Vol.2 - April May edition - Autumn & Easter has arrived

Could you unplug for 24 hours? It's a challenge our crew have embraced, and we encourage you to get involved! Read on to discover this initiative, along with local events, online resources, and awareness campaigns in celebration of both Mental Health and ADHD awareness months this October. Our Strong Minds workshops for kids launch this school holidays and we are thrilled to share further award nominations! Learn about a new online course for parents, a free legal clinic in Griffith and lots more.

October is Mental Health Month

Every October, NSW celebrates Mental Health Month, encouraging everyone to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing. Whether or not you’ve experienced mental illness, this month reminds us all of the importance of looking after our mental health.

How to Be Proactive About Your Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health can feel overwhelming, but there are great resources available to help you get started.

Here are two we love:

THIS WAY UP

A joint initiative by St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales, THIS WAY UP offers evidence-based online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). Their programs are designed to help manage anxiety and other mental health issues.

For programs and resources visit: thiswayup.org.au

WayAhead

A not-for-profit promoting mental health across NSW, WayAhead runs activities for Mental Health Month.

For WayAhead resources, events and even grants visit: mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au

2024 Theme: “Let’s Talk About It”

This year, the theme Let’s Talk About It encourages open conversations about mental health. By reflecting on how we’re feeling and taking proactive steps, we can better maintain our wellbeing and seek help when needed.

"Let's Talk About It" Events Happening Near You

Wagga - Let’s Talk About It
PCYC Wagga
Friday, 11 October | 12pm – 4pm

Join us for Wagga Let’s Talk About It as part of Mental Health Month! This year’s theme, Let’s Talk About It, aims to provide the local community with valuable information and resources on mental health and wellbeing.

What's On:

Get involved in fun activities that promote mental health and wellbeing.
Enjoy a FREE BBQ
Chat with local mental health service providers like ourselves and learn about support, workshops and resources available to you and your family.

Riverina Bluebell -
Let’s Talk About It
Wagga RSL Mirage Room
Tuesday, 24 October - 7:30pm – 9pm

Join us for an inspiring evening with guest speakers, fearless Crusty Demons motocross rider Jackson "Jacko" Strong and leadership coach Grahame Gerstenberg, CEO of Magical Learning.

What's On:

Inspiring guest speakers.
Free entry
Light Refreshments

For more details and to register, visit: Riverina Bluebell Facebook

October is ADHD Awareness Month: Awareness is Key!

October marks ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and support for those living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Whether you or someone you know is affected, this month encourages us all to learn more about ADHD and how it impacts daily life.

Why Awareness Matters

ADHD affects millions of people worldwide, yet it’s often misunderstood. Raising awareness helps break down misconceptions, promotes early diagnosis, and encourages individuals to seek the support they need. By understanding the challenges and strengths of those with ADHD, we can create a more supportive and inclusive community.

How You Can Get Involved

Throughout October, take time to educate yourself and others about ADHD. Share resources, attend events, and join the conversation to help spread awareness and support for those living with ADHD. Stay tuned for local events happening throughout the month to learn more

Sink Your Teeth In Here

Want to understand more, get answers to common questions, bust some myths, or talk about different aspects of ADHD life?
Visit: adhdawarenessmonth.org

Wondering how to keep the kids busy these school holidays?

We’ve got you covered! Introducing Strong Minds Workshops, our new program launching this October.

What is Strong Minds?

It’s a school holiday program designed to help kids (ages 5-16) build confidence and tackle life’s challenges—whether it's starting a new school or navigating friendships. Our one-on-one and group workshops, led by professionals, give your child practical tools for managing worries, friendships, and self-care.

When do the workshops run?

Workshops are available on weekdays for the duration of the school holidays starting September 30.

One-on-One Workshops

Choose from:

Social Connections: Learn what makes a good friend and how to build strong social ties.
Self-Care: Discover practical tips for better sleep, staying active, and overall wellness.
What To Do With Worry: Break down worries and learn coping strategies for daily life.

Creative Group Workshops

Choose from:

Nature Art: Use natural materials to create meaningful art.
Weaving Together: Build patience and teamwork through weaving.
Mindfulness Sensory Bottles: Craft calming glitter bottles to take home.

BOOKINGS & MORE INFO

Could you unplug from socials for 24 hours?

It’s a challenge staff at Centacare SWNSW are willing to take.

On October 24, Centacare team members will unplug from social media for 24 hours as part of Unplug24, an initiative by charity SmackTalk. Created by Wayne Holdsworth, Unplug24 raises awareness and funds to help prevent sextortion and youth suicide. All money raised will support SmackTalk's life-saving educational programs.

Our Commitment to this cause

Centacare is donating $50 for every team member across our South West NSW offices who signs up to take the challenge.

About SmackTalk Charity

A legacy for Mac created to save lives

On October 24, 2023, Wayne Holdsworth's 17 year old son Mac, tragically took his own life after being sexually extorted online. In an effort to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again, Wayne created the SmackTalk charity.

Behind the SmackTalk name

The name sMACkTalk was designed to incorporate Mac’s name and his absolute love for basketball. While smack talk is banter, sometimes referred to as trash talk, the use of the name for this charity is to help stamp out cyber bullying and sexual extortion.

How to get involved

Pro-bono Legal Clinic available in Griffith

Hunt & Hunt Lawyers have partnered with Centacare South West NSW to offer a pro-bono legal clinic in Griffith.

This service provides free legal support to the Griffith community and across the Riverina region, available both in-person and virtually.

Services Offered

Hunt & Hunt solicitors offer confidential legal advice on a wide range of topics, including:

Family law
Employment
Tenancy disputes
General litigation
Criminal matters
Domestic violence and AVO cases

They also offer legal services across a variety of sectors including aged care, agribusiness, construction, education, government, health, and technology.

Clinic Details

The clinic operates fortnightly on Tuesdays. Appointments are available between 2 pm and 5 pm, and you must book in advance.

How to Make an Appointment

Contact Centacare Griffith to schedule an appointment:
Phone: 1300 619 379
Address: 140 Yambil Street, Griffith, NSW

Alternatively, you can contact Hunt & Hunt Lawyers directly for pro bono legal advice on 02 6962 3433.

This service aims to support the community with free, professional legal assistance, ensuring access to justice for all.

MORE INFO

Launching this October

Autism: What Is My Superpower? A 3-week online course designed to help parents and carers better understand Autism.

Strengthen family connections, learn effective parenting strategies, and support your child’s emotional and sensory development with confidence.

Starts: Monday 28th October, 2024
Register before: 14th October, 2024

MORE INFO & TO REGISTER

We're finalists!

We are beyond excited to announce that, following our success at this year's Golden Crow Awards, we have been nominated as finalists across three categories for the Business NSW Riverina Murray Business Awards:

Annemaree Binger, Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees and Over)
Outstanding Community Organisation
Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over)

The winners will be revealed at the Gala Ceremony this Friday, 27 September. We are honoured to have made it this far and extend our congratulations and best wishes to all the deserving finalists.

Visit BusinessNSW.com for more

QUICK

LINKS

CAREERS & GRADUATE PROGRAMS

WIN: ENTER YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MINDFUL MONDAY'S
COMP

TERM 4:
COURSE & SEMINAR PROGRAM

FREE RESOURCES: LEVEL UP YOUR MINDFULNESS SKILLS

TOGETHER WE THRIVE

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We’re a not-for-profit that depends on community donations to sustain our impactful work. Every donation helps us continue to make a meaningful difference.

DONATE TODAY

October is Mental Health Month

Every October, NSW celebrates Mental Health Month, encouraging everyone to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing. Whether or not you’ve experienced mental illness, this month reminds us all of the importance of looking after our mental health.

How to Be Proactive About Your Mental Health

THIS WAY UP

WayAhead

2024 Theme: “Let’s Talk About It”

"Let's Talk About It" Events Happening Near You

Wagga - Let’s Talk About It PCYC WaggaFriday, 11 October | 12pm – 4pm

What's On:

Riverina Bluebell -Let’s Talk About It Wagga RSL Mirage RoomTuesday, 24 October - 7:30pm – 9pm

What's On:

October is ADHD Awareness Month: Awareness is Key!

October marks ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and support for those living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Whether you or someone you know is affected, this month encourages us all to learn more about ADHD and how it impacts daily life.

Why Awareness Matters

How You Can Get Involved

Sink Your Teeth In Here

Wondering how to keep the kids busy these school holidays?

We’ve got you covered! Introducing Strong Minds Workshops, our new program launching this October.

What is Strong Minds?

When do the workshops run?

One-on-One Workshops

Creative Group Workshops

Could you unplug from socials for 24 hours?

It’s a challenge staff at Centacare SWNSW are willing to take.

Our Commitment to this cause

About SmackTalk Charity

A legacy for Mac created to save lives

Behind the SmackTalk name

How to get involved

Want to see our progress or support our team?

Want to register your own team to unplug?

Want to learn more about SmackTalk?

Pro-bono Legal Clinic available in Griffith

Hunt & Hunt Lawyers have partnered with Centacare South West NSW to offer a pro-bono legal clinic in Griffith.

Services Offered

Clinic Details

How to Make an Appointment

Launching this October

Autism: What Is My Superpower? A 3-week online course designed to help parents and carers better understand Autism.

We're finalists!

We are beyond excited to announce that, following our success at this year's Golden Crow Awards, we have been nominated as finalists across three categories for the Business NSW Riverina Murray Business Awards:

TOGETHER WE THRIVE

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Autism What’s My Superpower

Newsletter: Mid Spring Vol. 5 Oct/Nov 2024

Autism What’s My Superpower

Newsletter: Mid Spring Vol. 5 Oct/Nov 2024

Newsletter: Mid Spring Vol. 5 Oct/Nov 2024

Wagga - Let’s Talk About It
PCYC Wagga
Friday, 11 October | 12pm – 4pm

Riverina Bluebell -
Let’s Talk About It
Wagga RSL Mirage Room
Tuesday, 24 October - 7:30pm – 9pm