Mental health and wellbeing without the bull...dust

Time for Wellbeing and BHP are partnering with Rural and Remote Mental Health to host important workshops promoting mental health awareness in our community. Two sessions are being held; one out on site at Olympic Dam for BHP staff and contractors and one in the Roxby Community Hub for local residents and workplaces based in town.

1) Monday 10th February, 1pm - 5pm - SafeTALK Workshop

SafeTALK is a half-day training in suicide alertness, developed, maintained and evaluated by LivingWorks (www.livingworks.com.au ). It helps participants recognise a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training and it is suitable for anyone over the age of 15.

This session is being held at the Pat’s Centre Olympic Dam so that it is accessible to BHP and contractor representatives. Places in the Pat’s Centre are limited so please register your interest with Angela Lafferty  – angela@healthyenvirons.com.au.

2) Tuesday the 11th February. 5pm - 9pm. Resourceful Communities Workshop.

Roxby Downs Community Hub (old blockbuster building) Richardson Place, Roxby Downs

Rural Minds for Resourceful Communities is a comprehensive mental health awareness program designed by people living in rural Australia and working in mining and resource industries. This workshop is for anyone, above 18, with an interest in strengthening and giving back to their community! We welcome local residents, teachers and business owners/representatives along to this session.

Please register your interest with Angela Lafferty  – angela@healthyenvirons.com.au

Connecting with nature for our wellbeing

Erica working with staff at Roxby Downs ELC

Connecting with our natural environment is important for improving the health and wellbeing of children, adults and whole communities. 

With the expertise of the Healthy Environs Project Management Team in the intersection of health and environment, there has been the opportunity to make an impact in the areas of early childhood development, mental wellbeing and physical health at Roxby Downs, through the inclusion of nature contact/connection activities in the Time For Wellbeing program.  

In March 2019, Healthy Environs Consultant Erica Gurner worked with the Roxby Downs Early Learning Centre staff to help them better understand the purpose of nature play, to brainstorm nature play activities and to come up with design features that could be included in their outside space to better facilitate nature play opportunities for children. 

After reflection on their own  experiences in nature, the staff were able to put themselves in the shoes of the children and consider ways that they could create not just activities but experiences. Experiences that involve adventures, fantasy worlds, quiet time, investigation, secret spaces and so on bring about emotions such as empathy with nature, awe, amazement, sadness, frustration, curiosity and its through the sharing of stories and reflection on these experiences and emotions that nature experience moves beyond simple contact to connection with nature. Connection be it with ourselves, other people or with nature is at the heart of wellbeing and wellbeing is what is necessary for a flourishing life.