The Centre for
Wellbeing
What’s Wellbeing? The concept of wellbeing represents a proactive stance towards health in all its aspects, and encompasses the many ways we can actively work towards a happier and more fulfilling life. Wellbeing may best be defined in terms of elements that support it so we can actively strengthen those aspects in our lives. For many people, connecting to a sense of meaning, purpose or faith in life, is central to a sense of wellbeing. Internal conflict is lessened when we develop personal values from our sense of meaning, and let those values guide our choices and actions. Contemplative practices such as meditation, or experiences of ‘flow’ (when we are absorbed in creative or intellectual pursuits), can also assist a feeling of contentment in heart and mind through inspiration, greater ‘aliveness’ and the development of mindful self-awareness. Mindful self-awareness is important to wellbeing because it allows us emotional freedom. Mindfulness empowers us to make choices in regard to unhelpful habits of mood and thinking, rather than feeling trapped in our suffering and anxieties. For most people, social connections form part of a sense of meaning and self-worth, so that satisfying, trusting relationships are also important facets of wellbeing. It is supportive to feel connected to a sense of something larger than just oneself in the world and being part of a community can offer such support. Not least, care of the physical body is a vital component of whole person wellbeing.
The Centre for Wellbeing The Centre for Wellbeing at St Michael’s is a space dedicated to wellbeing in the heart of Melbourne offering free and low-cost classes, events, seminars and interest groups. Our aim is to create opportunities to enhance the human spirit, contribute to a healthier world by inspiring hearts and minds to grow and to promote happiness and participation across the lifespan.
1. Hall 2. Waratah Room 3. Gumnut Crèche 4. The Centre for Wellbeing Studio 5. Kurrajong Room 6. Melaleuca - office 7. Library 8. Bookshop 9. Administration & Mingary Counselling 10. Grevillea Room 11. Jacaranda Room 12. Acacia Boardroom 13. Camellia Room 14. Magnolia Room
Contact
St Michael’s Centre
Russell Street
St Michael’s Centre, 120 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC, 3000 Phone: (03) 9654 5120 Website: centreforwellbeing.org.au Twitter: @centrewellbeing Facebook: TheCentreForWellbeingAtStMichaels Vimeo: vimeo.com/centreforwellbeing
St Michael’s Church
120 Collins Street
Collins Street
Message from the Centre for Wellbeing Director, Dr Debra Cambpell-Tunks
Message from the Executive Minister, Dr Francis Macnab
Welcome to the Centre for Wellbeing, an initiative of St Michael’s.
St Michael’s has many unique features. All of them together make St Michael’s an extraordinary place.
I would like to thank the great team of multi-talented staff and volunteers at St Michael’s for contributing their great skills and enthusiasm to bring The Centre for Wellbeing to the people of Melbourne. The Centre for Wellbeing aims to provide numerous opportunities to engage in enjoyment and learning for people of any age or background, by offering various paths to greater wellbeing. With a strong focus on community service all of the quality programs in this booklet are offered low-cost or free of charge. I hope that you will find something of interest at The Centre for Wellbeing to enhance your journey. Enjoy!
Each of the programs in this booklet carries an invitation to everyone to find something that will enhance their life, bring them into contact with an enthusiastic group of people and help them to become part of a wider experience of wellbeing. Wellbeing is a very personal quest, but it is greatly enriched when it occurs in the context of a flourishing resilient community. I encourage everyone to help sustain such a community at St Michael’s.
Contents Events Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12
Fight Free February Girls Night Out - Nelly Thomas Therapy Dogs - Improving Quality of Life The Desire Map Relationships: The BIG Questions Fall Seven Times Stand Up Eight SAGE: Successful Ageing with Growth & Enhancement Avoiding, Approaching & Attaching Mind Over Matters Technology for over 55’s Getting Published Brain Building Basics
Natural Therapies Page 13 Tai Chi Page 14 Reflexology Groups and Classes Page 16 New Horizons Bushwalking Group Page 16 All Weather Walkers Group Page 17 Last Tuesday Book Group Page 17 Philosophy for Beginners Page 18 French Conversation Page 18 English Conversation—ECOS Page 19 Conversations with Liz Page 19 Bayside Book Group Page 20 Poetry Group Online Resources Page 21 Mindfulness e-course
The Centre for Wellbeing and Mingary Counselling Service are proud 2012 Melbourne Awards Finalists.
Events
FIGHT FREE FEBRUARY SEMINAR An annual campaign to encourage us all to think before we fight. The brain-child of Jane Libbis of Bayside Collaborative Law. As a family lawyer, Jane saw too much heartache and pain occurring between family members and a great need in people for help with communication skills and managing emotions in times of stress. The aim of Fight Free February is to start a movement of individuals committed to finding ways to resolve what could turn into a fight: with partners, kids, colleagues, or…anyone. We do this by suggesting people make a pledge to have a month free of fighting and by offering practical tips about respectful ways to resolve conflicts at work and at home.
DATE Thursday 20 February TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS Free Event BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
The Centre for Wellbeing is proud to be part of Fight Free February with a free information evening on maintaining healthy relationships and developing real strategies to deal with relationship challenges at home and at work. Includes a Q&A with an expert panel. 1
GIRLS NIGHT OUT NELLY THOMAS
COMEDY NIGHT Comedian Nelly Thomas presents an informative and funny celebration of women and positive mental health. Described as one of Australia’s most natural and intelligent comedians Nelly Thomas was listed as one of Australia’s “most innovative thinkers” in The Age newspaper’s The Zone and was featured on the ABC’s Big Ideas: The Smartest Stuff on TV, Radio and Online. Join Nelly for this hilarious one-woman show about women’s health, including an open Q&A session with Nelly and health professionals. Her humour was on point, intelligent and she had a tough (and skeptical) crowd in stitches of laughter. Thank you Nelly!” - Caroline Gwynn, Criminal Bar Association 2
DATE Thursday 6 March TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS $25 full, $20 concession BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
THERAPY DOGS IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE SEMINAR
Dogs and people have always worked together and we continue to find new ways for humans and dogs to co-create richer, healthier and happier lives. The Centre for Wellbeing is proud to present a seminar on the increasing and vital role of service and therapy dogs. Let’s support understanding about the increasing need for therapy dog programs in Australia! In this seminar we will discuss the many roles that dogs play, from assisting children with Autism to helping people suffering with Alzheimer’s.
DATE Thursday 27 March TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS Free Event BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
The evening will include demonstrations of some of the techniques and philosophy of dog assisted therapeutic programs.
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THE DESIRE MAP WORKSHOP Explore your ‘core desired feelings’ and how to harness ‘wise emotion’ in guiding you towards goals that are deeply authentic and rewarding to you. Each session stands alone yet covers new material so you can attend one session or multiple sessions. Based on The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte, 2013. This workshop is part of the Flourish Wellbeing Workshop series and is interactive and informal; allowing for group discussion as well as valuable insights and tips from experts in psychological health and wellbeing. Presented by Dr Debra Campbell-Tunks, a Psychologist and speaker specialising in relationships and in mindfulness. She has worked as a couple relationship therapist and a teacher of yoga and meditation. 4
DATES Friday 9 May Friday 18 July Friday 10 October TIME 6pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS $10 BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
RELATIONSHIPS: THE BIG QUESTIONS Relationships have changed more in the last 40 years than in the previous 400 years, leaving many of us confused about love, sexuality and intimacy. Here is your chance to ask the tricky questions and get some solid answers. Join Dr Campbell-Tunks as she tackles the big questions about relationships. Some of the questions that will be discussed are: How do couples keep their love vibrant? Just how important is sex in a happy relationship? How do partners stay connected in challenging times?
SEMINAR DATE Thursday 22 May TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS Free Event BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
Can couples really recover from infidelities? What are the major predictors of divorce and how can you avoid them or heal them now? What does the latest research say are the relationship factors that lead to long-term relationship satisfaction? 5
FALL SEVEN TIMES. STAND UP EIGHT.
WORKSHOP Part of the Flourish Wellbeing Workshop series this workshop focuses on how to keep going when you think you can’t. An interactive and informal workshop; allowing for group discussion as well as valuable insights and tips from experts in psychological health and wellbeing. Presented by Dr Lynette Kramer, Director of Mingary Counselling Service, a secular mental health initiative of Dr Francis Macnab. She has been offering regular workshops in positive mental health and wellbeing for over a decade.
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DATES Friday 13 June TIME 6pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS $10 BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
S.A.G.E SUCCESSFUL AGEING WITH GROWTH & ENHANCEMENT SEMINAR
SAGE events offer psychological insights and information about healthy ageing in a friendly interactive forum. Dr Francis Macnab created SAGE to help people build strategies to cope with the big stresses in the years post-55, reshape their meaning of life, deal with the fears that flit through these years, live well and learn about the books to read and the music to listen to that will inspire whole person wellbeing. Each month a SAGE seminar is held, focusing on a different topic, such as finding life purpose, what happens when we lose self-worth, coping with the transitions of retirement and how to develop coping strengths in later years. “The SAGE seminars attract so many older people and I’m not surprised considering the important topics they discuss, all of which help older people to age well.” - Noeline Brown
DATES Thursday 26 June Friday 25 July Friday 29 August Thursday 25 September Friday 31 October Friday 28 November Friday 26 December TIME 11am ROOM Hall TICKETS $20 (includs tea, coffee and sandwiches) BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120 7
AVOIDING, APPROACHING & ATTACHING
WORKSHOP
Part of the Flourish Wellbeing Workshop series this workshop explores three ways our brains work to help us meet our needs. An interactive and informal workshop; allowing for group discussion as well as valuable insights and tips from experts in psychological health and wellbeing. Presented by Dr Lynette Kramer, Director of Mingary Counselling Service, a secular mental health initiative of Dr Francis Macnab. She has been offering regular workshops in positive mental health and wellbeing for over a decade.
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DATES Friday 8 August TIME 6pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS $10 BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
MIND OVER MATTERS SEMINAR In conjunction with Mingary Counselling Service, the Centre for Wellbeing is proud to present a stress-reduction strategies seminar with mindfulness and meditation as its core teachings. Presented by Dr Debra Campbell-Tunks and Sian Ellett. Dr Debra Campbell-Tunks is a Senior Psychologists and practitioner of Yoga and Meditation over 20 years. Debra offers a rare, in-depth integration of modern psychological stress management techniques and traditional yogic wisdom. Sian Ellett is a New Zealand born, Melbourne dwelling writer, orator and meditation practitioner with a Masters in Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing from the University of Melbourne.
DATE Thursday 14 August TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS $15 BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
This highly practical seminar: come as you are, ready to put learning into immediate practice and feel better for it. 9
TECHNOLOGY FOR OVER 55’S If you are looking for a senior-friendly class to learn how to get the most out of your digital devices then look no further. Whether you want to be able to communicate with your kids and grandkids using social media, know how to use the latest apps on an iPad, create a family tree, browse the great museums and galleries of the world online or just set up an email account, facilitator Roger Hersey can show you how. This workshop has everything you need to understand and make the most of your computer, smartphone or mobile device. Roger can answer the questions you may have and provide you with the latest hints and tips to update your computer skills.
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WORKSHOP DATE Thursday 18 September TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS Free Event BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
GETTING PUBLISHED
SEMINAR This seminar is ideal for all those budding authors out there! Featuring Wordsmith Euan Mitchell this one-night-only event will offer practical advice to help get your book published, as well as how to hone your writing skills. Euan is an established author of many fiction and non-fiction titles, and for the past two decades has put words together for a living. At times he has also been known to help launch other writers’ works into orbit and he believes self-publishing is now easier than ever before.
DATE Thursday 16 October TIME 6pm ROOM Hall TICKETS Free Event BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
Come along and learn everything you need to know about self-publishing from an author who has over a decade of experience.
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BRAIN BUILDING BASICS WORKSHOP Part of the Flourish Wellbeing Workshop series this workshop explores the art of hardwiring positive experiences into your brain. An interactive and informal workshop; allowing for group discussion as well as valuable insights and tips from experts in psychological health and wellbeing. Presented by Dr Lynette Kramer, Director of Mingary Counselling Service, a secular mental health initiative of Dr Francis Macnab. She has been offering regular workshops in positive mental health and wellbeing for over a decade.
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DATES Friday 14 November TIME 6pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS $10 BOOKINGS centreforwellbeing.org.au or call 9654 5120
TAI CHI NATURAL THERAPIES Tai Chi (Taijiquan in Chinese) is a Chinese Martial Art that has been practiced in China since the 16th Century. It is a tranquil and graceful way of keeping fit, improving your health, and helping to manage the stresses and strains of modern living.
DATES By Appointment TIME By Appointment ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS Call for prices BOOKINGS 9527 7377 0407 941 101 info@yulong.com.au www.yulong.com.au
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REFLEXOLOGY NATURAL THERAPIES Reflexology is a complementary therapy involving gentle pressure and massage to acupressure points on the hands, feet and the face. It has a balancing, soothing effect on the body. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and is a relaxing and nurturing experience whether you have a health condition or are simply in need of a “tune up�. Low cost reflexology clinics take place regularly at The Centre for Wellbeing with Glenda Moon, a qualified reflexology practitioner for 12 years. Glenda is still amazed at the remarkable results achieved with this wonderful therapy. Every day she sees improvements in her clients, both physically and emotionally.
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DATES By Appointment TIME 10am - 4pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio TICKETS $30 BOOKINGS 9654 5120
Community Classes & Interest Groups
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NEW HORIZONS BUSH WALKING GROUP The bushwalking group will meet five times in the course of 2014 to walk in inspiring natural environments about one hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. Walks are typically 8-11 km. Organised by Johanna Hersey and Russell Watson the length of walks are usually 4 to 5 hours long. Meet at 12noon in St Michael’s Walk, outside the front door of the St Michael’s Centre.
INTEREST GROUP DATE Visit Website for dates, times and what to bring TICKETS Free BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
ALL WEATHER WALKERS GROUP INTEREST GROUP A friendly walking Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, walking 3-4 km or more, at varied locations around Melbourne. The pace is steady but gentle, and walks are only postponed in the event of extreme weather forecasts. Twice yearly there is also a full-day excursion organised for walkers. 16
DATE Visit Website for dates and times TICKETS Free BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
“LAST TUESDAY” BOOK GROUP
INTEREST GROUP
The “Last Tuesday” open book discussion group meets 7pm - 8.30pm on the last Tuesday of most months. Please check the website for details of books to be discussed.
DATE Lat Tuesday of the Month 7pm ROOM
Tea and coffee are provided. There is no charge but you will need to obtain your own copy of the book to read before the discussion group takes place.
BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
St Michael’s Library
PHILOSOPHY FOR BEGINNERS INTEREST GROUP A free, lively, interactive discussion group, open to everyone. The work of Paul Tillich is a major focus. Paul Johannes Tillich was a German-American Philosopher and widely regarded as one of the most influential theologians of the 20th Century. Best known for his works The Courage to Be and Dynamics of Faith, which introduced issues of theology and modern culture to a general readership.
DATE Last Sunday of the Month 12pm ROOM Camellia Room BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info 17
EASY FRENCH CONVERSATION COMMUNITY CLASS Join native French speaker, Johanna Hersey, for a fun and informal French conversation class where all are welcome to practice their French and receive some pointers in basic French conversation skills. Beginners and fluent speakers alike will find someone to chat to in French and help and guidance on hand.
DATE 2nd Sunday of the Month 12pm ROOM Waratah Room BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
ENGLISH CONVERSATION FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND MIGRANTS
INTEREST GROUP
This interest group is an opportunity for international students and migrants who want to enjoy English conversation and meeting Australians in a friendly environment. It is relaxed, friendly conversation while sharing tea, coffee and snacks. 18
DATE Last Sunday of the Month 11.45am ROOM Jacaranda Room BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
CONVERSATIONS WITH LIZ LISTENING WITH THE HEART AND THE HEAD
INTEREST GROUP
Each session Liz introduces a topic to open the conversation, or brings a speaker to share their story. It could take you on a journey anywhere from there – exploring meaning, listening to each other’s stories, discussing current events, spirituality and more. Listen to people’s stories, be heard by others, connect and find new friends. This is an informal group to help you to get to know others in a relaxed and gentle way over a simple morning tea.
DATE 3rd Sunday of the Month 12pm ROOM Wellbeing Studio BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
BAYSIDE BOOK GROUP INTEREST GROUP The Bayside Open Book Discussion Group invites members in Cheltenham, Beaumaris and surrounding areas. Each month there is a new book. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. Please check the website for details regarding books and venue.
DATE Last Sunday of the Month 1pm ROOM Off Site MORE INFORMATION Lyndell: 0408 577 357 Janette: 0409 139 404 19
POETRY GROUP INTEREST GROUP A group that meets to read poetry, share work and be inspired about all things poetry. This group is facilitated by Dr Peter Kingsbury and is free of charge.
MINDFULNESS E-BOOK A fantastic e-book written by Dr Debra Campbell-Tunks that will help you begin a mindfulness practice. A great introduction to mindfulness this e-book is perfect for those who are thinking about joining our mindfulness e-course or who just want to try mindfulness for the first time. 20
DATE 3rd Sunday of the Month 12pm ROOM Camellia Room BOOKINGS no bookings required call 9654 5120 for info
FREE RESOURSE DATES Sign up to our e-news and recive a free copy WEBSITE centreforwellbeing.org.au
MINDFULNESS E-COURSE 7 days to transforming anxiety and stress with mindfulness. Over 7 days you will receive a series of 45 minute lessons on how to use meditation and mindfulness to reduce anxiety and stress in your everyday life. Each day a new video will be sent to your email inbox that will teach you the techniques of how to connect with the contents of your mind and build your inner wellbeing.
ONLINE COURSE DATES Course will be launched in August 2014 COST TBA More Information centreforwellbeing.org.au
If you are interested in taking this e-course visit our website and follow the links to join the wait list. More information about the course will be announced during the Mind Over Matters seminar in August. 21
Mingary Counselling Service Confidential, low-cost counselling
If you are seeking relief from painful or stressful experiences, assistance with major life changes or help reducing anxiety, fear and uncertainty, call Mingary Counselling services to make an appointment today. Or visit The Quiet Place (pictured above): a peaceful, nondenominational sanctuary for people of all religions and cultures. Open 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm Sundays; enter from the Russell Street side of St Michael’s.
St Michael’s Centre, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne www.mingarycounselling.com.au | (03) 9654 5120