Agnico Eagle dedicates funds for youth health via headspace Bendigo

headspace Bendigo, along with its lead agency Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS), has welcomed a generous donation from the Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnership Program.

In welcome news on headspace Day, the Fosterville mining enterprise has committed funds towards the local headspace general practice clinic, ensur

ing young people can continue to see a GP at the Pall Mall mental health service.

headspace Bendigo Senior Leader Lindsay Rose said the funds were arriving at a pivotal time for the service as they await increased funding from the Commonwealth Government. 

“The current headspace funding model does not cover the cost of a GP service,” Lindsay said.

“But local youth trust headspace, so being able to offer a specialty bulk billing youth GP service onsite encourages and enables young people to see a doctor in a place they feel welcome, safe and comfortable.

“As such, it’s become an essential part of what we do in Bendigo. Without this crucial support from Agnico Eagle, the service was at risk of falling over while we awaited the committed funding increase.”

headspace Bendigo GP Colin Sherlock (pictured right with Lindsay) said the financial boost would have a positive and direct impact on the lives and healthcare of the young people they see.

"This funding allows me and our other GPs to provide thorough and thoughtful care by having longer appointments that are free," he said. "I find that being able to spend time with young people to really understand and talk through their health and concerns allows us to provide a more holistic care that otherwise may not be possible, and all without a financial barrier to the young person.

"This helps us work on long term health and wellbeing goals and establish healthy habits and strategies that can be used for life."

Director of Environment and Sustainability Australia at Agnico Eagle Felicia Binks said the company was committed to youth wellbeing and that it was hoped the funding would help preserve one of the region’s few free youth medical services while also supporting the workforce.

“We are a proud partner with headspace Bendigo. Their leadership within the Bendigo community has provided invaluable support, programs and opportunities to young people,” she said.

“Our goal is to build local capacity and make sustained impact in the partner organisations and the lives of the people they support, leaving a positive legacy for the community.”

BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said the generous donation would make a big difference to the health of young people in Bendigo.

“Our headspace GPs provide youth-focused, early intervention care for people aged 12 to 25,” Mandy said.

“The service is so important, particularly for young LGBTQIA+ clients. They know they can come to headspace and receive no-cost, non-judgemental, specialised care as part of a holistic, one-stop-shop.

“We are so grateful for Agnico Eagle’s amazing contribution. Demand for health services in general outweighs funding models, so we are actively seeking philanthropic partnerships such as this across our whole service.”

Mandy said community health traditionally made the most of limited funds.

“This funding boost will also have a flow-on effect, as it means we can now do more in other areas of our service,” she said.