Experience sound immersion: free session for war widows, defence and veteran families

Sound immersion session

War widows, defence and veteran families are warmly invited to come and try a sound immersion. Enjoy 1 hour of sound immersion at Flow and Food Yoga & Ayurveda. Sound immersions are designed to help create calm, bring balance, soothe the nervous system, and heal stored emotions. Lying down comfortably for 60 minutes, experience deep relaxation as you journey through mindful, relaxed breathing and the resonance of a range of instruments, including Tibetan crystal bowls. As you allow and let go of mental clutter, sound helps you develop an enduring presence, amplifying feelings of peace and profound inner calm. 

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water and yoga mat. Blankets and bolsters are provided on the day. Feel free to bring your own pillow and blanket. 

Please arrive at the studio at 1.50pm to settle in. The class starts at 2 pm sharp, and doors will be closed at this time to avoid disrupting the session. 

Waiver form 

Please complete the form and agree to Flow and Food Yoga & Ayurveda’s participation and health waiver to participate in the sound healing session. 

Location and parking 

Flow and Food Yoga & Ayurveda is located on the ground floor of the EMBARK building at G06/253 Northbourne Avenue. They are in the Northern building, facing Northbourne.  

Street parking is accessible behind the EMBARK building in Lyneham as directed and a 4P car park is nearby on De Burgh St, via Wattle St. More 2P parking is available in Lyneham on the street as directed and off Northbourne Ave heading north before EMBARK. Walk around the front after you park. You can also park in the MANTRA hotel and walk up. There is no parking available on Northbourne Ave.

There is no cost for this activity. Your sound healing session will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I really appreciate the opportunity to connect with such a supportive group. It was a perfect way to focus on self-care and make meaningful connections with others.”  

Event information

• Location: Flow and Food Yoga & Ayurveda, G06/253 Northbourne Ave, Lyneham ACT.

• Date and Time: Sunday 17 May 2026, 1.50pm – 3pm.  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 14 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Creative writing session focused on grief for war widows, defence and veteran families

Writing session

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together online for a session of creative writing with a focus on grief. Facilitated by social workers, Gabby and Evelyn, you will explore creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling. As a group we will explore the theme of grief which may be experienced in the Defence community in a variety of ways including bereavement, deployment, transition, relocation etc.  

It is important for participants to be informed that we will be exploring themes of grief in this activity and are advised to participate at their own discretion. This is not a counselling session however our qualified social workers can explore referrals to such supports as needed. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your materials will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

• Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 14 May 2026, 6pm – 7.30pm (AEST). 

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 4 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Try clay art: free workshop for war widows, defence and veteran families 

On Thursday 28 May 2026, we’re cooking up breads, cakes and charcuterie with one ingredient; clay! Join us at this mindful mini kitchen clay workshop where you will be sent a clay kit and be guided by our Wellbeing Team in the making of your mini foods.

This session is open to all defence and veteran families, including war widows, partners, carers and children. No experience is needed. Just come along, get hands-on with clay, and enjoy an evening of creativity and connection.

Mindful mini kitchen clay session

War widows, defence and veteran Families are invited to join a creative evening of clay art. Indulge in some crafting time as you make little mini food creations. You will be provided with a kit to make a breadbasket, charcuterie board and blueberry earrings plus step-by-step instructions to make a strawberry cake out of polymer clay.  Facilitated by social workers, Evelyn and Gabby, this session offers a relaxed space where participants can connect with each other through creativity while crafting adorable miniature food pieces from the comfort of home. 

Working with polymer clay encourages creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. The hands-on process of shaping and designing tiny food creations provides a soothing way to slow down, focus on the present moment, and enjoy mindful making. Participants are provided an opportunity to unwind, enjoy light conversation, and create at their own pace in a friendly and welcoming environment. 

No prior experience is required, and all skill levels are warmly welcomed. One polymer clay mini food kit will be provided per household. 

There is no cost for this activity. Your polymer clay kit will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I really enjoyed unwinding and chatting to others online. It was an enjoyable creative opportunity for self care.”

Event information

• Location: Online via zoom (link will be sent to you).

• Date and Time: Thursday 28 May 2026, 6.30pm – 8pm (AEST).

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 15 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Learning the history of Middle Head: presentation for war widows, defence and veteran families

Hidden stories of Middle Head presentation

War widows, defence and veteran families are warmly invited to join us at the Families of Veterans Guild office in Chatswood for a presentation by veteran Alan Toner about the military history of Middle Head. It is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the rich military heritage of Middle Head, learn about its important role in Australia’s defence history, and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Come along for a morning of storytelling, conversation, and shared community connection. 

Morning tea will be provided.

There is no cost for this activity. Your presentation and morning tea will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “It was an engaging activity and I enjoyed learning about the area’s history.” 

Event information

• Location: Families of Veterans Guild, 1/9 Help St Chatswood, NSW, 2067.

• Date and Time: Saturday 23 May 2026, 10am – 11.30am.  
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 21 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

Watercolour painting session for war widows, defence and veteran families 

Join us in Chatswood on Friday 29 May 2026 for a free watercolour painting session, open to all war widows, defence and veteran families. Whether you’re a partner, parent, widow or adult child of someone who served or is still serving in the ADF, you’re welcome to take part. 

This hands-on activity is facilitated by our Wellbeing Team and offers a relaxed space to try something creative, meet others with similar experiences, and get creative with watercolours!

Watercolour painting

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join a calming and creative morning of watercolour painting. Facilitated by social workers, Hayley and Gabby, this session offers a supportive and relaxed space where participants can connect with each other and art while exploring a mindful painting activity. 

Watercolour painting encourages creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. With its soft, flowing style, it provides a soothing way to slow down, focus on the present moment, and enjoy the simple process of painting. Participants are welcome to unwind, enjoy light conversation, and paint at their own pace in a friendly and welcoming environment over morning tea. 

No prior painting experience is required, and all skill levels are warmly welcomed.

There is no cost for this activity. Your watercolour materials and morning tea will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I’m grateful for the chance to connect with such an amazing group. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in self-care while meeting new people and sharing experiences.” 

Event information

• Location: Families of Veterans Guild, 1/9 Help St Chatswood, NSW, 2067.

• Date and Time: Friday 29 May 2026, 11am – 1pm.
  

• Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 20 May.

• Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.