In Queensland, natural disasters like floods and bushfires are becoming more frequent and severe. The impacts often extend to the mental wellbeing of community members, with up to 50 percent of people exposed experiencing feelings like stress, anxiety and depression.
A well community is a stronger community, so it's important to support mental wellbeing not just after a disaster strikes but as preparation for potential future events.
We're working with the Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast local government areas to cultivate strong, prepared communities, through a range of workshops and information sessions.
Brain Science for Wellbeing sessions
Free for residents and workers in the Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast local government areas.
Boost mental clarity, wellbeing and calm. Arm yourself with a research-backed approach to looking after your mental health and brain health, with our series of free 60- to 90-minute events.
When you’re well, you can better enjoy life’s pleasures, face life challenges, and be a support to others. These insight sessions will give you evidence-based information and practical, bite-sized strategies to prioritise your wellbeing.
Happening online or locally from June to November 2024.
Understanding the neuroscience of stress and anxiety
Enhance your wellbeing and learn strategies to lower stress and anxiety in this expert presentation. Drawing on cutting edge neuroscience, this presentation explains how stress and anxiety interacts with the brain. You’ll also discover how evidence-based lifestyle tips and cognitive strategies can lower stress and anxiety, leading to greater calm and wellbeing.
Webinar
27 June | 2pm – 3pm
Healthy brains for life
Research shows that certain lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of dementia, support cognitive function and modify brain ageing processes. Learn evidence-based strategies
in this presentation to look after your brain health now and into the future.
Webinar
12 August | 12pm – 1pm
Introduction to mental health and neuroscience
Gain a clearer understanding of mental health, including three commonly experienced conditions – anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Learn to spot the signs of poor mental health in yourself and others, and how to seek or provide support.
Webinar
17 September l 12pm - 1pm
Sleep refresh
We all know that sleep is essential. But do you understand the fascinating impacts quality sleep (or a lack of it) has on your brain? This presentation reveals the brain benefits of sleep, and explains the neuroscience behind its impact on mood, thinking, healthy ageing and detoxification. You’ll also gain practical insights for sleeping better.
Coming soon
Trauma informed care training
Free for residents and workers in the Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast local government areas.
Join our expert facilitators as they explore trauma and its wide-reaching impacts. You will learn about:
- The signs and symptoms of trauma
- The neurobiology of trauma
- Lived experiences of trauma
- Applying trauma informed care
- Understanding the impact of natural hazards (eg floods)
- Practical skills to care for yourself and others following a natural hazard event
Half day trauma informed care training
Who should attend: Residents and/or workers in the Noosa, Gympie and Maryborough local government areas*. Suitable for: community and volunteer groups; business owners; emergency services personnel (eg SES, QFES); responders to flood and extreme weather
damage – eg Council, electricity and water supply workers; anyone who wishes to better understand trauma impacts
Maryborough
30 July | 10am – 2.30pm
Noosa
21 August | 9am – 1pm
Full day trauma informed care training
Who should attend: Residents and/or workers of the Noosa, Gympie and Maryborough local government areas*. Suitable for: medical and health professionals; mental health and welfare workers; disability workers; first responders and health emergency workers; intake teams (ie reception staff); anyone supporting the recovery of those affected by trauma
Gympie
13 June | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Noosa Hospital - for staff only
29 August | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Noosa
Community events
THRIVE All Abilities Expo
Nutrition for Wellness
25 June l 2.40pm
Noosa Leisure Centre
Meet the team in person when UniSC's Thompson Institute shares a Nutrition for Wellness session at the THRIVE All Abilities Expo presented by Noosa Council.
The Expo showcases accessibility programs and care providers combined with community activities and a focus on building disaster resilience and emergency planning within our all abilities community. There will be live music and giveaways.
THRIVE All Abilities Expo schedule:
1.00pm - Sensory Play
1.30pm - Yoga for All (sit or stand)
1.45pm - The Endeavor Foundation Banging Beats Performance
2.00pm - Sensory Space and Person Centered Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP)
2.20pm - Growing Together Through Hard Times with SCHHS - Disaster Recovery Team
2.40pm - Nutrition for Wellness with UniSC's Thompson Institute
The Engage team will be at this event for its entirety so come and say hello and ask the team any questions you might have.