The Member Wellbeing Advisors team

Member Wellbeing Advisors Team

Welcome to the Member Wellbeing Advisors (MWA) team, part of Organisational Wellbeing. The MWAs, who are based in our regions, offer wellbeing services to all CFA members and their families. They provide support, coaching, education and training to all staff, secondees and volunteers in CFA. MWA services can be one-to-one, in groups and as facilitated training events for single brigades, catchments and district staff. Our focus is on creating and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing through support, awareness, education, resourcing and by helping people create strategies to improve their own wellbeing and their brigade’s functioning. MWAs can also connect CFA members to additional support such as our Peer Program, Member Assistance Program, chaplaincy and other external agencies. In the first five months of 2021, despite having two staff vacancies, the team conducted 37 training events, engaged with 1,566 individuals and 703 groups. In mid-May we welcomed our two newest members, Jesse Hinch and Bill Boyer, and are looking forward to the growing relationships they will forge. If your team or brigade want training or support in the areas of wellbeing and mental health, contact your member wellbeing advisor or ring 1800 959 232 and choose option four to speak to a member of the Organisational Wellbeing Team.

STORY CATHY SOSOLI

Team lead

Cathy Sosoli joined CFA 12 months ago with a background in creating and leading cohesive and collaborative multidisciplinary teams in the therapeutic and wellbeing sector. Cathy has 17 years’ experience working in social services and hospice/palliative care supporting clients, their families and staff working with domestic violence, abuse, grief, loss, bereavement, death and dying.

Districts 8, 9, 10, 11, 27

Anne has been working in the mental health sector for 10 years and completed her Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2012. She has worked with everyone from 4-year-olds to people in their 90s, in the community, schools, and clinical environments. Since joining CFA a few years ago, Anne has worked with CFA members to support mental health wellness and has worked with leaders to support the wellbeing of their people.

Districts 12, 13, 22, 23, 24

Bill Boyer joined CFA in May. He has a background in community service, counselling (with a focus on educational), not-for-profit organisations and local government. “Being a Shepparton local, it’s great to be able to continue working in the regional area where I have strong connections,” Bill said.

Districts 2, 14, 15, 20

For the past seven years, Chris has worked in North West Region and supported other regions as required. His main area of support is to help develop expected behaviours and create a safe and respectful environment. Chris facilitates training and education to strengthen mental health and wellbeing. His focus for district staff and BMTs is providing wellbeing support for teams experiencing conflict resolution, mental health training, and individual support as required.

Districts 16, 17, 18

Jesse Hinch joined CFA in May following 12 years working with not-for-profit organisations and local government in community outreach and community development roles. Jesse has worked in rural areas with farming families and small businesses. He is skilled in child, youth and family engagement, case management, community outreach, program development, mental health and alcohol and other drugs education.

Districts 4, 5, 6, 7

Sabina comes to CFA with 20 years’ experience working in local, state and not-for-profit community organisations in inner metro, the south-east and south-west Victoria. Sabina has a background working with children, families and safety planning. “I’m the owner of two pets that will often photo bomb online team meetings, so beware,” Sabina said.