A group of people who have faced enormous adversity will tell their stories at a special community forum to be held this Thursday in an endeavour to help others facing crises in their lives.
The “Living with …” community forum is about how some people seem to have more than their fair share of adversity and yet they somehow manage to get through it and live to tell the tale.
Organised by the Gawler and Districts Community Services Forum Inc (G&DCSF), this event will be held on Thursday 14th September at the Gawler Sport & Community Centre on Nixon Terrace.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the free event will involve a number of people telling their stories about how they have faced up to some tough challenges during their lives.
“ They will also outline the strategies they used to get through the hard times and where they are today,” Mr Piccolo said.
The story telling will be followed by a workshop on Resilience and Wellbeing in the afternoon.
How do you cope with caring for a loved one who has dementia or a mental health condition? There will be stories about this, plus stories about identity and gender, and about surviving cancer and domestic violence.
Others will talk about struggling to overcome addictions such as gambling, and coping with depression.
Deb Anderson, Chairperson of the G&DCSF said significantly, the storytellers will talk about the ways they got through the tough times.
“They will describe the people, networks and services they accessed to support them when they most needed it, where they are now with their lives and their hopes for the future,” Ms Anderson said.
“There’s something really powerful about hearing a story first hand.”
“Importantly people can learn that they are not alone and that others have experienced and are experiencing the same or similar challenges and that support is available.”
Following the speakers, a workshop on Resilience and Wellbeing will be held in the afternoon during which participants will learn how to draw on and build on their own strengths.
Ms Anderson said resilience is the ability to cope with unexpected changes and challenges in your life.
“It's not always possible to prevent stressful or adverse situations, but you can strengthen your capacity to deal with these challenges.”
In addition there will be a “mini—Expo” of a number of service providers showcasing the services and supports available in the local region to call on in times of need.
The morning session will be held 10am-12noon and will include morning tea. Registration is from 9:30am. The afternoon workshop session will commence at 12:00 and will include a light lunch.
To attend one or both sessions contact Deb Anderson phone: 8563 8414, SMS: 0400 439 762 or email: danderson@barossa.sa.gov.au.
Mr Piccolo said he was looking forward to attending the morning session, as a local member of Parliament, peoples lived experiences can help influence future policy.
The Gawler & Districts Community Services Forum became an incorporated body in 2008. It is a membership based, not for profit organisation that meets every month for the purpose of sharing information, developing and strengthening partnerships and identifying needs and gaps in service delivery in the region.
For more information about the Forum contact Deb Anderson.