Blood pressure checks, hearing advice, mental health support and financial guidance were all on offer during Women’s Health Week Services Day at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
The event brought nine health, financial and community services together at the Centre, giving women a chance to get a quick health check, ask questions and learn about local support.
The day was made possible through a $3,500 ClubGRANTS contribution from Albion Park RSL Club, helping the Centre bring services together and provide women with practical health information and support in one place.
It was a practical take on this year’s Women’s Health Week theme, ‘Do it anyway’, which encourages women to take small steps for their health, on their own terms.
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Acting General Manager Tonina Harvey said having so many different services in one place made it easier for women to take that first step.
“Women are busy, and we know their own health can often be the thing that gets pushed to the bottom of the list,” Ms Harvey said.
“What we wanted to do was make looking after yourself a little easier. You could come in, have your blood pressure checked, talk to someone about your hearing or mental health, find out about breast screening or get some financial information – all in a space where you feel comfortable asking questions.
“That’s really what ‘Do it anyway’ means to us. You don’t have to solve everything at once. Have the check, ask the question, make the appointment or reach out for support. One small step can make a real difference.”
Priceline provided blood pressure and blood sugar testing and skincare checks during the day, while BreastScreen Australia and Hearing Australia provided information about screening and health services.
Women could also speak directly with representatives from Medicare Mental Health, Uniting NDIS Support, Social RX, CWES, Bendigo Bank and Tender Funerals.
Ms Harvey said bringing services together at the Centre helped remove some of the barriers women could face when trying to find the right support.
“Sometimes people don’t know what support is available, or they’re not sure where to start,” she said.
“Having those conversations face-to-face can help break down that barrier and connect women with support they might otherwise have missed.”
The Centre thanked Albion Park RSL Club for supporting the Services Day, along with the participating organisations that gave their time to connect with local women.