Our Space Guided Peer Support Event
Defence and Veteran spouses are invited to join Our Space for guided peer support, art therapy session and afternoon tea.
Date and time
Location
Hotel Realm
18 National Circuit Barton, ACT 2600 AustraliaAbout this event
- 2 hours
The purpose of this event is to encourage spouses of current or former serving ADF personnel to engage in self-care activities, and expand their social networks by connecting with other defence and veteran spouses.
The goal is to increase social connection and decrease social isolation and loneliness, acknowledging that defence and veteran spouses may face barriers In developing and forming peer connections due to the nature of ADF service. Additionally spouses can at times be overwhelmed with the demands of supporting family, the impact of ADF service and in caring roles due to illness, injury and transitions.
The focus of this art therapy session is to encourage meaningful discussion within small groups about the experience of being a Defence/Veteran spouse or former spouse, finding commonalities and recurring themes, reducing isolation particularly in regard to the more difficult aspects of their experience. Previous workshops of a similar nature have proved to be a rich experience for participants, both due to interpersonal connection but also due to the cathartic effect of art making in a group.
- Date and time: Friday 24 March 2024 – from 4:30-6:30pm
- Location: Hotel Realm - 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT
- Registrations: now open and close on 10 May 2024
- Event is complimentary for all Veterans & Defence families
The event will start with a welcome from our CEO, Renee Wilson and information on our organisation's re-brand. The event will then be facilitated by Jacqui (Art Therapist and Counsellor) and Deneka (Social Worker) who will take us through a two hour mixed media to allow for expression of overarching life experiences as a Defence and Veteran spouse. Participants will leave with a deepened sense of emotional and psychological self awareness.
Attendees can share as much or as little as they are comfortable, with opportunities to discuss some of the common challenges associated with their connection to ADF service. Facilitators to introduce themselves and welcome all. Some words shared around art therapy, it’s purpose and how to approach the workshop to get the most out of it. Guidelines for safe sharing and connection will also be given.
The event will include afternoon tea, art therapy and peer support.
Registration is a must, places are limited. Register here on Eventbrite or call us on 02 9267 6577.
Although this event strongly focuses on spouses, all defence and veterans’ families are welcome, no matter the status of your relationship, no matter the status of the veteran.
Frequently asked questions
Our Space is for all families current or former serving veterans, no matter their relationship to a veteran. We are particularly interested in creating spaces and groups for spouses (of current and former serving ADF personnel), parents and carers of veterans.
Due to the nature of the event, we do not encourage bringing children, however, if you wish to attend and cannot find a carer for your child/children, please call or email Lisa on (02) 9267 6577 or programs@warwidowsnsw.com.au to discuss.
Bring a list of questions or concerns you might have, ideas of topics or challenges you might be facing. You can bring pen and paper to write what you might discover. Please bring a yoga mat with you for the sound healing session. If you do not have one, please let us know at registration.
You can sign up on the day of the event in person. You can email us at guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au or join the Our Space Online group through Facebook. You don’t have to be a AWWNSW member to join a group, but of course you are most welcome to join any time.
All the event inclusions (session, sound healing and lunch) are complimentary, offered by AWWNSW as part of the Our Space Program. We will be serving lunch but alcoholic beverages are not included.