Guided Peer Support Art Therapy
Are you a defence or veteran spouse in Canberra? Navigating new postings, holding the fort while your partner is deployed or simply in need of some ‘me time’?
We invite you to join Our Space for a guided peer support session and art therapy!
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 May 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 below 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.
