EMPOWERING CENTRAL COAST TO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATIONS!

I was thrilled to receive an email from Kat, who is the Central Coast Community Connector from Health Consumers Tasmania, asking if I could facilitate my Accidental Counsellor Workshop. Kat's goal was clear ... she wanted to ensure that people in the Central Coast community, who were part of THE RIGHT PLACE, felt confident in having mental health conversations. Without hesitation, I said yes!

You see over the last 12 months Kat has been busy training local people to have the information they need to support other people in the Central Coast community when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing.

It's right here that I send out a super LARGE congratulations that THE RIGHT PLACE was nominated for an award at the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Network's awards evening in the category of Innovative Practice and Research. So deserving!

The Accidental Counsellor Course is one of my favourite workshops because it equips everyday people with the skills to listen with empathy, respond with care, and support others without feeling overwhelmed. We often find ourselves in conversations where someone is struggling, but we’re not sure what to say or do. This workshop helps bridge that gap.

On the day of the training, the room was filled with passionate and engaged people who all choose to live, work or play in the Central Coast region , and who were all eager to learn how to hold space for someone in distress while also looking after their own wellbeing. By using my four phase framework of SEE, SUPPORT, STEER and (practice) SELF-CARE, we explored key skills like active listening, and the importance of boundaries, all in a supportive and interactive environment.

One of the most powerful moments in the session was watching people gain confidence in their ability to support others. By the end of the workshop, everyone

left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate difficult conversations, the importance of self-care, and the knowledge that sometimes, just being there for someone can make all the difference.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this training and empower more people in our community to listen, support, and connect. A huge thank you to Kat for reaching out and bringing this initiative to the Central Coast. Together, we’re making a real impact ... one conversation at a time.

If you’re interested in hosting an Accidental Counsellor Workshop, I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s continue to build a compassionate and connected community .... TOGETHER!

With gratitude

Jodhi x