PRACTICAL conversations around wellbeing, domestic and family violence including financial abuse, mental health and suicide prevention are vital during a drought, according to Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson.
With 100 per cent of the state now declared in drought, many primary producers are struggling with a range of issues on and off the farm.
In order to help, Lifeline Central West has teamed up with the Country Women’s Association for a roadshow of 12 free workshops called Moving Forward Together to target those in need.
The workshops will be delivered by qualified trainers and give practical help, resources and tools for communicating with men who may be in distress and potentially at risk of suicide.
These workshops will give practical help, resources and tools for communicating with family and loved ones who may be in distress and potentially at risk of suicide.
- CWA NSW president Annette Turner
Topics will include recognising, responding and referring to domestic violence; crisis and mental health including stress, depression, anxiety and suicide; financial abuse; building resilience and strategies for self-care.
They will be held in September and October in Orange, Blayney and other Central West locations.
Ms Robinson said Lifeline’s partnership with the CWA would help people tackle the tough issues facing their community by supporting them as they struggle through the deepening drought crisis.
“We all have a role to play in creating a vibrant, strong community that can stay resilient during challenges and support those who are struggling,” she said.
“This connection also means that during tough times we are all impacted and need to be more vigilant.”
CWA NSW president Annette Turner said rural women were often the “emotional linchpin of their family” and were instrumental in identifying potential health problems in their circles.
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“These workshops will give practical help, resources and tools for communicating with family and loved ones who may be in distress and potentially at risk of suicide,” she said.
The roadshow has been funded thanks to a $41,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Sessions will be held at the CWA Hall in Robertson Park from 9am-1pm on Thursday, September 13, and at Blayney’s Chambers Community Centre from 9am-1pm on Wednesday, September 12.
Members of the community can attend by registering their interest on 1300 798 258.
WORKSHOP DATES IN THE CENTRAL WEST
- Bathurst, September 5 at CWA Hall, 172 Russell Street, Time: 9am-1pm
- Lithgow, September 6 at Vale Hall, 9 Mort Street. Time: 9am-1pm
- Blayney, September 12 at The Chambers Community Centre, 41 Church Street. Time: 9am-1pm
- Orange, September 13 at CWA Hall, Robertson Park, Byng Street. Time: 9am-1pm
- Mudgee, September 26 at CWA Rooms, 48 Market Street. Time: 1-5pm
- Gulgong, September 27, CWA Rooms, corner Herbert and Bayly streets. Time: 9am-1pm
- Dubbo, October 3, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street, Time: 1-5pm
- Wellington, October 4, CWA Rooms, 60 Warne Street. Time: 9am-1pm
- Narromine, October 10, CWA Rooms, corner Nymagee Street and Third Avenue. Time: 1-5pm
- Gilgandra, October 11, CWA Rooms, 3 Warren Street. Time: 9am-1pm
- Cowra, October 24, St Peters Presbyterian Hall, 46 Macquarie Street. Time: 1pm-5pm
- Parkes, October 25, Meeting rooms, 25 Dalton Street. Time: 9am-1pm
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
