useful for them under the company directors course or the Foundations of directorship program, both run by ICD and will really help to improve the understanding of governance for those people who are undertaking the program.

So it's up at the moment. People can apply. So you're looking for applicants. What happens from there? I think, well, this sort of thing I'd like to at least put my hand up for what happens from there.

So it's up at the moment. People can apply. So you're looking for applicants. What happens from there? I think, well, this sort of thing I'd like to at least put my hand up for what happens from there.

Absolutely. So basically what we've done is the Australian Scholarships Foundation. We do a lot of work with. They run the application program, so people go on to the application process through them. They can be found on our website or their website or indeed the A&E website. Then need to answer a range of questions which tries to pick up on why they might be the most suitable individuals to undertake this program. We've only got the 15 scholarships this year, and then again, we'll have some more in the future. And by answering some questions on there, it will give us the insights into who we think will be really good and really benefit by being able to do one of these two courses. There's a range of other things that go with it by the Australian Network on Disability or assisting in also doing some mentoring with the recipients. And also, we're doing a broader awareness campaign of why people with disability can really make a difference on the boards of Australian organisations, whether they are for profit, not for profit or public sector organisations.

Absolutely. So basically what we've done is the Australian Scholarships Foundation. We do a lot of work with. They run the application program, so people go on to the application process through them. They can be found on our website or their website or indeed the A&E website. Then need to answer a range of questions which tries to pick up on why they might be the most suitable individuals to undertake this program. We've only got the 15 scholarships this year, and then again, we'll have some more in the future. And by answering some questions on there, it will give us the insights into who we think will be really good and really benefit by being able to do one of these two courses. There's a range of other things that go with it by the Australian Network on Disability or assisting in also doing some mentoring with the recipients. And also, we're doing a broader awareness campaign of why people with disability can really make a difference on the boards of Australian organisations, whether they are for profit, not for profit or public sector organisations.

It's a win all around. It's a wonderful initiative and I guess, you know, understandably, it's going to be a tough gig to win and that should be the case. The paper that the 15 that are chosen a very worthy of their chosen ship. If there's such a word and obviously they are going to be great candidates for the scholarship.

It's a win all around. It's a wonderful initiative and I guess, you know, understandably, it's going to be a tough gig to win and that should be the case. The paper that the 15 that are chosen a very worthy of their chosen ship. If there's such a word and obviously they are going to be great candidates for the scholarship.

Indeed. So and we know when we run our other scholarship programs, which we do each year, whether it's for the not for profit sector or other scholarships or Iran, we have such an overwhelming demand. And when I get to do a lot of judging for some of the other scholarships, it's a really difficult job because there are so many well credentialed people out there who can really take advantage of these sort of scholarships. So yes, we hope we have a great uptake of the number of people from the handle up to the scholarship, but also mindful that yes, there will be people that are disappointed who who do miss out for whatever

Indeed. So and we know when we run our other scholarship programs, which we do each year, whether it's for the not for profit sector or other scholarships or Iran, we have such an overwhelming demand. And when I get to do a lot of judging for some of the other scholarships, it's a really difficult job because there are so many well credentialed people out there who can really take advantage of these sort of scholarships. So yes, we hope we have a great uptake of the number of people from the handle up to the scholarship, but also mindful that yes, there will be people that are disappointed who who do miss out for whatever

the case may be, that can better up again next year. So what about the sort of areas that people might be interested in? You know, it's sort of a farmyard as far as positions like this go. I mean, you've got the full property, got the not for profit, you got government, you've got all sorts of areas that people can can be sort of expressing an interest in the sort of opportunities open in most of these sort of areas.

the case may be, that can better up again next year. So what about the sort of areas that people might be interested in? You know, it's sort of a farmyard as far as positions like this go. I mean, you've got the full property, got the not for profit, you got government, you've got all sorts of areas that people can can be sort of expressing an interest in the sort of opportunities open in most of these sort of areas.

Absolutely. We know education is a critical component of being a good director. But education on its own won't necessarily get people onto the boards. So we need to do, I think, more information for the directors and the executives of Australian organisations into why people with disability can make great board members. And also, we recognise that talking with people with disability of how might they go about getting on to the approach? Board for them, for some, it might be aiming to go for ASX listed boards, but for others they might say, Well, I really want to make a difference in the not for profit or community sector or on a government boards that have the real thought process about where their skills and experience and knowledge could best be used. I think that's a really important thought process for people to go through. It's not just about getting onto any board thinking about, Well, where can I make the biggest contribution? What are the sorts of things that I can bring to a board to make a difference for that organisation?

Absolutely. We know education is a critical component of being a good director. But education on its own won't necessarily get people onto the boards. So we need to do, I think, more information for the directors and the executives of Australian organisations into why people with disability can make great board members. And also, we recognise that talking with people with disability of how might they go about getting on to the approach? Board for them, for some, it might be aiming to go for ASX listed boards, but for others they might say, Well, I really want to make a difference in the not for profit or community sector or on a government boards that have the real thought process about where their skills and experience and knowledge could best be used. I think that's a really important thought process for people to go through. It's not just about getting onto any board thinking about, Well, where can I make the biggest contribution? What are the sorts of things that I can bring to a board to make a difference for that organisation?

So what's involved with the scholarship per say, I'm thinking in terms of perhaps how was or how long it runs for? Maybe some of the the content, if you like, of what the scholarship might entail.

So what's involved with the scholarship per say, I'm thinking in terms of perhaps how was or how long it runs for? Maybe some of the the content, if you like, of what the scholarship might entail.

If someone applies and wins the scholarship to do the company director course, it's a five day course that will cover everything from the introductory elements to the legal duties and responsibilities of directors, understanding financial statements, strategy risk and indeed how the boards become very effective. As I say, that's a five day program. The foundations of directorship course is a three day program. It again focuses on duties and responsibilities of directors, the finances, financials for organisations and also strategy and risk. The foundation of directorship programme is a slightly lower level, so it's not expected that you will already have a director or senior executive experience if you are applying for that one. If you're applying for the company directors course, there is an expectation that you will have already some reasonably serious experience as a director or as a senior executive.

If someone applies and wins the scholarship to do the company director course, it's a five day course that will cover everything from the introductory elements to the legal duties and responsibilities of directors, understanding financial statements, strategy risk and indeed how the boards become very effective. As I say, that's a five day program. The foundations of directorship course is a three day program. It again focuses on duties and responsibilities of directors, the finances, financials for organisations and also strategy and risk. The foundation of directorship programme is a slightly lower level, so it's not expected that you will already have a director or senior executive experience if you are applying for that one. If you're applying for the company directors course, there is an expectation that you will have already some reasonably serious experience as a director or as a senior executive.

I'm probably going to make a bit of a sweeping generalization, but I'd imagine that a lot of maybe not all, but a lot of people who are directors on boards, I mean, they kind of want to give something back to either their organisation, their company, whatever the situation might be. So yes, for them to have some sort of involvement in this as well as maybe just an extension of that as well, like sort of general betterment for the community.

I'm probably going to make a bit of a sweeping generalization, but I'd imagine that a lot of maybe not all, but a lot of people who are directors on boards, I mean, they kind of want to give something back to either their organisation, their company, whatever the situation might be. So yes, for them to have some sort of involvement in this as well as maybe just an extension of that as well, like sort of general betterment for the community.

There's certainly the extent of the number of directors who sit on both for profit and not for profit boards. I'm always mindful that there's complexities with not for profit organisations in terms of measurement of performance, et cetera, that are different for the the for profit sector. There's also this broader, I think, approach that Australia is perhaps coming to coming to terms with is the under-representation of people with disability in employment on boards, etc. That lack of being able to use these skills, the knowledge, their experience to really make a difference. I think part of it is to get a better understanding across broader society that we should be having more people with disability on boards and indeed in our workforce more generally in a range of different areas. And if part of this program can get that message out to the broader Australian society, I think that's also been will have been a real success.

There's certainly the extent of the number of directors who sit on both for profit and not for profit boards. I'm always mindful that there's complexities with not for profit organisations in terms of measurement of performance, et cetera, that are different for the the for profit sector. There's also this broader, I think, approach that Australia is perhaps coming to coming to terms with is the under-representation of people with disability in employment on boards, etc. That lack of being able to use these skills, the knowledge, their experience to really make a difference. I think part of it is to get a better understanding across broader society that we should be having more people with disability on boards and indeed in our workforce more generally in a range of different areas. And if part of this program can get that message out to the broader Australian society, I think that's also been will have been a real success.

There will be tremendous big SUVs if more people with disabilities on boards and organisation might say, Well, you know, we can see a way to employ a few more people with disabilities, and all of a sudden the bulk starts to roll, which which is great. So in terms of the time commitment, the five guys like five days in a row, will that be spread out? How does that sort of work?

There will be tremendous big SUVs if more people with disabilities on boards and organisation might say, Well, you know, we can see a way to employ a few more people with disabilities, and all of a sudden the bulk starts to roll, which which is great. So in terms of the time commitment, the five guys like five days in a row, will that be spread out? How does that sort of work?

Yeah. So there's a couple of different ways that the program runs. We've actually got both an online program and a program where you come in and do the course face to face the five days. Some talk with some of the programs once a week. For some, it's five days straight in a row, so there's a number of different ways that people can do the program. And what is great is that we've now got the flexibility with that, and we'll be able to work with the individual to see what are the preferred dates for them. What assistance might they need to make sure that our course materials suit their needs? So we'll have a very much a one on one conversation with those people that are successful on scholarships to make sure that the course works really well for them. And that's also where it's fabulous to have that relationship with the Australian network on disability to ensure that our programs are accessible for people with disabilities,

Yeah. So there's a couple of different ways that the program runs. We've actually got both an online program and a program where you come in and do the course face to face the five days. Some talk with some of the programs once a week. For some, it's five days straight in a row, so there's a number of different ways that people can do the program. And what is great is that we've now got the flexibility with that, and we'll be able to work with the individual to see what are the preferred dates for them. What assistance might they need to make sure that our course materials suit their needs? So we'll have a very much a one on one conversation with those people that are successful on scholarships to make sure that the course works really well for them. And that's also where it's fabulous to have that relationship with the Australian network on disability to ensure that our programs are accessible for people with disabilities,

and hopefully it would lead to people getting board positions. But in a sense, it would be a great thing to have on your CV for. Future reference, anyway, to have won this scholarship and achieve what you have promised as well.

and hopefully it would lead to people getting board positions. But in a sense, it would be a great thing to have on your CV for. Future reference, anyway, to have won this scholarship and achieve what you have promised as well.

Indeed, we know that the these training programs are really well regarded across all sectors and having that as successful completion. We hope that the scholarship recipients will go on and do the exam and the assignment at the end of the course and get that full status as a graduate of the training program. And we know that that is also held in really high regard.

Indeed, we know that the these training programs are really well regarded across all sectors and having that as successful completion. We hope that the scholarship recipients will go on and do the exam and the assignment at the end of the course and get that full status as a graduate of the training program. And we know that that is also held in really high regard.

And of course, you know you're doing it now. So it's very, very common to and some people that have been on boards for years and years and maybe not sort of upskill themselves, but to win this scholarship, you're getting the very latest as far as information and the way that things are playing out at the moment as opposed to being yourself brought up to that.

And of course, you know you're doing it now. So it's very, very common to and some people that have been on boards for years and years and maybe not sort of upskill themselves, but to win this scholarship, you're getting the very latest as far as information and the way that things are playing out at the moment as opposed to being yourself brought up to that.

Indeed. To me, it's about lifelong learning, whether whether you're an experienced director or new director, you're always learning, you're finding out things that are different than our viewed five or 10 years ago. The world of corporate governance keeps on evolving in the same way as society keeps on evolving and critically important for board members to stay up to date and in touch with those things as they evolve.

Indeed. To me, it's about lifelong learning, whether whether you're an experienced director or new director, you're always learning, you're finding out things that are different than our viewed five or 10 years ago. The world of corporate governance keeps on evolving in the same way as society keeps on evolving and critically important for board members to stay up to date and in touch with those things as they evolve.

We're just from a reservist point of view. I think it's fantastic when an organization like your institute to the scholarship fund and also the Australian Network on Disability, collaborate and work together to make something like this happen because in a sense, you can't do it all on your own, but the three of you get together, it can be a very successful outcome.

We're just from a reservist point of view. I think it's fantastic when an organization like your institute to the scholarship fund and also the Australian Network on Disability, collaborate and work together to make something like this happen because in a sense, you can't do it all on your own, but the three of you get together, it can be a very successful outcome.

Believers in really good collaboration across all sectors in this instance, being able to work with the Australian Network on Disability with the Scholarships Foundation to be able to putting on a program, that concept of some additional mentoring, we hope, can really make a difference in people getting on to

Believers in really good collaboration across all sectors in this instance, being able to work with the Australian Network on Disability with the Scholarships Foundation to be able to putting on a program, that concept of some additional mentoring, we hope, can really make a difference in people getting on to

boards into the future. Well, it sounds very, very exciting. And as I said at the beginning, I don't think you'll have too much trouble attracting applicants, and I'm sure you won't have too much trouble attracting applicants with with the right attitude and the right skills to be able to benefit themselves and organisations and boards that they got go on to say which is great. Is there a website you can give us and people can go to that and perhaps make their way through it and get the information they need? Of course, I'm sure there's phone numbers or email addresses if they get a little bit stuck. But what's the best starting point? Before that? What's the sort of timeframe? Here we are at the beginning of February with this scholarship being launched. If you like a how much time of people got to sort of express their interest or put in their applications?

boards into the future. Well, it sounds very, very exciting. And as I said at the beginning, I don't think you'll have too much trouble attracting applicants, and I'm sure you won't have too much trouble attracting applicants with with the right attitude and the right skills to be able to benefit themselves and organisations and boards that they got go on to say which is great. Is there a website you can give us and people can go to that and perhaps make their way through it and get the information they need? Of course, I'm sure there's phone numbers or email addresses if they get a little bit stuck. But what's the best starting point? Before that? What's the sort of timeframe? Here we are at the beginning of February with this scholarship being launched. If you like a how much time of people got to sort of express their interest or put in their applications?

So we've got applications open until mid-February. The best website to go to is ICD dot company directors dot com dot I you know our scholarships page. There will be all of the information that you need. So just go on to the company directors page. You've got until the 13th of February to complete the application. Once you go onto the Company Directors Scholarship page, that basically that will take you to a link to the Scholarships Foundation's page, where you'll actually fill in your application, but suggest going on that company director's website. And that's the baseline you will get a good background of of what the scholarship

So we've got applications open until mid-February. The best website to go to is ICD dot company directors dot com dot I you know our scholarships page. There will be all of the information that you need. So just go on to the company directors page. You've got until the 13th of February to complete the application. Once you go onto the Company Directors Scholarship page, that basically that will take you to a link to the Scholarships Foundation's page, where you'll actually fill in your application, but suggest going on that company director's website. And that's the baseline you will get a good background of of what the scholarship

entails as exciting, hopefully provided throughout the year, we can catch up with you and the successful applicants they will see. What they get from the course from the scholarship itself is going to be a most worthwhile thing. So thank you again for spending some of this this evening and we wish you well and congratulations on the initiative to all three organisations.

entails as exciting, hopefully provided throughout the year, we can catch up with you and the successful applicants they will see. What they get from the course from the scholarship itself is going to be a most worthwhile thing. So thank you again for spending some of this this evening and we wish you well and congratulations on the initiative to all three organisations.

Thanks so much and love to stay in touch with you over the year. Sounds like a great idea that will bring on one of the successful applicants, and we're going to have a chat to them.

Thanks so much and love to stay in touch with you over the year. Sounds like a great idea that will bring on one of the successful applicants, and we're going to have a chat to them.

Terrific. Thanks, Phil.. Thanks. That's Phil Butler there from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Talk about that wonderful scholarship that's available. We'll put those details up on our Facebook page, and hopefully maybe in the future, we'll be speaking to you as one of the successful applicants. I Alexa play Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide,

Terrific. Thanks, Phil.. Thanks. That's Phil Butler there from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Talk about that wonderful scholarship that's available. We'll put those details up on our Facebook page, and hopefully maybe in the future, we'll be speaking to you as one of the successful applicants. I Alexa play Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide,

Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide from.

Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide from.

Tune in Listen to Vision Australia Radio Adelaide by tune in on your favourite internet device. My next guest is Angela Gallant. Angela is lead family practitioner with Monde Australia. We've got some very exciting news that they'd like to share with us. Angela, lovely to meet you and thank you for your time.

Tune in Listen to Vision Australia Radio Adelaide by tune in on your favourite internet device. My next guest is Angela Gallant. Angela is lead family practitioner with Monde Australia. We've got some very exciting news that they'd like to share with us. Angela, lovely to meet you and thank you for your time.

Oh, thanks for having me, Peter.

Oh, thanks for having me, Peter.

Now what was your first? Just a little bit about Mind Australia. Then tell us a little bit about your role and then we could talk about this very exciting news with some mental health and wellbeing hubs being rolled out.

Now what was your first? Just a little bit about Mind Australia. Then tell us a little bit about your role and then we could talk about this very exciting news with some mental health and wellbeing hubs being rolled out.

Yeah, OK. Well, I'm a family practitioner with a mental health and wellbeing hub in Victoria at Mind Australia. The mental wellbeing helps. A response to the pandemic, the Victorian government is funding mental health and wellbeing hubs across Victoria and mind, alongside other providers delivering support throughout Victoria, including regional areas.

Yeah, OK. Well, I'm a family practitioner with a mental health and wellbeing hub in Victoria at Mind Australia. The mental wellbeing helps. A response to the pandemic, the Victorian government is funding mental health and wellbeing hubs across Victoria and mind, alongside other providers delivering support throughout Victoria, including regional areas.

It's just a bit about your role. What does family lead family practitioner entail?

It's just a bit about your role. What does family lead family practitioner entail?

Basically, just working with all sorts of clients that come through the services are open to carers, families, young people, persons from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with different diverse sexual orientation, so people with disabilities as well as mental health. So I'm working with a range of different people and I work alongside the families and people that are supporting them.

Basically, just working with all sorts of clients that come through the services are open to carers, families, young people, persons from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with different diverse sexual orientation, so people with disabilities as well as mental health. So I'm working with a range of different people and I work alongside the families and people that are supporting them.

We think, you know, sort of February 20, 22 people are much more happy or comfortable, I should say, coming forward to talk about these sort of issues and well, maybe even two years ago.

We think, you know, sort of February 20, 22 people are much more happy or comfortable, I should say, coming forward to talk about these sort of issues and well, maybe even two years ago.

Yeah, I believe the pandemic has given a lot of leverage to the issues of mental health and wellbeing, and that's a good thing. Certainly seeing a greater uptake for certain.

Yeah, I believe the pandemic has given a lot of leverage to the issues of mental health and wellbeing, and that's a good thing. Certainly seeing a greater uptake for certain.

I know during a lot of the news that Andrews did, particularly in the early days when Victoria seemed to be doing a bit tougher than a lot of Australia. Often the the fact that there was funding for mental health came out of that news conference. I guess it's great that the government recognised the need for funding and acted positively about it. Absolutely. So tell us a bit about the mental health and wellbeing hub. Are there some new hubs being rolled out around Victoria at the moment?

I know during a lot of the news that Andrews did, particularly in the early days when Victoria seemed to be doing a bit tougher than a lot of Australia. Often the the fact that there was funding for mental health came out of that news conference. I guess it's great that the government recognised the need for funding and acted positively about it. Absolutely. So tell us a bit about the mental health and wellbeing hub. Are there some new hubs being rolled out around Victoria at the moment?

So that helps. There are free spirits. It offers help and support to individuals experience experiencing stress in their lives. So it's for persons who are looking for that extra help to take care of their mental health and wellbeing needs. So what we do when we start working with someone is we help develop a plan or a strategy to cope with a range of needs. And some of the things that are coming through the services are people looking for help with life stressors such as schooling, so young people reaching out or stressors at work finances or changes in life, such as children moving away or changes in marital status. In addition, people are contacting us to help them manage their stress better, build up their confidence. A lot of people have become socially isolated, so they're trying to improve their social connectedness and emotional wellbeing.

So that helps. There are free spirits. It offers help and support to individuals experience experiencing stress in their lives. So it's for persons who are looking for that extra help to take care of their mental health and wellbeing needs. So what we do when we start working with someone is we help develop a plan or a strategy to cope with a range of needs. And some of the things that are coming through the services are people looking for help with life stressors such as schooling, so young people reaching out or stressors at work finances or changes in life, such as children moving away or changes in marital status. In addition, people are contacting us to help them manage their stress better, build up their confidence. A lot of people have become socially isolated, so they're trying to improve their social connectedness and emotional wellbeing.

Their social connectedness is very, very important, isn't it? Because we've all been through so much isolation that either a forced or, you know, we've chosen to go that way? I just feel like we're a little bit safer from the pandemic.

Their social connectedness is very, very important, isn't it? Because we've all been through so much isolation that either a forced or, you know, we've chosen to go that way? I just feel like we're a little bit safer from the pandemic.

Yeah. To refer to your point about the health services they have right across Victoria. So you'll find that throughout all of your council areas, it doesn't matter where you live. Well, here you are. You can access there's a nearby happening. You'll be able to you'll be linked in with

Yeah. To refer to your point about the health services they have right across Victoria. So you'll find that throughout all of your council areas, it doesn't matter where you live. Well, here you are. You can access there's a nearby happening. You'll be able to you'll be linked in with

them now because there are a number of fairly large country towns. What about for those that don't live in the Melbourne metropolitan area?

them now because there are a number of fairly large country towns. What about for those that don't live in the Melbourne metropolitan area?

Absolutely. Our rural communities are served by the hubs as well. So look, there are hubs out in Barwon at Barwon Health Area, Coburn Valley, Ballarat Health, Latrobe Region, Albury Wodonga, Mildura. They're just everywhere.

Absolutely. Our rural communities are served by the hubs as well. So look, there are hubs out in Barwon at Barwon Health Area, Coburn Valley, Ballarat Health, Latrobe Region, Albury Wodonga, Mildura. They're just everywhere.

And I guess the the issue is, if you like all the challenges, the reasons why someone might seek some support or some advice could be different than than those who are living in the city. I mean, I guess the practitioners in those areas would be well versed in sort of local issues, if you want to put it that way. Yeah.

And I guess the the issue is, if you like all the challenges, the reasons why someone might seek some support or some advice could be different than than those who are living in the city. I mean, I guess the practitioners in those areas would be well versed in sort of local issues, if you want to put it that way. Yeah.

So all of our practitioners are, well, skilled. We've got a whole wide range of professionals working at the helps individuals with many years experience coming from different care sector, some social workers, some psychology backgrounds and some in community health. So we have a good broad range of individuals within our teams. We also have educators, people that are used to the education system, so we have a lot of different resources to draw on.

So all of our practitioners are, well, skilled. We've got a whole wide range of professionals working at the helps individuals with many years experience coming from different care sector, some social workers, some psychology backgrounds and some in community health. So we have a good broad range of individuals within our teams. We also have educators, people that are used to the education system, so we have a lot of different resources to draw on.

They touched on this a little bit earlier, but for people with disabilities, people who might be blind or have low vision, very accessible and very welcoming as far as that goes. Absolutely.

They touched on this a little bit earlier, but for people with disabilities, people who might be blind or have low vision, very accessible and very welcoming as far as that goes. Absolutely.

Persons who are blind or vision impaired can access the service, too. So although we're not a specialist service and do not have specific skills in working with persons who are blind or have vision impairment, we can work with the individual to assist them with resolving a current life difficulty as well. We can even work alongside a caseworker or support worker towards a plan goal if that is preferred.

Persons who are blind or vision impaired can access the service, too. So although we're not a specialist service and do not have specific skills in working with persons who are blind or have vision impairment, we can work with the individual to assist them with resolving a current life difficulty as well. We can even work alongside a caseworker or support worker towards a plan goal if that is preferred.

Can you give us a bit of an idea of how my work then? So I hear about this on the radio I might live in. Melbourne all live in one of the rural areas of Victoria, I think, well, I'm struggling a little bit. What do I do from there and how does it sort of all come together? Yeah.

Can you give us a bit of an idea of how my work then? So I hear about this on the radio I might live in. Melbourne all live in one of the rural areas of Victoria, I think, well, I'm struggling a little bit. What do I do from there and how does it sort of all come together? Yeah.

So unlike other services which require referral from your GP, you don't need a referral to access the health service. So if you're having a difficult time or you're feeling overwhelmed, you can call the 3500 number. So that's 300 three seven five three three zero number to get support through the local mental health and wellbeing hub. So once you contacted that number, what happens is that a referral is generated for you and your enquiry is then forwarded to the nearby hub. So whichever hub is nearest to you, once your enquiry is in the hub, a practitioner will then reach out to contact you to stop and to discuss your support needs.

So unlike other services which require referral from your GP, you don't need a referral to access the health service. So if you're having a difficult time or you're feeling overwhelmed, you can call the 3500 number. So that's 300 three seven five three three zero number to get support through the local mental health and wellbeing hub. So once you contacted that number, what happens is that a referral is generated for you and your enquiry is then forwarded to the nearby hub. So whichever hub is nearest to you, once your enquiry is in the hub, a practitioner will then reach out to contact you to stop and to discuss your support needs.

OK, now, without being too tough on your NGO, can you give us a bit of an idea of waiting times? What what sort of turnaround time might be from someone ringing that number to then someone ringing them back and starting the process?

OK, now, without being too tough on your NGO, can you give us a bit of an idea of waiting times? What what sort of turnaround time might be from someone ringing that number to then someone ringing them back and starting the process?

That's a good question for us. We have a 24 hour. We'll always reach out within 24 hours of receiving the referral. That's what I'm just telling you. It's very good. So you'll have somebody reach out, acknowledge the received your referral and then, you know, stop maybe the process of making your first appointment for you.

That's a good question for us. We have a 24 hour. We'll always reach out within 24 hours of receiving the referral. That's what I'm just telling you. It's very good. So you'll have somebody reach out, acknowledge the received your referral and then, you know, stop maybe the process of making your first appointment for you.

What about as far as that part of a thing goes? Is it ongoing support, if you like, is a one off? How does that work? Yeah, well, it varies.

What about as far as that part of a thing goes? Is it ongoing support, if you like, is a one off? How does that work? Yeah, well, it varies.

So for some individuals, they're just looking for, you know, a one off consultation, if you like, and that's appropriate. We do offer up to three months support over 12 weeks, so about once a week. Clients who have more complex needs can use the services weekly the 12 weeks.

So for some individuals, they're just looking for, you know, a one off consultation, if you like, and that's appropriate. We do offer up to three months support over 12 weeks, so about once a week. Clients who have more complex needs can use the services weekly the 12 weeks.

That'd be great as far as getting the confidence, and I just getting to know each other guys as well. Wouldn't it just might be better, you know, speak a bit more openly, but be a bit more friendly if you speak to someone over the three month period of to that sort of getting to know you situation would would be very beneficial to you.

That'd be great as far as getting the confidence, and I just getting to know each other guys as well. Wouldn't it just might be better, you know, speak a bit more openly, but be a bit more friendly if you speak to someone over the three month period of to that sort of getting to know you situation would would be very beneficial to you.

Yeah, you're right, Peter. So this support is typically offered via phone video link. It can also be delivered in person or via groups. However, there are some limitations in terms of COVID allowances. So that's, you know, that's an area that is a changing landscape, as you will appreciate.

Yeah, you're right, Peter. So this support is typically offered via phone video link. It can also be delivered in person or via groups. However, there are some limitations in terms of COVID allowances. So that's, you know, that's an area that is a changing landscape, as you will appreciate.

Of course, I was going to ask you about that, whether there is a face to face or whether it is all sort of virtual. And again, I guess that that depends a little bit on on the situation and the individual circumstances. That's exactly right, Peter. You talked about the group situation. How might that work? Could it be, for example, to a family or a couple might contact you and kind of work work together from from there? As far as getting some support goes and

Of course, I was going to ask you about that, whether there is a face to face or whether it is all sort of virtual. And again, I guess that that depends a little bit on on the situation and the individual circumstances. That's exactly right, Peter. You talked about the group situation. How might that work? Could it be, for example, to a family or a couple might contact you and kind of work work together from from there? As far as getting some support goes and

looking for family want to work as a unit, that's, you know, that's not uncommon and that that's completely doable. You know, each referral is very different. Most individuals want to work individually. They want to, you know, there's issues of privacy, confidentiality. Yes. So you want those issues protected. But other circumstances, which are family matters, you know, it's not uncommon for carers to come forward and that key family members want to be involved in the support discussion.

looking for family want to work as a unit, that's, you know, that's not uncommon and that that's completely doable. You know, each referral is very different. Most individuals want to work individually. They want to, you know, there's issues of privacy, confidentiality. Yes. So you want those issues protected. But other circumstances, which are family matters, you know, it's not uncommon for carers to come forward and that key family members want to be involved in the support discussion.

And can people kind of contact you on behalf of someone else? If you know, if you know a parent or sibling or my partner might be struggling, can I kind of reach out for some support and see if I can get some assistance that way?

And can people kind of contact you on behalf of someone else? If you know, if you know a parent or sibling or my partner might be struggling, can I kind of reach out for some support and see if I can get some assistance that way?

The key here is that you have the permission of the individual, you know, to reach out on their behalf. Unfortunately, you know, we need the consent of the individual. We can't work with them without their participation. However, paid out look, if families want to reach out and have a chat about their own anxieties, you know, if they're a key carer or they're concerned about an individual, you know, we might be able to, with consultation, direct them to services that the individual can access, either the individual might be open to if they're not open to the hubs support.

The key here is that you have the permission of the individual, you know, to reach out on their behalf. Unfortunately, you know, we need the consent of the individual. We can't work with them without their participation. However, paid out look, if families want to reach out and have a chat about their own anxieties, you know, if they're a key carer or they're concerned about an individual, you know, we might be able to, with consultation, direct them to services that the individual can access, either the individual might be open to if they're not open to the hubs support.

And that's a great point. That's the kind of thing I was getting at. If somebody is a carer or, you know, is supporting another person, if they can at least seek some assistance, it's there may be a pathway to it to get some support. That would be great. And so what about as far as the cost goes? We haven't got to that point yet, so that can be a bit of a ticklish thing and that can sometimes be an exclusive thing. Or it can exclude people if, well, gee, I can't afford that. I really would love to, but I can't afford to access a service like that. What's the situation with this?

And that's a great point. That's the kind of thing I was getting at. If somebody is a carer or, you know, is supporting another person, if they can at least seek some assistance, it's there may be a pathway to it to get some support. That would be great. And so what about as far as the cost goes? We haven't got to that point yet, so that can be a bit of a ticklish thing and that can sometimes be an exclusive thing. Or it can exclude people if, well, gee, I can't afford that. I really would love to, but I can't afford to access a service like that. What's the situation with this?

Yeah. Well, this is a free service. It's completely free from, you know, the first phone call right down to the end, you know, the last session. There's no money up front. Nothing required from the individual. It's completely funded by the Victorian government.

Yeah. Well, this is a free service. It's completely free from, you know, the first phone call right down to the end, you know, the last session. There's no money up front. Nothing required from the individual. It's completely funded by the Victorian government.

Now we'll give you a number again in a second. But when people ring, that number is they kind of sort of a prerequisite or is there a situation that someone might not be? I would have that referral generated. I'm taking, you know, what sort of questions might be asked know for that first phone call? Yeah.