NDCAS recently held a learning and development (L&D) forum over two days at The Crossing Theatre.

Hosted in the Riverside Room, the event featured a variety of teachings on different mental and physical health subjects.

NDCAS community development worker, Kayla Nehrkorn, said it aimed to further improve the skillsets of those employed in regional community services.

“The purpose of L&D is to increase sector development for targeted early intervention services that are funded by the Department of Communities and Justice,” she said.

“These types of activities are designed to increase knowledge and skills for community organisations in order to strengthen social capital, local networks, social inclusion and add a sense of belonging to communities.”

The event began on Thursday with a talk from Naturally Namoi founder, Allison Bell, on nutrition.

She spoke about gut health and how nutrition impacts all aspects of human wellbeing, including mental health.

After a brief morning tea, attendees began a trauma class that ran until 3.30pm, broken up by lunch and afternoon tea breaks.

The experimental workshop explored creative tools for transformative healing, giving local health practitioners and community workers new methods to help them in their roles.

The class gave participants the ability to empower patients and clients to further develop their capacity for self-care and resourcefulness.

Some of the topics explored within this workshop include mindfulness, the body’s response to emotions, healthy brain practices for emotional release, inner safety, neural pathway development, and healing with creativity.

The Friday began with the remainder of the trauma healing class, with a morning tea break in between.

After lunch, attendees undertook the ‘alcohol with Ange’ class.

Here, they explored techniques of alcohol art with Ange Strong.

Participants then tried their hand at the craft, creating their own masterpieces.

“It was a fun way to finish off the two days of learning, doing the hands-on art was a nice release,” Ms Nehrkorn said.

She said overall, the L&D ran smoothly and was a great experience.

“Everyone involved got something out of it, and we had people from varying organisations and towns, so it was also a wonderful networking opportunity,” Ms Nehrkorn said.

Renee Chard, Luke Hennessy and Amber Burgmann.

Renee Chard, Luke Hennessy and Amber Burgmann.

Wendy Ross, Joshua Pattison and Cassie Gorrie.

Wendy Ross, Joshua Pattison and Cassie Gorrie.

Amanda Fowler, Gail Wilson and Mandy McFarland.

Amanda Fowler, Gail Wilson and Mandy McFarland.

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