Mr Williams announced the following day that the NSW and federal governments would commit a total of at least $40.1 million in 2019-20 to keep the program afloat until the National Disability Insurance Scheme is better equipped to replicate its services..
One in three veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems failed to connect with a counsellor when calling an after-hours helpline, previously hidden government figures have shown. Figures released under of Freedom of Information showed the counselling run by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) had an average call "abandonment rate" of more than 35 per cent in 2016-17, up almost 10 per cent on two years earlier..
Tanner spent two years of savings from his job, working part-time at a local car mechanic shop to buy Brandon an electric wheelchair. Tanner presented the new wheelchair to Brandon in front of his classmates, which was a complete surprise for Brandon..
Minister Brad Hazzard has asked the health department's infrastructure arm to "accelerate" plans for a "major, major redevelopment" of John Hunter Hospital. The minister spoke at a Hunter Business Chamber lunch in Merewether on Friday and said the government was planning to spend $8 billion building or upgrading hospitals around the state in the next four years. .
"Average wait times across all of the Department of Human Services' phone lines reduced by 45 seconds during 2018 to 15 minutes and 15 seconds, which is below the target time of 16 minutes. The number of calls transferred to another operator also reduced by 28 per cent during the year.".
A new review of mental health services in Australia has recommended the expansion of 'Better Access,' which currently allows people to access up to 10 sessions with an allied mental health worker. Under the proposed changes, people could access 'preventive' mental health sessions without the need for a diagnosis, and tiered access would grant more than 10 sessions for those with complex problems..
2019 Australian Business Awards Finalists! We would like to thank the community who has supported Hunter Care Group over the past number of years. Our incredible staff are the reason for these nominations for the 2nd time! Everyone we interact with, our stakeholders, people we support, staff and friends, we appreciate you dearly. Thank you again for everything.
Mopping up north Queensland has begun, and flood-ravaged communities have been warned of heartache to come during their journey to recovery. In Townsville, residents are heaving flood-damaged belongings from mud-filled homes, although several suburbs still remain underwater..
The government has pledged an additional $662million in aged care funding just one day before the Royal Commission Into Aged Care hears its first witness. While $282.4million will go towards 10,000 new home care packages, another $320million will be offered to aged care providers to help boost subsidies..
Stem cell research may be controversial but it's showing incredible promise in treating a number of long-incurable diseases. The latest target for scientists working with stem cells is type 1 diabetes and a new study reveals that it's possible to convert stem cells into cells capable of producing insulin, potentially opening the door to a cure. .
With 4,000 new homes and almost 8,000 more jobs expected in the city centre by 2036, Newcastle light rail will play an important role in keeping this growing city moving, and reducing congestion well into the future..
The NSW Government offers a number of rebates to help customers pay their energy bills. You can apply for a combination of the rebates if you're eligible..
Good one here to share around, FACS is offering scholarships to students enrolled in education or training in 2019. The scholarship helps young people complete their studies and reach their full potential. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 .
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will roll-out their extended mental health services across South Australia this month, reaching more remote areas than before. The new program will see mental health workers visiting outback and remote communities without facing long travel times to provide services, after new funding was announced last year by the federal government. The funding is part of a $84 million federal program announced in March of 2018. .
A free men's well-being roadshow is heading to the Eyre Peninsula in February and March to tackle mental health in rural areas. .
The federal government announced its new funding for the country's 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs). $1.45 billion in federal funding over three years from July 2019 to 2021-22 $170 million more than the previous three years - just over $56 million per year.
Hopes are resting on the state government's Royal Commission into Mental Health after its talks in October last year. The enquiry will be the first of its kind in Australia, and work will begin within the government's first 100 days..
Shaun Barry's company Extra Specialists helps find veterans work on the screen, often playing the kind of roles they had in real life. A former soldier himself, Mr Barry now has more than 650 people on the books including former police, firefighters and paramedics. It is a remarkable turnaround for Mr Barry, who just a few years ago found it too painful to even look at his army uniform. In 2011 he was medically discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression..
A ground-breaking program designed in Sydney is helping stroke patients using virtual reality technology..
Donating money to a charity or nonprofit organization just got easier for people who use Google Assistant. The voice-activated program now responds to commands to "donate to a charity" or to "make a donation." Google launched the feature last month..
Merry XMAS everybody! Please everyone, put your feet up, relax and unwind! Also, please stay safe on the roads if travelling! Wishing you the best Xmas and happy new year! - Hunter Care Group.
"Thank you too all our staff at the Hunter Care Group office who made donations towards making these lovely hampers, for those in need over Christmas. Also a big thanks to our organiser KS for putting them all together and donating hours of her own time to make this happen! Merry Christmas from the Hunter Care Group family too yours".
In a scathing draft report released on Friday, the commission found Australia's veterans' support system was out of date, poorly administered and in need of an overhaul. It recommended the Department of Veterans Affairs be folded into a single Ministry for Defence Personnel and Veterans, to be overseen by an independent statutory agency..
UNIVERSITY of Newcastle academics have been awarded $12.4 million by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to support 14 projects aimed at solving critical health problems..
Beyond Blue will get a $34 million funding boost from the federal government to help people battling depression and anxiety. The money will be used to break down barriers preventing people from speaking up and reduce stigma related to mental health issues..
Hunter Care Group assisted one of our great Support workers in the Share the Dignity campaign. This aims at supporting women who are homeless or experiencing domestic violence. These bags are filled with personal care and sanitary items :).
New South Wales only spends only 6.8% of its mental health budget on community mental health services, compared to a national figure of 13.9% .
We are seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to join our friendly team! This is a permanent full-time role and is available for an immediate start for the right candidate, with remuneration based on experience and capabilities..
A further three in four first responders who made a claim for psychological injury due to their work found the current workers' compensation process to be "detrimental to their recovery." The landmark research - carried out by the University of Western Australia - is believed the biggest study ever of police and emergency service workers in Australia and internationally with regards to mental health issues. More than 21,000 cops and other emergency workers took part in the study..
Wagga City Council is looking at projects to make its waterways more accessible to people with a disability, including sand-capable wheelchairs at Wagga Beach.
Port Stephens council have worked together with a number of organisations in making a disability accessible beach in at Fingal Beach. This is amazing and would be great if we could see this with more beaches around Australia!.
Great to see the local RFS volunteers dedicating their time to show support for White Ribbon Day..
Some 55% of consumers who use the devices believe they have gone beyond improving their fitness and also benefited their mental health, with the figure rising to 61% of 16 to 34-year-olds, the study by analysts Mintel indicates. Meanwhile, 72% of wearable fitness tracker users say their device has helped improve their physical health and 71% say they exercise more often since buying their gadget..
A DA for the major redevelopment of Stockland Glendale has been submitted to Lake Macquarie Council. The $60 million expansion and redevelopment would add around 50 new specialty retailers and include a Coles expansion, an enclosed mall and a ''boulevard restaurant precinct'' with casual dining areas linking shops and a cinema. Lake Macquarie City Council is currently assessing the plan, which is expected before the Joint Regional Planning Panel soon..
Great Announcement! Health Minister Greg Hunt is to launch a series of mental health initiatives designed to support Australian servicemen and women. .
Mental illness affects four million Australians, with mental health the number one reason people see their GPs. Yet it remains incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to get comprehensive life insurance cover if you suffer from a mental illness, with some companies flat out denying claims. Many insurance companies even attempt to discourage people from seeking treatment by excluding services or denying cover..
Our farmers need support during our latest drought without question. Taking the cash out of "allocated funds" for our disabled men, women and children isn't the answer..
"We don't have the best mental health system we can possibly have," he said. "Only when a person is in real crisis do they get tailored individual help. "We have a system that simply can't cope and will continue to contribute to tragedy if we don't have a royal commission and seek those answers, make that reform, drive that change and show that leadership," he said..
Less than twenty-four hours after Prince Harry officially opened the fourth Invictus Games, representatives from five nations sat down to work out how they could work together to tackle some of the biggest issues facing veterans and serving defence personnel..
YOUNG Australians experiencing mental health issues are expected to be able to get help more easily as a result of the federal government pledging to spend almost $52 million on support centres..
Johnny Ruffo has opened up for the first time about his 10-year battle with depression. The former Home and Away star has spent the last year undergoing grueling cancer treatment after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2017. To this day, he has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy, his last one being just last week. Needless to say, this has been both physically and mentally draining. .
Shout out to all who voted for us in the 2018 Local Business Awards. We are up for 3 nominations; - Health Improvements Services (our entire staff) - Business Person of the Year (our CEO) - Outstanding Youth Employee (1 of our Support Workers) Thanks again to all our online Facebook supporters, our staff and the overwhelming votes from local community..
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commits $100,000,000 (Million) supporting seniors who want to continue living independently in their own homes..
Research released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners found that 62 per cent of people visiting a doctor are presenting with mental health problems.
Members of the Australian Defence Force need greater support as they work through the "profound psychological experience" of leaving the military, with one in five reporting suicidal thoughts in their post-defence lives..
Military veterans will get an official promise for better care once they return from service if Labor wins the next election. Labor leader Bill Shorten said he would sign Australia's first "military covenant", based on a United Kingdom agreement which provides an undertaking "that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.".
Are you a NSW resident and hold one of the following? Pensioner Concession Card Health Care Card Low Income Health Care Card Veterans' Affairs Gold Card 40% off Fridges 50% off TV's.
An additional $6.3 million has been allocated as of yesterday. .
Some of our great Support Workers standing out in August, well deserved and congratulations on going the extra mile always. Great job! - HCG Admin.
Australian scientists have taken a "major step forward" in the world of cancer research with the discovery of a new type of drug that can put cancer cells in animals into a permanent state of sleep..
Thankyou everyone! We are a finalist again this year for the 2018 Local Business Awards in the Health Improvement Services category. Thanks to our amazing staff and partners who have helped Hunter Care Group become one of the largest Mental Health and Disability support services in the Hunter..
Chanting "fund the gap or we'll be back," more than 200 health workers protested outside Victorian health minister Martin Foley's office on August 16 to demand the Labor state government restore funding to community mental health services. Services have been severely affected by the state government's decision to cut $75 million from mental health funding..
Opening on August 18, the IV Lounge in Wickham is the brainchild of local businesswomen and colleagues Simone Le Mesurier, Grace Page and Angela Mackenzie. Common in the US and some of our capital cities, hydration bars offer vitamins and minerals via an IV drip..
COLES has donated $5,000,000 in grants and interest free loans to our farmers. COLES is also matching EVERY DOLLAR donated by its customers at the checkout this month to provide further support..
FARMERS will get $12,000 in cash payments to put food on their tables and pay power bills as part of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's response to the worst drought he said he has ever seen. Drought-stricken farmers will get two lump-sum ­payments of up to $6000 in September and March, with highest payments going to families with children. Instead of low-interest loans and cashback subsidies, the federal government is, for the first time, giving out lump-sum cash payments..
From today, employees on modern awards can take up to five days of unpaid leave to deal with family and domestic violence following a ruling by the Fair Work Commission earlier this year. Under the new entitlement, family and domestic violence means "violent, threatening or other abusive behaviour by an employee's family member that seeks to coerce or control the employee or causes them harm or fear"..
The Commonwealth's most decorated servicemen and civilians have come together for the first time on Australian soil. Victoria Cross recipients from Australia, New Zealand, Nepal and the United Kingdom normally only meet biennially with the Queen in London. This year they attended the annual Digger Day event in Nowra on the New South Wales south coast, which raised funds for returned veterans and marked 100 years since the end of World War I..
We are proud to announce that everyone at Hunter Care Group has chipped in and we have donated $1,000 this morning to the drought effected Aussie Farmers. This is enough to buy the farmers 46,000 litres of water..
2018 Local Business Awards! VOTE FOR US ! :).
Katy Perry has revealed she spent time in a mental health retreat following the failure of her last album, saying she suffered from "situational depression". "I have had bouts of situational depression and my heart was broken last year because, unknowingly, I put so much validity in the reaction of the public, and the public didn't react in the way I had expected to... which broke my heart," she told Vogue, ahead of her Australian tour this month..
Parents and teachers have similar concerns about cyberbullying and safety, as well as technology distracting from schoolwork. But do the benefits of having phones in classrooms (such as contact with parents, access to mental health text lines, and learning opportunities) outweigh the risks?.
Australian Doctor (Dr Harris) was meant to be on holiday but instead found himself putting his own life at risk to venture into Thailand's "Chiang Rai Cave". He responded to the call for help from Thai authorities when he was named specifically by the British diving team leading the mission as the best person for the job, with his medical skills and 30 years' diving experience. After helping get these children out of the cave, Dr Harris found out his Father had passed away 24 hours later..
NSW Budget: $700 million allocated to build new specialist mental health units for children, teens and mothers with babies, as well as upgrades to other facilities across the state. "The biggest single investment in mental health infrastructure in Australia's history"..
Nearly 200 Brisbane troops have paraded in front of their family and friends, before heading to the war zone in Afghanistan..
Some great staff awards for our Support Workers who have stood out this month. Always going above and beyond and is something we strive for! Great job!.
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Saturday announced $160 million for a new national psychosocial measure for people with severe mental illness following an agreement between the federal and state and territory governments. "It will help people for whom the NDIS was not designed, but who will benefit from specialised but less intense psychosocial services, such as individual and group assistance and rehabilitation, ensuring these people don't miss out on crucial support,".
7 Many parents will have thought it for a long time, but they now have a new argument to limit their children's 'screen time' — addiction to video games has been recognised by World Health Organisation as a mental health disorder. The WHO's latest reference bible of recognised and diagnosable diseases describes addiction to digital and video gaming as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour" that becomes so extensive that it "takes precedence over other life interests"..
Leukemia takes around 1,800 lives per year. The Greatest Shave is a truly great event that allows the chance for members of our community to shave their heads raising awareness, and much needed funds. A young Newcastle girl had a $1,000 goal to shave her head and raise money. We have donated $716 to bring her to reach this goal!! "Together we can all make a noticeable difference".
Hunter Care Group attended a networking Event in Cessnock this week. Mental Health and Disability Services through the Hunter were in attendance..
Man's best friend is proving good medicine for the teenagers at Shellharbour Hospital's adolescent mental health unit. A pet therapy program has been in place for 12 months now, and young patients are reporting that the weekly visit is giving them a lift. Occupational therapist Rachael Wade said the program was run in conjunction with PAWS Pet Therapy, a not-for-profit organisation that trains volunteers and dogs to provide specialist therapy..
If you believe God is in control of all things, experiencing anxiety and depression can be a shock to the system. This week, James Carleton speaks to an Anglican minister and a Muslim slam poet – both of whom navigated these choppy waters firsthand..
In his first post-Ye sit-down interview to be released, Kanye West spoke with radio host Big Boy about how he scrapped what he was working on to make a completely new album and why he decided to call that album Ye. He also discussed his mental health..
In Australia, it's estimated that 560,000 young people are at risk of developing depression. If our children or teenagers become unwell during their adolescent years, the most common reasons are for mental illnesses like anxiety or depression. That's one in six teens who will develop mental illness during adolescence, a critical period for intervening and preventing the onset of poor mental health..
The NSW government has agreed its annual funding contribution to the NDIS, which exceeds $3 billion in 2018-19, will be escalated by four per cent a year to keep pace with population and price increases. The Commonwealth will pay the balance of NDIS costs in NSW, under an agreement to take effect from July 1. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the deal would ensure people with disability had greater choice and control over their lives..
Some studies indicate better nutritional profiles in organic foods than in conventional foods, but the differences are mostly small and may not be of practical relevance in well-nourished populations. Few studies have investigated the possible health benefits of organic food consumption in humans. While providing some indications, the available evidence is limited and therefore insufficient to conclude whether organic food is healthier..
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll visited the factory last week to announce a cash injection under the state government's Boost Your Business program..
Psychological distress is significantly more prevalent in the remote mining and construction workforce than in the general community, new research has found..
A dramatic increase in the number of children going to the emergency department in mental health crises is evidence "the system is failing", according to a group of leading adolescent and mental health experts..
Now, a big international study has the numbers to show it can actually prevent depression from developing in the first place. The international team included researchers from The Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute. They took data from 49 studies across the world, involving 266,939 people. "People who were sufficiently physically active were at 15 per cent reduced risk of developing depression," Dr Firth said..
A new technology supporting emergency CPR is been trialed overseas. .
It is great seeing a young man use his disability as an advantage in the workplace. Nice work Tim, keep at it! #autism #ABCTV.
Two ground-breaking flu vaccines are now available for free to Australians aged 65 and over. Health authorities introduced the 'super vaccines' targeted at this age group in response to last year's deadly flu season. Of the 1100 influenza-associated deaths recorded in 2017, 90 per cent were in the elderly. With winter less than two months away, the federal government on Wednesday encouraged older Australians to take advantage of the enhanced vaccines..
NSW Health is urging people who have bought imported frozen pomegranate from Coles not to eat it, after it was linked to cases of hepatitis A..
Drug users will be allowed to consume ice under medical supervision at Melbourne's new safe injecting room, despite previous state government assurances that it would be banned from the centre..
The premier says the NSW government will give up to $26m to advocacy services until 2020..
The 45-year-old wrestler-turned-actor opened up about his history of depression this week, saying that he's battled his mental health for decades. .
The Turnbull government will provide an extra $84m to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to expand essential health services by providing mental health nurses for remote and rural areas..
Two young tradesmen turned fashion designers say their wild work shirts are already getting "ocker Aussie blokes" to open up about their mental health..
Veterans will soon have a new payment to help them cope with mental health issues while they're waiting for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to assess their claims..
The number of people who are homeless in NSW has soared by more than one-third, with newly released census data showing people living in "severely" overcrowded dwellings are the greatest contributor to this increase. NSW recorded the most severe jump in homelessness of any state or territory between the 2016 and 2011 censuses. In 2011 the number of homeless people in NSW was 28,191 but reached 37,715 last census night, the statistics bureau found..
The NSW Government is committed to the Return and Earn scheme and further reverse vending machines and other collection months will be developed across the Hunter in the coming months.
Our Support Workers can help you reach your goals! You will have the same support worker, same day, same time - every week! .
DISABILITY groups and Labor MPs will address a disability advocacy rally in Newcastle on Friday, part of a pitch to stop the state government cutting advocacy funding as part of the transition to the NDIS..
Hunter Care Group has been nominated as a finalist in the 2018 Australian Business Awards in 3 categories, Health Improvement Service of the year 2018, Business Growth Award 2018, Jarrod Burns (our CEO) - Entrepreneur Champions Award 2018, .
Veteran jobless rate hits 30 per cent..
We all know one or a few people who love taking a lot of selfies. A majority of people we know probably take a few. It is likely that everyone can think of one or two people who probably push this trend a bit too far. Is this an issue of vanity? Or is there actually more to it than that?.
Hunter Care Group were in Taree today at a large networking event, raising more raising awareness for Mental Health. HCG will support Taree to the best of our ability in the Mental Health sector providing stable, reliable and consistent supports for NDIS participants..
Hunter Care Group is expanding to Port Macquarie! HCG were in Port Macquarie today, meeting with different organisations to see what services are available, and what else needed in their community. We intend to keep chipping away at raising awareness for Mental Health, providing consistent and reliable supports to NDIS participants..
Please see our careers section for new opportunities in our growing organisation..
Great to hear a good news story from one of our participants..
New bill designed to bring better services to veterans and families.
The new "pop-up" prison in the Hunter. A video is attached to this link where you can have a sticky-beak inside..
Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham yesterday called on schools to ban smartphone use..
A new position has been created!.
The world's first accurate blood test for Alzheimer's disease has been developed by a team of scientists from Australia and Japan. It can predict the disease 20 years before symptoms start..
In just the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in large national surveys..
A new study has found dog ownership can enhance well-being, providing routine, purpose and companionship..
Funding withdrawn from those in psychosocial program on mistaken assumption they will be eligible for national disability insurance scheme.
SUICIDE rates in the Far North have jumped by a ­staggering 20 per cent within a year..
News Corp Australia reports that the Turnbull government is set to announce a $110 million funding boost aimed at fighting youth anxiety and depression..
The NSW Government will provide a $100 voucher to parents/guardians of school enrolled children. .
FROM January 1, there are a raft of changes coming to welfare, health, education, housing, gay marriage and many other living expenses. This is what's coming and how it will affect you and your family across Australia..
Hi everyone!! Merry Christmas to you all! On behalf of all our staff, have a wonderful time over this period, and remember to help with the dishes ;) If you are lucky enough to catch a break, put your feet up and relax :) - Admin Hunter Care Group.
We have a newly created position available within our growing company! .
We have a newly created positions for our expanding Central Coast teams!.
A LACK of emotional resilience among students is contributing to a mental health catastrophe at Australian universities, according to a study by Headspace..
A national survey of more than 24,000 people in the 15-19 age range, conducted by Mission Australia, shows that anxiety, depression and body image are among the most prominent issues on the minds of young Aussies..
These nutrient deficiencies are linked to mental ill health.
We have a new position available within our growing company!.
At Newcastle Senior School, educational pathways are created for students with intellectual disability and complex, multiple disabilities which significantly limit access to regular school curriculum.
Doubleview resident Jared Stone has been recognised for making a difference by sharing his experience with mental health..
Awareness week about anxiety and depression during pregnancy and parenthood. A Great information source..
Twenty years ago Matthew Ball was trapped in an abyss of mental illness — now he's Australia's best mental health nurse..