Home Training Community training Sunday afternoon workshops

Sunday afternoon workshops

We run bi-monthly Sunday afternoon workshops to inform and train people about recovery and how to build community supports. Typically we hear someone’s story and then have a workshop about how we can contribute to more inclusive communities. These events are informal, interactive and are open to all. People who might come to these events include people who have experienced mental health challenges, carers, friends and their advocates and allies, and people generally interested in mental health.

See our events calendar for upcoming Sunday afternoon workshops.

“It’s been an invaluable experience. Hearing the person's story and then having some pretty open discussion about how our lives can be different has given me hope”.
~ participant

Reflections from a Sunday Workshop - Patrina's story

I attended an A Place to Belong Sunday workshop called “Responding to People’s Fragility”.

The session was all about relating to people in our community who may be in this “place” of fragility. Aisling Hoey facilitated the workshop and helped us to understand how we might best respond to those who are experiencing deep fragility.

What might fragility “look like”?

Some things I learnt during this workshop:

Words you might use when describing fragility:

• Frightened child - fight v flight
• Child like
• Overwhelming, wobbly
• Walking on thin ice, liable to break
• Loss of fluency in speech
• Disconnected from other people
• Embarrassed, shame, guilt
• Alone & DISCONNECTED
• Feeling out of control, hopeless

Negative things people sometimes say when we are in a place of brokenness:

• If you tried a bit harder
• I totally know how you feel
• You will be alright
• Look at scripture it says “all things work for the glory of God”
• You just need to take your medication and then go lie down for a bit

What works when we are in a place of brokenness?

• Writing down the person’s strengths
• Being non-judgemental
• “So this is what you are experiencing right now…”
• Sitting with the person and let them cry it they need to
• Breathing - encourage them to breath a bit deeper
• Acknowledging that you don’t know - we are not perfect
• This is a painful time. “Am I getting this right - you are having a hard day”

We were also privileged to hear a story of someone’s recovery through fragility and pain. During this story, Janetta talked about a “lifestyle program” and how it had assisted her recovery during her teenage years. GROW involvement has also been significant. The Celebrate Recovery program, a 12 step Christian based program for anyone who has experienced hurt or addictions is offered by the Salvation Army. This too has been part of Janetta’s recovery journey. After the session I had the opportunity to speak with her to find out a little more about this local program.

Overall this was a great workshop, and I would encourage people to come along as it is a time of learning and a valuable time to network & connect with others.