When Vicki Andrew is struggling mentally, she does one of two things – goes out bush or puts a bit more work into her mosaic project.
These are strategies she learnt when receiving help for her own personal battles in Bendigo a decade ago.
“I wanted me back,” she said.
“I got great help and now I’m a different me, a stronger me.”
As an important cog that keeps the Loddon Health Minds Network (LHMN) operating, it’s Vicki’s mission to give young people in the region the same outlets.
“I’m passionate about making sure people get great help like I did,” she said.
“You need someone you can tell anything to, someone you can trust. I want that for everyone.”
With help from organisations like the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU), Loddon Shire Council uses this network to be able to bring together mental health services and resources for people in the region.
“One of our main objectives is to support and advocate for our communities whether it is for mental health, family violence or active and healthy living,” Vicki said.
“We want to strengthen our children and families, to educate and instil trust and confidence in our communities that their Council is listening.”
As part of her role as Community Wellbeing Administration Officer for the Director Community Wellbeing at Loddon Council, Vicki is able to support the network on a number of projects.
One of which is her “passion project”, the Annual Art competition where community members and school students are invited to participate.
“It’s about reducing stigma around mental health and giving students an outlet and freedom to express themselves,” Vicki said.
“If we can educate from a young age and get them thinking about their mental health, we’re on the right track.”
Different age groups are tasked with creating a piece based on an age-appropriate theme.
Each student is encouraged to explore the different ways we can raise awareness of mental health issues and how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing.
Vicki has guided this project from 30 entries from a handful of Loddon schools to 300 across almost every school in the district.
She said the LMPHU and other organisations supporting networks like this makes a big difference to the wellbeing of the Loddon community.
“[The LMPHU] is an integral member of our network providing support, resources, and information to all of our network members.
“We have a great building foundation on what the network is working to achieve for our communities.”
LMPHU Prevention and Population Health Officer Sarah Hearn said place-based work was a priority for the unit
“Vicki is a beautiful example of the dedication and community mindedness of the Loddon Shire,” she said.
“I love working with her as part of the network and supporting the work they do for their communities.
“We’ve seen towns in their area significantly impacted by multiple disaster events over the last five years, including the floods in 2022 and the COVID pandemic.
“It is essential to provide mental health and wellbeing support across the spectrum of prevention and early intervention for flood-affected communities to help them heal and recover.
Learn more about the LHMN by visiting: Loddon Healthy Minds Network - Loddon Healthy Minds Network
For more information on the LMPHU’s work in mental wellbeing, visit: Bendigo Health Website - Mental Wellbeing