Service club helps children in need

THE Zonta Club of Bendigo has donated fifty overnight bags to the Bendigo Health children’s ward.

The hand sewn bags contain travel-sized toiletries and were put together by members and supporters.

They’re in addition to the 500 tote bags donated to the hospital each year for the last three years by the local Zonta Club.

President Naidene Parry said the bags are made available for children admitted in emergency situations.

“We always try to have tote bags packed and on hand, ready to deliver when the hospital lets us know their children’s ward supply is running low,” she said.

Bendigo Health children’s ward nurse unit manager, Deb Forbes, said the packs ensure parents may not have to stress about bringing hygiene products to hospital.

“When you are a parent, scrambling to put your very ill or injured child in the back of an ambulance to be rushed to hospital, the last thing you think about is packing your child’s toothbrush and shampoo,” she said.

One bag contains personal necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, a hairbrush and occasionally perfume.

The Zonta Club also makes donation through DOXA School, Headspace, and Haven; Home, Safe to make toiletries available for young people who face disadvantage, such as homelessness and mental health issues.

Meanwhile, another effort by the club is also again as its subsidised mental health first aid course returns.

Sponsored by UFS Pharmacies, the training is provided by not-for-profit organisation Mental Health First Aid Australia and usually costs more than $200.

However, has been made available by the Zonta Club for a fee of $25.

The mental health first aid course runs for two days and is designed to teach participants how to help people struggling depression, anxiety, psychosis substance use problems, as well as crises such as suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury and panic attacks.

The course will run on two weekends, 8 to 9 October and 22 to 23 October, from 9am to 4pm. To register visit trybooking.com/CCQNE.