I hope you were able to have a restful time through the Easter break and spend time with your friends and loved ones.
As disruption continues to force distance between us and the the people who matter to us, we understand that social contact and the support our friends and loved ones provide is more important than ever for good overall health; and in particular our mental health.
I want you to know that what you do as an RFDS supporter is so important. In partnership with our donors at every level, we deliver life-changing services and facilities for those who need them the most. You are valued, and the various ways you help the Flying Doctor have a lasting impact that can be seen and felt by people from all walks of life who access our services. Because you understand this, and because you value equitable access to quality health care for all Australians, you support us, and we are so thankful to you for doing so.
At the Flying Doctor, we have been working to meet the growing need for services that boost mental health. In this issue, we are proud to tell you that we have now established Wellbeing Places in three remote locations– Broken Hill, Dubbo and Lightning Ridge – each of which offering a comforting, inviting, and welcoming hub where mental health and therapeutic services come together. The intention is to make the services as approachable as possible, to make it easy for people in need to access mental health assistance services or participate in a range of activities to help build emotional resilience and maintain overall welfare and quality of life.
The Wellbeing Places have been very well received and we are hearing from people travelling to town that they are enjoying the experience offered at each location. When I hear these testimonials and get a sense of the profoundly positive impact of each Wellbeing Place, I think of the good people and dedicated groups who worked together to make them possible. It is because of our donors that the most isolated and vulnerable in our communities can receive the help they need.
In 2020, we opened our three remote clinics at Innamincka, Louth and Tilpa, further testaments to what can be accomplished in partnership with our supporters – specifically, a generous donor – in delivering superb facilities to those most in need.
I wish you good health in the cooler months ahead.
Warm regards,
Alex Scamps
President, Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section)
