20th October 2019 was the Melbourne Walk for Mental Health awareness day organised by Mental Health Foundation Australia.

https://walkformentalhealth.azurewebsites.net/melbourne/faq/

It was a great day and good weather and I aim to be part of it next year and it maybe something for you to  consider participating in for 2020!

Check out some of the activities here:

This Week is National Families Week 2019 (15-21 May), the Australian Association of Social Worker's (AASW), celebrates families as the central building block of our society. This year’s theme, Stronger Families, Stronger Communities, highlights their protective and nurturing capacity, while also recognising the threats to families from gender-based violence.  

The AASW recent media release highlights, “However, we also see far too often that the very place that women and children should feel safe, within a family unit, is the very place where they are most at risk.” Family violence is still far too prevalent in Australia, with those who perpetrate family violence destroying the safety and caring that the family unit should provide to all its members.

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that family violence is a leading cause of homelessness in children under 10. The high rate of child protection notifications correlates with the family violence that is perpetrated against women and children. At least one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner in Australia.

“These devastating instances of family violence need to stop. It begins with cultural change and government policies, including the funding of early intervention as well as support at the crisis and recovery level, especially housing and income support for those escaping violence.

We need the next government to commit to using the recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence as a blueprint for national systemic reforms.

“If Australia is to build Stronger Families and Stronger Communities, this must begin with addressing the national emergency that is occurring within the family home across Australia.”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence, listen, support and refer to services that can assist and together participate in supporting reform and changes to our culture and policies.​

A great initiative and educational events and informative ideas!
Uncover new ideas about sustainability and living together better.
Check out Melbourne Knowledge Week here: https://mkw.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
MKW 20-26TH May 2019

​I recently came across an informative and educational website providing programs to address male confidence and mental health, https://themancave.life/ is a helpful resource for parents, schools, sporting organisations and more.

I frequently discuss with clients the role and benefit of sleep, it's important for several reasons as outlined above and in the link to the articles attached https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/sleeping-well, but also because SLEEP supports your cognitive abilities to make better choices and regulate your emotions when you are conscious and challenged by stress. SLEEP is like your superhero power, the simplicity of prioritising this self-care activity in your life is often overlooked.  So, as it's the New Year, are you getting enough sleep? Could this be your New Year's Goal?

For a more detailed understanding about the science of sleep, follow the link to the National Georgraphic article regarding SLEEP:
 
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/08/science-of-sleep/

​Cheers,

Tracey
Counsellor/Founder
Orana Health Services

During my experience in relationship counselling I see a lot of noise, conflict and defending VS listening with meaning - to genuinely seek understanding of each other.  ​

​Now that winter has passed and the weather is getting warmer, well warmer in some places; the sunshine has potential to have a positive impact on our energy, motivation and general health and well being.

So, now is a good time to consider picking up the phone, texting friends and family or messaging an invite to catch up.

Social isolation and being disconnected from others exacerbates negative thinking and remaining stuck in depressive symptoms.  Positive well being goes beyond the state of solely avoiding mental illness and well- being in itself is a highly contested concept and means different things to each of us; however the benefit of being with others; whether that be another human, a fury friend or other animal, socialising is opportunity for creating a sense of satisfaction in your own health and personal relationships. 

Social September encourages us all to press pause in September - disconnect from our digital lives and reconnect with each other, and ourselves. The aim is to create spaces for face-to-face social connection, promoting positive mental health and well-being.

If you or someone you know are struggling with their emotions, isolating themselves and withdrawing from usual activities, reaching out and talking to someone will most likely help and for those supporting someone experiencing a difficult time; don't give up on them but you may also be impacted by caring for someone you love. More reason to be there for each other and or seek support.

Hopefully you are socialising already or have plans coming up.

September is Dementia Awareness Month.

Dementia is not considered as a disease but technically refers to a symptom associated with a decline of memory.

Dementia is an issue that affects many Australians.

Australia is mainly participating here by conducting activities around awareness and the challenges of dementia. There will be different events and activities throughout the country for the rest of the month.

I have a personal connection with dementia as my grandmother experienced dementia and at the time she was experiencing a decline in her memory and changes in behavior; I was around twenty and struggled with understanding the issue and seeing my Grandmother like this; I had memories of her as this strong and playful person to becoming confused, childlike, physically dependent on others and an overall sense of losing my grandmother while she was alive.  

At that time, I did not have the resources, education an information to fully understand the issue; so I hope that the information provided in these links is useful to anyone with a significant person in their lives living with dementia.

Here’s the website to visit in terms of details regarding the events: https://www.dementia.org.au/

And for more information about dementia in Australia, here are some articles to read:

• https://hellocaremail.com.au/dementia-stop-eating-drinking/
• https://www.silverchain.org.au/media-and-news/your-best-life/6-important-things-to-understand-about-dementia/
• http://www.icarehealth.com.au/blog/telehealth-dementia-program-launched-for-indigenous-communities/

Let us all be aware by joining the events. 

See you around.

World Social Work Day is celebrated each year on the third Tuesday of each March. This year, it falls on Tuesday, 20th March 2018. World Social Work Day is when we celebrate and recognise social workers as champions for social justice, self-determination and human rights.

Social workers are skilled, knowledgeable and specialised in issues related to social and emotional well being. Working holistically with individuals, families and communities, social workers are passionate advocates for a fairer Australia.

https://www.aasw.asn.au