Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Carer Workshops 

Workshop 1

Therapeutic Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshops for Carers

These fun and nurturing creative writing workshops will introduce you to a range of writing styles such as freewriting, poetry, memoir and fiction-writing, allowing for the development of creative self-expression, storytelling skills and supportive peer dynamics.

Sessions are led by award-winning published writer Karen McKnight who has lived experience as a carer and has spent many years helping individuals and groups to find their voice, tell their stories and raise awareness in the wider community through writing.

When and where

Date and time: 1:45pm – 4:45pm, 2, 9, 16 and 23 May (Thursdays) 2024
Location: Belgrave Community Hub, 1616/1624 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave VIC 3160

About the workshops

Week 1: Stream of consciousness

Letting go of the rules of writing through a range of intuitive, right brain techniques. These work towards reconnecting to oneself, one’s values and to what makes life meaningful.

Week 2: Discovering your story

Compiling lists of significant moments and turning points in your life as a way of mapping your journey, observing patterns and discovering the stories you want to tell.

Week 3: The Hero’s Journey, story structure & fictionalising

Retelling one’s story as a character on a Hero’s Journey using a structure which is empowering and enlightening can resolve concerns about privacy.

Week 4: The power of poetry as a therapeutic tool

An introduction to list poetry, Beat poets and poetry prompts to create moving and powerful spoken word poems. Living the Writer’s Life: An overview of peer led writing groups, and where to from here.

Want to sign up?

Please click here to complete the sign up form.

You can download the information flyer here.

Workshop 2

Reach Out and Connect – The Suicide Conversation for Parents and Carers

Join us for this in person training facilitated by Lived Experience Practitioners from LifeConnect Neami National, to help recognise and support people who may be at risk of suicide.

When and where

You can choose one of the sessions that suits you:

Session 1

Date: Monday 6 May
Time: 10am – 12 noon (Workshop followed by lunch)
Location: 1616/1624 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Community Hub

Session 2

Date: Thursday 16 May
Time: 10am – 12 noon (Workshop followed by lunch)
Location: Suite 3, 50 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe

About the workshop

We will cover these topics during the session:

• Understanding suicide and suicidal thinking.
• Recognising risk factors for young people with suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
• Gaining confidence in asking appropriate questions and listening with empathy.
• Supporting the wellbeing of family members with suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
• Learning how to play a role in community suicide prevention.

Want to sign up?

Please click here to complete the sign up form.

You can download the information flyer here.

For crisis support you can speak to someone at Lifeline 24 hours, 7 days a week by calling or texting 13 11 14.

If you have any questions regarding these events, please contact:

Phone: 8850 4136

Email: chuck.cheng@accesshc.org.au