We are eternally grateful to TANA (Trauma Awareness Network Australia) for coming to our Centre on the 10th of July to deliver a “TANA Talks” workshop. TANA is a non-profit, grassroots organisation founded in North West Tasmania, in 2018. Their main mission is making scientific information accessible to everyone to generate widespread awareness and understanding of the long-term effects of early life stress and adversity.

It is not just the major trauma’s such as being affected by war, by addictions in the family such as drugs and/or alcohol that are a problem, it also includes emotional neglect and dismissal of emotions when we are young. These can leave us feeling like we cannot rely on people in general to support us, which is a basic need that everyone has.

TANA says that it is important that we collectively realise that the adaptations people make to cope with their environment are perfect survival mechanisms, and that we realise that experiences, especially during sensitive periods in development, can cause changes in the brain and body that can persist for generations. Our bodies have a way of ‘marking’ our genes to turn on and express themselves, or not, and these markers are activated by our experiences. This is the science of who we are and how we are affected by the environment around us. This information helps people understand why they react the way they do, especially when under stress. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with adapting to an adverse environment. In a threatening environment, our bodies are equipped to survive, to be attuned and adapted to the environment we find ourselves in. However, we know from science, that even when circumstances improve our bodies can stay reacting to a threat that is no longer present. We then struggle with the frustration of being reactive and behaving in ways we do not consciously intend. Adaptions to survive become maladaptations in other contexts. Knowing this frees us from toxic shame, deepens self-awareness and leads to a more compassionate understanding of self and others. We can then start to forge deeper connections with self and others. This is the real key to a kinder world. Complex trauma is the wounding as a result of impact of the adversity and stresses of modern life; it is the wounding that causes most of our major physical, emotional, mental health issues and social problems.

Come along on the 10th of July to find out more! RSVP’s to Tim – [email protected]

Understanding Mental Wellbeing for Effective Communication

Another hugely valuable workshop is this workshop we are providing free for volunteers as the final event of our volunteers project. Effective communication is essential to support mutual understanding, connection, engagement, collaboration and to achieve shared goals. Effective communication recognises and is responsive to the mental wellbeing of each person involved in the communication process.

This practical training is designed to provide individuals with the essential knowledge, skills and resources required to recognise factors that impact mental wellbeing and communication, and develop strategies to support effective communication.

On completion of this training participants will be able to:

• Recognise factors which impact mental wellbeing
• Identify dynamics that impact effective communication
• Identify strategies to resolve communication challenges

Governance work

We are continuing to review all our governance policies and procedures; we are meeting monthly to progress making sure we have policies and procedures that ensure firstly we are complying with all the rules and regulations that we need to, and secondly to ensure that we have sufficient policies and procedures to keep all who are involved in Live Well Tasmania safe, and to ensure that their experience is the best it can be.

More broadly we continue to provide activities that involve engaging in expressive, artistic, aesthetic experiences which research shows supports our mind’s ability to flourish. This is amplified when we can engage in such acts in the presence of a larger community and relationships with others.

If you have any idea’s of sessions that could be held at either our Community Centre in Wynyard, or our Community Farm at Oldina to further this mission, please get in touch with Robin on 0421 461 724, or our Centre Manager Deb on 0418 708 321.

Social Activation Project (SAP)

The Social Activation Project (SAP) has almost finished its first phase, however we are seeking opportunities to keep this valuable project going. SAP is a hands-on skill building initiative that’s all about helping people grow while giving back to the community. Its main focus is to support participants in gaining practical   experience, building confidence, and becoming more connected with their local area, and it’s made a real difference.

Throughout the project, the participants have been involved in a wide range of community activities, volunteering their time and energy across various projects. From lending a hand at the Lobster Ponds and helping out when they have tourists come through, to completing data sheets and helping at the ROC Community food hub with food drives and donation collections, the experiences have been diverse and meaningful.

We’ve also supported local and social enterprises like Squid ink theatre, helping with their production called the Big Snooze. Our group took part in community awareness events such as Do It For Dolly Day and a Youth week event at Wynyard. We have also helped and was involved in the Colour Run Takeover with THEIRS. A key part of our journey has also been supporting Live Well Tasmania’s Community Mondays, where we’ve helped cook and serve lunch for the community members. These days have been not only rewarding but also a chance to connect with others and contribute to a welcoming, supportive space.

This project has been more than just learning new skills, it’s been life- changing. Many of us have gained confidence, friendships and discovered strengths that we didn’t know we had. We’ve learned how to work in team, take initiatives, and stepping outside our comfort zones.

The Social Activation Project has helped us feel more empowered, but it also has made us grow not just as individuals, but as active members of the community. It’s shown us the value of giving back and reminded us that even small actions can make a big difference.

Written by Kalani West – SAP Team member

“SAP has given me new opportunities and motivation to participate in different activities and I would like continue this program.” – Colby

“I would still be in my room, if it wasn’t for SAP” – Jarrik

“The Social Activation Project has made me become more involved in my local community and aware of what supports are out there for the Wynyard community. I have learnt a lot of transferable skills that will help me in the future.” – Kalani

“SAP is helping me to improve with living independently and becoming more confident. I am learning skills to help me gain employment.” – Arnold

“This program fills my heart with joy, to watch the momentous and small wins these young people are gaining to better their lives is so heartening. It is the highlight of my week to work with them to achieve their goals, help them believe their futures are bright and filled with opportunities. Another highlight is introducing the team to local community groups and us being able to help out by volunteering our time in meaningful ways for these groups. Our SAP team support each other through life’s ups and downs and we help each other in real life situations. I am so proud to be working with this amazing group of young people, projects like these seem to be the lift that helps this age group to flourish.” Kelly, SAP Team Leader

Care Farming

The trial of Care Farming has now finished, which was a huge success. The level of engagement, particularly the commitment of the participants to attend the whole program was fantastic. The feedback so far has been that the project was of immense benefit to mental health. Three factors in particular were highlighted, the social interaction, the gardening and outdoors/nature aspect, and the knowledge that most of the produce has benefitted people who need food relief via the ROC Baptist Church Community Food Hubs in Wynyard and Somerset.

We are now starting a new partnership with the ROC Baptist Church thanks to a grant from the Department of Premier and Cabinet food relief program. This will involve us supplying both perishable’s and non-perishable food to ROC over the difficult months during Winter, when it is hard to obtain food to supply the Community Food Hubs.