In this newsletter we focus on two concepts of huge importance to strong communities and well functioning societies. these concepts are closely related, firstly of caring, and secondly of how we exchange with each other, of giving and taking, in other words reciprocity.

If you consider the definition of caring as everything that we do to maintain, continue, and repair our ‘world’ so that we can live in it as well as possible, then caring is fundamental to a healthy, cohesive and functioning society. It is important not just for individual wellbeing, but also for social trust, community connection, social responsibility, democracy and the capacity of people to support one another.

In turn a common definition of caring is “feeling or showing kindness, empathy, and emotional support for others”. This is not a ‘soft’ skill, it’s actually one of the hardest things we can do in our everyday life. Relationships, childhood experiences and adversity influence people’s capacity to care for others, but everyone needs care: wealth, fame, education, professional success and financial independence do not remove our need for care, affection, companionship, kindness and human connection. In particular, imagine if we cared about how we relate to each other!

Everyone needs

• Someone genuinely caring about them.
• Feeling loved and valued.
• Having someone to talk to who is genuinely interested.
• Feeling that they belong.
• Knowing that someone will be there when things go wrong.

We all need to receive care, but we also need opportunities to care for others. Giving care can provide meaning, purpose, belonging and a sense of contribution. This is important for people at every level of society.

On the 3rd of December we are having a Carer event to thank carer’s for the incredible work they so. This was the idea of Aislin from Lived Experience Australia who we are partnering with to deliver this event. RSVP to Robin on 0421 461 724, by the 30th of November.

Then there is the connection between caring and the satisfaction of people’s needs, which is founded on our inter-dependence; we need each other to satisfy both our material and non-material needs!

Widespread and increasing need, insufficient and unevenly allocated critical resources, and mounting psychological strain are realities that need to be addressed at all levels of society. But starting at the local, community level aligns with “Do what you can, where you can”. The Community Exchange Network Tasmania (CENTs) project has been going since 2011. It is based on trading goods, services and skills with others without using money.

Through community exchange you buy, sell and pay it forward. Help other people with their Requests or make Requests of your own. Use your talents eg. lawn mowing, transport, home help or sharing your skills and knowledge. The benefits of CENTs includes that it can reduce social isolation, build trust between people, encourage caring and mutual support, build a sense of belonging, make better use of existing community resources, reduce dependence on money, and recognise the value of people beyond their financial circumstances.

The real magic of the CENTs project is that it combines the basic needs of people to belong, and have meaning and purpose. So come along on the 21st of November, even if you have never had any prior involvement with the CENTs project!

We had some great events during October, during the Get Online events, Kalani, Colby and Arnold were joined by Matthew to deliver two great sessions. It was particularly helpful to have our tech questions answered in both sessions. The second session was also helpful in informing us about how to avoid scams, and some good uses of AI.

Secondly the Wellness Expo was a great showcase of ways you can get support for your health and wellbeing. David and Tanya from Your Naturopath Online did a fantastic job of organising a good mix of stalls and talks. We have so many great organisations and individuals offering amazing support, this event really highlighted the diversity and quality of assistance available.

Speaking of health and wellbeing, we have room in the yoga sessions, Tuesdays and Fridays, 2pm and 5.30pm, $5 donation (contact Mark on 0400 883 299), and our Grow Mental Wellbeing group, every Wednesday 4pm to 6pm (contact Robin 0421 461 724).

Our final news is that our monster raffle is being drawn on the 15th of November, at the Wynyard Foreshore Market. This is the last chance to buy tickets, and if you are there at the market you can choose your own prize if your ticket is drawn!