Well done Caz for getting duch an important program back in the region.👍 Go to bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ to register as a mentor.Humans of Wangaratta.

Hello! I’m Caz. I’m the Mentoring Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for the Wangaratta region.

I’m driven by values of contributing to community, connecting people, compassion, and being the difference that I want to see. Sometimes this requires me to step way outside my comfort zone, but I’m determined to challenge myself and be the best role model I can be.

I’m so excited to see the BBBS mentoring program returning to our region. My role is full of purpose – I’m a mother of three teenagers and know that being a young person can be hard, even in a supportive, stable family. I care that not everyone has the same advantages in life and I’m enthusiastic about changing that in the best way I can. I gain significant strength from my people including my partner, Matt, and I know that everyone needs someone who they can rely on to be there.

I’m excited and grateful and enthusiastic about taking on such an important role with so much potential to provide an opportunity for positive change and real benefit for the people who are our future. It also allows me to work with wonderful big-hearted humans, including our local BBBS Community Partnership members, volunteer mentors, staff at Rural City of Wangaratta and the BBBS team around Australia.

Without a supportive adult in their lives, young people miss the opportunity to build valuable life skills, often leading to high-risk behaviour and mental health issues. Having a safe space enables our young people to develop confidence and resilience to withstand the many challenges they face. Role models and mentors certainly make a huge difference in my life even now as an adult.

Everyone needs to belong and feel connected to people who care for them to be able to thrive. Being isolated creates an enormous risk for our health and well-being. Everyone has a back story and experiences challenging moments in their lives, some more than others. Individuals who aren’t at their best are often in need of the most love and support. The most valuable act for someone experiencing a tough time is to hold space and listen in a non-judgmental and empathetic way. We have young people in our community who need that person to show up for them.

Being a mentor can literally change the course of someone’s life, and you might find that you learn just as much from a young person as they do from you. Although volunteers are selfless in their contribution, being part of something bigger than yourself is incredibly rewarding and maybe even the meaning of life.

There is a very special young person amongst us who was brave and vulnerable, and trusted me to share her story at the Pitch Up event; she inspired a whole lot of generous and compassionate people to pledge a total of $47,200 to get us started. This won’t sustain us forever though; we will need ongoing support, and I’m confident Wangaratta will provide that.

There are so many great things about Wangaratta – this is a beautiful part of the world with so much to offer. I have loved being involved in water-skiing, roller derby, mountain-biking and footy, but what I love more than anything are the people, and the strength and connectedness of our community. I have so many wonderful, inspiring friends here, and I feel lucky to have such a supportive village.

We look forward to growing the BBBS mentoring program within our Wangaratta region. Please don’t wait to be asked, put your hand up and get involved; we are welcoming and inclusive, and will value your contribution. Together we can make a real difference.

Caz | Mentoring Coordinator – Big Brothers, Big Sisters (Wangaratta region)

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, please click the link below for more information bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/

#HumansOfWangaratta #BigBrothersBigSisters #Mentor #Youth #TogetherWangCan ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Migraine is a complex inherited neurological disorder of sensory processing that affects up to 1 in 5 people.
Migraine is a genetic condition. People with migraine have variations in their genetic code that make the networks in their brain hyperexcitable.
Typical or common migraine attacks or episodes are characterised by a pulsating or throbbing headache, usually only on one side of the head, which lasts between 4 and 72 hours, with some warning symptoms (aura) before, and a ‘migraine hangover’ (Postdrome) afterward. However, for many people with migraine the 'attack' phase involved many other symptoms, and some do not have headache at all. Additionally, the attack phase can last longer than 4 days.
Migraine has a lot of comorbidities (other conditions that are more common in people with migraine, but not necessarily caused by migraine. People living with migraine, and particularly those living with migraine with aura, should be aware that the have a higher risk of having a stroke. 
People who live with migraine also are at risk of medication overuse headache. This is when overuse of common pain and migraine medications causes rebound headaches, and transforms migraine attacks into constant, unrelenting headache.

For more information about migraine
www.migraine.org.au/about_migraine ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

It is Men's Health Week!👨
The theme is Building Healthy Environments for Men and Boys - focusing on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings.
Men's Health Week is designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health.
#menshealthweek #menshealthweek2022 ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

It is National Blood Donor Week (13–19 June)!💉🩸
Over 8.3 million Australians will need blood in their lifetime.

When you give blood, you’re more than just a donor. You’re the Lifeblood of Australia.

Donors are part of a community. Book online at the Red Cross to book you donation. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

On the longest night of the year, Survivors of Suicide & Friends / Winter Solstice hosts an event to bring together the community to remember those who have died by suicide.

Northeast Health Wangaratta is a consortium member of the Grit and Resilience Program, which has arranged a free bus transfer service for residents of the Rural City of Wangaratta who would like to attend the event in Albury, to share in the experience with others whose lives have been touched by suicide, or in support of friends and loved ones.

The bus will have 3 pick-up and drop off locations; Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Springhurst. For more info and to book visit bit.ly/3LHv0zM

Note – children (under 18’s) must be accompanied by an adult. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago