The St Agnes’ Recovery Support Service (RSS) hosted its first Wellness Workshop at Telegraph Point on Sunday 3 April as another step in the community’s recovery process after last year’s floods.

During the day, twenty-three people aged from 5 to 75 years participated in a range of activities designed to build individual and group resilience and wellbeing.

Julie King (RSS Manager) and Peter Johnson (General Manager Risk, Compliance & Safety) both supported the event and gave a warm welcome to everyone on behalf of the St Agnes’ Catholic Parish.

Julie said the event, facilitated by vibrant and energetic RSS support worker, Kerry Meehan, more than lived up to hopes and expectations.

“It’s been just over 12 months since the floods here, and many people have experienced heightened anxiety over river rises and the recent flood events in Lismore, so to gather for a community ‘feel-good’ event like this is all the more important” said Julie.

“Everyone had so much fun and it was a pleasure to lead our gathering through this day of ‘returning to Joy’,” said Kerry.

As one participant commented, “People who arrived as strangers left as friends”.

Those who attended were encouraged to leave their worries on the worry tree and to focus on themselves for the day by exploring topics such as:

• Breathing techniques in times of stress
• Self-Care
• Embracing the ‘NOs’ in life
• Walking tall and in confidence
• Take time for creativity
• Connecting with our spiritual world

While the event, which included a lovely healthy lunch supplied the Telepoint Club, was structured and well organised there was a strong focus on good humour, friendship and connection.