Helping hand: With the help of Bernard Henely (right), Nelson Francis is getting access to resources he didn't know were available. Picture: Matthew Furneaux
SIXTY-three-year-old Nelson Francis had never been to a dentist until this year.
His visit was made possible thanks to a pilot program launched by the Western Region Health Centre and Sunbury Community Health Centre.
Mr Francis, who has been visiting the WRHC to help with his depression, was given the chance to speak with a nurse at the community centre.
WRHC's Bernard Henely says the program is about helping clients' mental and physical health.
"Quite often the physical and mental issues interlink.
"We arrange a time for them to have a visit with the nurse [at the community centre] and they come up with a health plan for the person, supported by us. They arrange for referrals to see other people, which we also help with."
Mr Henely said that, so far, eight people had taken part in the program.
The WRHC is looking at running the program again in September.
Mr Henely says the sessions give clients a chance to address all their issues in one visit to the health centre.
"We normally focus on the anxiety and depression. This allows us to address everything all at once if you can get them there."
He said the health checks had resulted in clients seeing professionals, including dietitians, dentists, counsellors and physios, and having their medications reviewed.
He said that in some cases X-rays had been able to pick up diseases in their early forms.
Mr Francis said as well as going to the dentist for the first time the program had helped him deal with his depression.
"It's definitely something I recommend. I didn't know all the help is out there and all in the one place.
"I've seen a physio who has helped me with my arthritis and a counsellor I've been able to talk to.
"This centre and the program has helped a lot with my depression and I'm feeling a lot better and on my way."