A powerful partnership between the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and Lifeline Central West is set to help the people of Cowra tackle the tough issues facing their community by connecting with and supporting them as they face the deepening drought crisis.
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Funded by a $41,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Lifeline Central West and CWA will hold a series of free workshops throughout the region to raise awareness, build resilience, reduce stigma and equip people to respond to pressures in a way that promotes wellbeing and safety in the long-term.
A free workshop will be held in Cowra on Wednesday, October 24 in St Peter’s Presbyterian Hall between 1pm and 5pm.
Members of the community can attend by registering their interest on 1300 798 258.
Lifeline Central West CEO, Stephanie Robinson said that rural communities were known to pull together during times of adversity.
“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, to seek help. This connection also means that during tough times we are all impacted and need to be more vigilant, particularly facing the current drought.”
CWA State President, Annette Turner said “rural women, often the emotional linchpin of their family, are instrumental in identifying potential health problems in their circles. 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.”
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat said that adversity such as drought could exacerbate the issues that lead to poor mental health, family violence and suicide.
“Though these social issues won’t be instantly fixed when the drought breaks, this program will equip attendees with practical skills not only for the present but also in to the future to build stronger, more resilient regional communities,” Phil said.
“It is a privilege to be involved in such an important partnership with Lifeline Central West and CWA that delivers a program which will benefit regional communities over the long term,” Phil added.
The workshops, to be delivered by qualified trainers, will give practical help, resources and tools for communicating with men who may be in distress and potentially at risk of suicide. Topics will include recognizing, 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.
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