We're working with the Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast local government areas to offer a range of insight sessions and workshops. Our aim is to arm residents with evidence-based strategies to boost their wellbeing, and provide workshops that cultivate strong, prepared communities.
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
Let's Talk: What to say when they're not OK
Have you ever hesitated to approach someone struggling
with their mental health? Learn practical skills for starting
a conversation with someone you are concerned about,
to show care and empower them to seek appropriate
support.
Gympie
10 July l 10am - 12noon
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 | 9am – 4.30pm
Noosa
29 August | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Noosa
Resources
The physiological sigh
Monique Jones, registered nurse at UniSC's Thompson Institute, takes us through a breathing exercise known as 'The Physiological Sigh', that can help lower feelings of stress in a variety of situations.
Mindfulness for adults
Dr Michelle Kennedy, a researcher at UniSC's Thompson Institute, takes us through a guided mindfulness exercise, which can increase feelings of calm.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Monique Jones, registered nurse at UniSC's Thompson Institute, takes us through a Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercise to soften the muscles of the body and reduce tension.
Contact us
We welcome enquiries about Engage.
Please email ti_clinicalservices@usc.edu.au and we will respond within two business days.
Why this program is important
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.
The funding for this activity is provided by Country to Coast, QLD, with the support from the Australian Government through the PHN Program.