5 December 2019

Teen Clinic planning nationwide regional roll out, donations needed

| Ian Campbell
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The Teen Clinic Australia Board, Photo: Supplied.

The Teen Clinic Australia Board – Stan Stavros, Annette Guilfoyle, Noel Trevaskis OAM, Dr Duncan MacKinnon, Emma Hibbert, and Robbie Bedbrook. Photo: Supplied.

Teen Clinic, a Bega initiative improving teenage health, continues to grow as they welcome a Board of Directors to assist them on their quest to expand on a national level.

Teen Clinic is a free nurse-led, early intervention model of care for teenagers. It sits within existing general practices providing a drop-in service for young people in rural and regional towns.

Teens can attend for STI screenings, contraception advice, relationship concerns, mental health issues or general health and education.

Teen Clinic Australia Ltd became a registered not-for-profit organisation in August this year with their first Board Meeting held at a Teen Clinic Planning Day in Batemans Bay recently.

The event was attended by new Board Members as well as Teen Clinic co-founders, staff and nurses from Bega, Eden, Narooma, Kiama and Mallacoota.

Co-founder of Teen Clinic, Jodie Meaker says “the Planning Day was a great success. We had an opportunity to reflect on our journey so far and discuss the vision of Teen Clinic for the future.”

“Our aim is for Teen Clinic Australia to continue to provide support to other general practices so they can introduce and operate a successful Teen Clinic in their own regional town.

“The mix of the board members’ expertise in health, business, accounting, community engagement and innovation will be an ongoing asset to the future development of Teen Clinic and we are excited to work with them.”

Joining the Teen Clinic Australia Board are:

Stan Stavros – experienced chartered accountant with years of experience running a successful accounting firm and helping medical practices in rural and regional areas achieve their business goals.

Annette Guilfoyle – close to 30 years experience in commercial and operational roles with multi-national organisations. The focus of her successful career has been on health and human services.

Noel Trevaskis OAM – decorated Rotary Club official and mental health advocate. Noel was Chairman of Australia Rotary Health and has shared his lived experience of mental illness on over 300 occasions for many organisations.

Duncan MacKinnon – Principal GP of Bega Valley Medical Practice and co-founder of Teen Clinic, has a strong focus on team-based care, teaching and training and looking at ways to improve health care through innovative models.

Emma Hibbert – an experienced teacher committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people has worked in welfare and education roles for a number of years.

Robbie Bedbrook – a primary health care nurse and international speaker, presenter and writer on topics including burnout, LGBTQI health, emotional intelligence, leadership and more.

Teen Clinic Australia aims to be sustainable and cost-neutral, with all profits put back into the service. Tax-deductible donations to Teen Clinic Australia can be made through the Rotary Australia World Community Service, click HERE to chip in.

Teen Clinic currently operates in Mallacoota, Eden, Merimbula, Bega, Narooma, and Kiama, check the Teen Clinic website for times and more info.

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