The website, Recovery Hub: Hope Inspire, was established last year by the Wodonga Adult Mental Health Service with the aim of providing up-to-date information and practical strategies to manage mental health and wellbeing.

Project officer Alison Delphin said the website was now accessed in 40 countries.

It was established as a hub for recovery-oriented practice information.

“There is no specific clinical information. It’s about providing practical ideas that allow people to manage their own health, such as relaxation techniques,” Ms Delphin said.

She said advice had been sought from clients, carers and students about the kind of information people would like to see online.

“With community and service-user consultation and feedback, it has developed into a comprehensive health promotion tool, meeting the needs of people in the community and those who may be experiencing mental health distress,” Ms Delphin said.

Wodonga Adult Mental Health Service also received a second award in the assessment and-or treatment program or service category for its recovery oriented practice project.

Program manager, rehabilitation and recovery services Greg Calder said the project had been running for more than three years.

It aimed to move moving the existing clinic service towards a recovery-oriented practice.

Mr Calder said the project coincided with the integration of mental health services in the North East and the proposed merger of services between Albury and Wodonga.

Ms Delphin said progress had been made through leadership, education and innovative practice.

She said consumers had commented that the changes made the service more welcoming and were focused on recovery.

The Border Mail received the print media award for its Ending the Suicide Silence campaign, which began in August last year and culminated in the region last month winning funding for a headspace centre to be built in Albury-Wodonga.