Robyn Mckinnon Consultancy & Counselling Services in Longford, Tasmania | Mental health service

Robyn Mckinnon Consultancy & Counselling Services

Locality: Longford, Tasmania

Phone: +61 3 6701 5227

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• Medical and health
• Mental health service
• Counsellor

25.01.2022 Last year I was honoured to be named the 2019 Australian Allied Health Awards Excellence in Rural & Remote Areas Award Winner. It was such a privilege to be recognised amongst my peers and other leaders for the work that I love doing throughout my career of now almost 19 years, and to celebrate this amongst many other incredibly gifted professionals working across a range of disciplines of Allied Health also recognised during the evening. So I encourage you, if you know a All...ied Health professional or team doing excellence in their chosen field, nominations are now open. Head over to the Australian Allied Health Awards page today to start a nomination https://alliedhealthawards.awardsplatform.com/ #aha2020 #excellence #ruralandremote #mutlidisciplinary #travellingsocialworker #rmcounselling

25.01.2022 A free Mindful Compassion program (via zoom) is being offered for King Island, Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island and West Coast people by the Cancer Council Tasmania for clients with a cancer diagnosis and their Carers facilitated by Rosy Green The group will begin on 28th July (for 6 weeks) and runs on a Tuesday from 10am-11am Via zoom 8 spaces available and bookings essential... Please phone Ros 6779 1108 (Mon-Wed) or email: [email protected] if you are interested.

23.01.2022 Have you ever noticed how you talk to yourself? My gosh..... I used to drag myself down in to the gutter telling myself all the things I was not good at, or how I was not good enough for this or that person, and it just grew the anxiety monster bigger and bigger. But would you ever talk to your child, or your best friend in the same way you speak to yourself? Probably not! ... So why is it that seems ok to talk to ourselves this way?. So, I know it’s not quite this simple in one way, but it is this simple! I am practicing what I preach this week and so I drew a line in the sand and decided enough is enough. No more of this negative, self loathing talk. No more listening or taking on what I think other people would think of me. Time to talk more kinder to myself, and even talk myself up! So today I am a Queen, and I live in a castle, and I am strong and brave and I will be ok. Now.... I also know I have to work at this, there are times the feelings are still there and it’s tough, and the thoughts challenge me still to talk the other talk that comes much more easier, but I am armed with a new narrative and it feels good!. Do you want to join me and start a new narrative too? What would you say to yourself?

23.01.2022 Sunday morning adventures on King Island! Life as a #travellingsocialworker at British Admiral Beach.... #selfcare #avoidburnout #exerciseisgoodformymentalhealth #ruralmentalhealth

22.01.2022 Do you find it hard to meditate or do mindfulness? Sometimes it can be useful to try a grounding technique instead? Thanks to Mel Robbins for this great prompt!

21.01.2022 Today I have had quite the adventure Island hopping certainly living up to my #travellingsocialworker name. Leaving beautiful Flinders Island this morning, back to Tassie for a delightful day with my children who are on school holidays and then an afternoon flight to King Island just in time to catch this gorgeous sunset. Big shoutout to the incredible Sharp Airlines crews doing a fantastic job, managing such challenging times with covid yet still providing wonderfully fr...iendly and professional service, and have looked after me well over many hundreds of flights now! #flindersisland #kingisland #sharpairlines #mentalhealth

21.01.2022 Thanks to the Banana Tree Log for this great infographic that shows how a deficiency in some of our natural brain chemistry can have a significant impact on our mood. By doing certain activities we can increase our daily dose of these chemicals, improving our mood and overall health. Worth thinking about!

21.01.2022 This totally resonates with me at the moment personally, but is also a narrative I come across in many conversation with others. How often do you stop yourself from being your true self, afraid of what others around might think of you? Or whether your partner, or friends or colleagues will accept you or love you? Too often we moderate our behaviours to try and please those around us, assuming what will make them happy, and in the process we not only lose ourselves but we ca...n also lose them too as we still miss the mark. So what if you could choose to be the real you? To say and behave in a way that was true to yourself, as long as it didn’t harm another? I wonder how that would feel.... and whether you might just find in the process you bring a tribe of people around you that enhance this real you, some of those might be the same people from before, and some might be new, but more importantly you might just find that sweet spot you have been looking for where you find your true internal happiness and isn’t that in the end more important? Something to ponder.... Robyn

20.01.2022 Trauma can have a devastating effect on peoples lives. Anyone of us can be affected and the psychological impacts can be deep and complex. It can affect any of us physically and emotionally, and the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. The problems that arise after trauma can be complex and impair our wellbeing. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but about 5-10% of Australians will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. That mea...ns that at any one time over 1 million Australians have PTSD. Today is PTSD awareness day and its important to know what the symptoms are and to know there is support out there to help recover after a traumatic event. There are four main symptoms of PTSD. Re-living the traumatic event - For example, you might be troubled by distressing and unwanted memories of what happened, or have vivid nightmares or flashbacks Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event. - For example, you might find yourself avoiding activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings that bring back memories of what happened Having negative thoughts and feelings. - For example, you may experience fear, anger or guilt, or feel flat or numb Feeling wound-up. - For example, you might have trouble sleeping or concentrating, or feel angry or irritable; you might find you are taking more risks, get easily startled, or feel as if youre constantly on the lookout for danger Its important to remember that people need help moving beyond harrowing events. Having PTSD is not a sign of weakness and no one should feel ashamed to seek help. There are some great information and resources available at Phoenix Australia who are leading centre of excellence in post traumatic mental health, or I encourage you to speak with your GP or a mental health professional if this resonates with you.

20.01.2022 Great reminder from our friends at Blokes Psychology.... How often do we push through with what we think are urgent or important priorities not always recognising (or wanting to acknowledge) the cost to our mental and/or physical health, when perhaps we might have needed to stop and take care of ourselves instead? I wonder what choices you might make today that would be different if you put you and your mental health higher up the list....... Wishing you a gentle day, Robyn #travellingsocialworker #rmcounselling #mentalhealth #preventingburnout #priorities #rest

19.01.2022 Its been interesting times of late hasnt it, but there are often challenges for people we may not know about going on behind the doors at any time of the year.... so whether its a mate or someone perhaps you dont know so well sometimes we all need someone to check in. It is often amazing to notice that even those who might appear to have all those balls juggling in the air reasonably well or hold others together may need a check in as much as those who appear to not be d...oing so well, so its important to never assume the person right beside you may not appreciate or need to be asked and given some time. And if youre not so sure how to start the conversation here are some great tips from Beyond Blue that might get you started https://www.beyondblue.org.au//talking-to-someone-you-are- Lets #checkin and if you are needing some extra support know there support out there for you.

18.01.2022 Weve all been through a lot this year, and there may have been times when you noticed feeling a little overwhelmed or anxious or perhaps you were worried about a friend or family member. Thanks to the crew at Mental Health Council of Tasmania who have created this create resource showing that there is help and support out there. #checkin on your mental health today.... Visit www.checkin.org.au to get started

17.01.2022 For new mums or those currently expecting, as well as those who walk alongside side them have you come across the concept of postnatal depletion yet? I encourage you to check out this free webinar coming up next week to find out more about this important topic and how to overcome it - it might just change the way you see things.

17.01.2022 Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to have it all sorted or to be perfect, but perhaps we need gently to be reassured as we walk this journey of life that no one has it all figured out.

17.01.2022 A great short video if you are needing to take your child to have a covid-19 test at some point.

16.01.2022 Some great resources have just been released by Smiling Mind for parents and educators who may be looking for ways to support their childrens mental health through these challenging times as we face the ongoing pandemic and other life worries. Smiling Mind have created these digital care packs aimed at children ages 5 through to 12 years of age and are practical, online resources that can be used with children to alleviate anxiety and promote positive mental health. There ...are brief learning tools for parents and teachers, as well as practical activities for children to use within the home or school environment, all available free of charge. To access them head to https://www.smilingmind.com.au/kids-care-packs

16.01.2022 Today has been a momentous day as it was my final Longford clinic ever (well at this point in time....) as I embark on some new adventures in 2021. A big thank you to the Riverlands Centre for hosting me for the past many years and for the Longford community for your ongoing encouragement and support. Although I may have only had a private practice clinic in Longford for the past 5 years or so (out of the 10 we have been operating in Private Practice) it has been almost 20 ...years of having a strong connection working and living in the Northern Midlands and Longford community and being involved in a range of different paid and voluntary roles. It has been an incredible pleasure and privilege serving this community and it comes with mixed feelings to be leaving and taking on a new but exciting chapter ahead. For now, I will be returning to base from my Newstead/Launceston office with regular outreach visits to Flinders Island and King Island and hope to share more exciting news with you as 2021 unfolds. With much gratitude for your wonderful support that has helped me to grow from once a very small practice to where I am now. Robyn #travellingsocialworker #launceston #longford #flindersisland #kingisland #newadventures #mentalhealth #workplacewellness #ruraloutreach

14.01.2022 Sometimes we face things in our journeys that can make us wonder how we will overcome them. They may be things that are planned or upcoming or things totally out of the blue and overwhelming. No matter what it is, sometimes it can mightily important to remember to slow things down both practically and mentally and just take it one step at a time. What ever mountain you are climbing at present, know I’m holding you in mind. Robyn

14.01.2022 Well I was determined to help #teamtassie with our #letsgetmoving 10000 steps challenge today and came all prepared as I flew to Flinders Island today with my backpack and rain jacket ready to take on the Airport to MPC walk via the bluff track..... the rain was indeed refreshing and clarifying! Great to be back on Flinders for the next 2 days providing mental health support services!

13.01.2022 What a cracker of a day on King Island! Perfect for a lunch time walk along the kelp track and ready for a busy afternoon. #kingisland #letsgetmoving #travellingsocialworker #exerciseisgoodforourmentalhealth

13.01.2022 For anyone living with a cancer diagnosis on Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island, King Island or the West Coast of Tassie, a FREE Tai Chi program via zoom is being offered by the Cancer Council Tasmania Facilitated by Grant Scurr commencing 19th July for 6 weeks on Monday afternoons 3.45pm - 4.45pm 8 spaces available - Bookings essential... Please phone Ros 6779 1108 (Mon-Wed) or Email: [email protected] to register.

13.01.2022 Have you been wondering how to support those around you through these challenging times - whether that be in your workplace, your communities or in your friendship groups or families? Then you might like to consider this short course in Psychological First Aid (PFA) that is the globally recommended training for supporting people during emergencies, and offers guidance on delivering psychosocial care in the immediate aftermath of the emergency event. This course is aimed at fr...ontline or essential workers and volunteers dealing with the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. You do not have to be a specialist to deliver PFA. Many people in helping roles will already be delivering PFA without realising it. Those who may benefit from this training include: health and social care staff, first responders e.g. police, ambulance, firefighters, frontline public-sector staff e.g. working in housing and employment services, essential workers e.g. those working in food delivery, funeral care, sanitation, community leaders and groups, volunteers, supervisors and managers supporting staff or volunteers. But really, EVERYONE can benefit from the skills of Psychologist First Aid! This course is offered for FREE by FutureLearn and produced by Public Health England and is based on international guidance from the World Health Organisation, United Nations and partners. I encourage you to head over and consider signing up to https://www.futurelearn.com//psychological-first-aid-covid

12.01.2022 Its sure been a while.... and I know some people have been missing my skyline shots but alas the #travellingsocialworker is finally back on a plane! Any guess where I might be heading? #mentalhealth #rmcounselling #tazreach #tasmania #sharpairlines

12.01.2022 Dont worry Flinders... I havent forgotten you... ;) I have now finalised some dates for you too and will begin a regular monthly visiting outreach service to your Island shortly starting with 10th - 13th July. I will be making contact shortly with existing clients to schedule appointments, but if you have been thinking about reaching out to check in or debrief these last few months then feel free to let me know and we can make some time. ... Very much looking forward to getting back to regular visits, and hoping for some good weather as I am keen to climb a mountain! But which one to choose this time?!?!?! See you soon Flinders.... #travellingsocialworker #flindersisland #mentalhealth #sharpairlines #tazreach

11.01.2022 A great little radio interview today by ABC Northern Tasmania that is perfect timing for those in our Lets Get Moving! Group about to embark on our next Battle of the Islands Steps Challenge. Dont forget if you are keen to be involved you can come join us any time at https://www.facebook.com/groups/907296946405379/?ref=share https://www.abc.net.au//pro/drive/michaela-pascoe/12440924

11.01.2022 How are you travelling at the moment?

10.01.2022 New beginnings can be hard, and adjusting to change no matter the circumstances are never easy, but finding rhythm and routines early can sometimes help anchor even in the wildest of storms. This morning I am walking to work for the first time ever! Well.... I get to walk regularly when I am on the Islands but this is the first time ever I have walked to my Launceston office.... a reasonable 11kms, and I know I can’t do it everyday but I wanted to start my first day of this n...ew year with a good start. I wonder what rhythm and routines help to ground you when change is occurring? #exerciseisgoodformymentalhealth #adjustingtochange #travellingsocialworker

09.01.2022 An initiative from the Tasmanian Government has been launched which will be a central point for information about family and sexual violence support services in Tasmania. Safe from Violence provides clear and targeted information, online resources and links about family and sexual violence for a range of people including victim-survivors, perpetrators, family and friends of victim-survivors and perpetrators, service providers and the community. It will also increase community... awareness about family violence and its underlying drivers; provide family and sexual violence service contact information; and pathways to seeking support. Safe from Violence is an initiative out of the Safe Homes, Families, Communities: Tasmanias action plan for family and sexual violence 2019-2022 which outlines a vision for our State where all Tasmanians are safe, equal and respected and our homes, families and communities are free from all forms of family and sexual violence. For more information please consider going to www.safefromviolence.tas.gov.au If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence, call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Support Line on 1800 697 877. If you have concerns about the safety of a child or young person call the Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice & Referral line on 1800 000 123. And if you are experiencing an emergency, always call 000. #safeathome #familyviolence #strongfamiliessafekids #tasmania

09.01.2022 For all Mums out there... The Tassie Motherhood Project aims to shed light on what it’s currently like for mums. We know that motherhood is a time of massive change in our roles, our friendships, our identities and in how we relate to the world. This community project aims to collect stories to share in a book throughout communities in Tasmania. It aims to explore the isolation mums can feel and to normalise the very common experiences we have and to support new mums in the...ir new role. All stories collected will be anonymous. Bel St Clair is facilitating this project. She is an experienced counsellor, social worker and narrative therapist and can be contacted at [email protected]

09.01.2022 Even at this busy time of the year, somehow we still need to find the time to look after ourselves and fill up the fuel tank a little so we can continue to be there for others. Whether you can take a few moments to do something that replenishes you, or an afternoon off, a late start or even a whole mental health day to rest, I encourage you to check in with yourself and remember to look after you too! #selfcare #mentalhealthday #reduceriskofburnout #workplacewellness #exerciseisgoodformymentalhealth #cataractgorge #practicingwhatipreach

08.01.2022 I love how these Action for Happiness calendars just always seem to be spot on for where I am at.... and just perhaps maybe you might too need some prompts this month and would like to join me? This months theme is "Self Care" and it is all about encouraging everyone to be kinder to themselves (as well as others). Self-care increases our resilience and helps us get more out of life. It is not possible to continue to hold others on the journey when our cup is dry, and yet som...etimes we feel "obligated" or a sense of being "trapped" in our work or home lives with the amount of commitments we have to keep it all together.... but sometimes we just need to stop - whether it be for a moment, an hour, a day, perhaps even a week or longer to care for ones self. A challenge I struggle with and one I am attempting ironically to do this September as I take some timeout to rest and recharge at different points to attend to my own health and wellbeing. So, I encourage you to consider what it is that you might need today that fills your cup and to nourish your body, mind and soul. Sending you my thoughts as I attempt to humbly walk this journey with you this September, Robyn

08.01.2022 Did you hear about the fierce competition going on between Islands during June over on the Lets Get Moving page? We held a Steps Challenge, and had 3 teams King Island, Flinders Island and a Tassie Team and by gosh they were motivated and competitive! In the end King Island pipped Flinders at the post though, but it got people moving in lots of ways, walking, jogging, mountain climbing, even dancing. ... Research tells us there are many benefits that exercise has on our mental health in reducing anxiety, improving our sleep, making us happier, having more energy, not to mention all the great physical benefits too. and coming out of lockdown and heading in to winter we all needed a bit of encouragement to get moving. We loved it so much that we have decided that a rematch is needed and so we are opening it up for some reinforcements to join us so if you missed out first time and needing some inspiration and encouragement (and want to ensure the other Island doesnt win again! ) then I encourage to come over and join us. It is simple and free to join, and best of all it can make some really positive differences to your overall health and wellbeing both physically and mentally by getting moving. It will start officially on 1st August, but you can join now, and of course start moving today! So come join us over at our Lets Get Moving Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/907296946405379/?ref=share and join a team! #letsgetmoving #exerciseisgoodforourmentalhealth #battleoftheislands #travellingsocialworker #mentalhealth #healthpromotion #flindersisland #kingisland #tasmania

08.01.2022 Sometimes knowing how to do self care can be a challenge, particularly if its not something we have been good at practicing. Love to hear what self care you might choose to do in response to what at your body or mind is prompting you to do today.... Thanks Blessing Manifesting for your great image!

08.01.2022 Final trip to Flinders Island for 2020 and what spectacular views again to enjoy as I walk in to the local hospital to my final clinic tomorrow. Always a privilege to support the local community and looking forward to returning after a short break in February 2021 to offer a monthly service thanks to the wonderful funding support of Tazreach. #travellingsocialworker #ruraloutreach #mentalhealth #exerciseisgoodformymentalhealth #flindersisland #tazreach

07.01.2022 So great to be back on Flinders Island! First outreach visit in 4 months but it feels so great to get back in the groove in one of the most beautiful places to work in the world! Loving walk and talk sessions on the beach and the prospect of climbing a mountain on my day off if I can find a buddy! ... #travellingsocialworker #Flindersisland #mentalhealth #returningtoregularvisits

07.01.2022 This just hit the spot today.... and I wondered if it might for you too? Amazing how just some love and kindness from oneself can be enough to create a shift, and sometimes that’s worth more than gold! Sending you much love today on your journey, Robyn

07.01.2022 Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to rest.... and what that might look like may look different to others but gee it feels good when you finally do it! Over the last few days I managed to find some time whilst visiting Flinders Island for one of my regular outreach services to make some space for self care, this included lots of incredible stretching out of my comfort zone as I went on huge adventures walking around Killiecrankie one day from the beach to the doc...ks and up the mountain and then the next day to Pilingers Peak. I faced my fear of heights, and had my daughters phrase I am brave, I am strong, I can do this in my head as I hauled myself up the rope part to the summit of Pilingers - and aptly burst in to tears! But I did it!!!! And then spent some time of an evening watching the sunset and gathering my thoughts on what I plan to write my thesis on over the coming years and started sketching some of those thoughts out. I am so thankful I was able to recognise the need to change gears and attend to a different part of my brain that needed nourishment after a busy season.... and what I have discovered is that maybe I might just like this different pace - one where I take a break occasionally and just look after myself and challenge myself to go outside those comfort zones because it felt good to accomplish something different! So I wonder, what is it that you are needing to listen to that your body or mind is telling you it is needing at the moment.... is it time to shift gears a little? Maybe to slow down, or even to lean in a little and try something new? Our next Lets Get Moving challenge for August will be starting in just a few days and its not too late to join if you want to be part of an encouraging group of people to cheer you on.... you dont need to climb mountains, it could just be a walk, dancing, yoga, swimming or just any thing that gets you moving! I encourage you to take a moment to stop today and just be present and wonder what is it that you might need to nurture yourself, and if you can perhaps see if you can do it! #letsgetmoving #exerciseisgoodforourmentalhealth #travellingsocialworker #flindersisland

07.01.2022 A new resource has been released by Phoenix Australiawho are the Australian National Centre for excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health who have worked in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Excellence of PTSD to develop A Guide to Moral Injury for healthcare workers during Covid-19. This guide aims to improve understanding about the range of moral emotions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact this is having on healthcare workers and organisations, alon...g with strategies for individuals, managers and organisations to consider implementing to mitigate risks of lasting harm. I hope this might be useful to you. I encourage you, if either yourself or others are finding things challenging at present, know there is support available now and ongoing through a number of organisations and services to support you with strategies and a safe place to debrief through this time. You do not need to do this alone. I want to acknowledge the incredible work each person has and continues to do in managing Covid, no matter what role you play, thank you! https://www.phoenixaustralia.org//Moral-Stress-Healthcare- #covid19 #moralinjury #workplacewellness #mentalhealth #rmcounselling #travellingsocialworker

07.01.2022 Its not too late to consider joining us for our August Lets get moving! with Robyn McKinnon Consultancy & Counselling Services challenge! Come be apart of the "Battle of the Islands" join Tassie, Flinders Island or a King Island team, and start moving in what ever way you can to improve your health and wellbeing throughout August.... King Island won the overall trophy in June, but can they do it again in August?!?!... There is no cost to join, all you need to do, is join us over in our closed facebook group so we can give you lots of encouragement along the way, sign up to the 10,000 Steps website and let me know what email address you have used so we can add you to our tournament and what team you want to be part of, and then get moving!! So, why not join us?

06.01.2022 Something to remember as you prepare to start a new week! Recognising each of us are facing our own battles right now, so be kind to yourselves and one another.

06.01.2022 Only a few days from today, November 17th, families, organizations and health professionals around the globe will observe World Prematurity Day. Worldwide, one in ten babies are born too early more than 27,000 each year in Australia alone. Giving birth to a child can sometimes be one of the most profound experiences in life, but when a baby is born too soon it can often be a significantly stressful and traumatic experience at the time, and ongoing.... Having a prem baby brings with it a range of emotions, bittersweet at times as milestones are reached, medical appointments are faced, often grieving the "normal" experiences of birth and sometimes knowing there are no guarantees of bringing baby home, or if they will be ok. And sometimes sadly some of our little ones are no longer here with us, yet they have changed us forever. World Prematurity Day is a day to recognise and remember all babies and their parents, those who have grown and those we continue to grieve, and to continue to raise awareness of ongoing research and developments to reduce the risks of preterm birth and improve the outcomes for babies born early. #fromlittlethingsbigthingsgrow #WorldPrematurityDay2020 #rosa33weeker

03.01.2022 Altruism is vital for the human race to survive and thrive; and each of our lives is supported by countless kind acts from other people. Yet sometimes in our world today, we can get a bit lost in ourselves, as we wrestle with some of the anxieties, stressors, and things out of our control - often forgetting the impact our actions and words may have upon others. Thanks to Action for Happiness this months calendar calls us to action asking everyone to consider leaning in towa...rds making one kind act occur per day. Imagine if everyone was mindful of this, what difference this could make to those around us who were seen, heard and felt cared for..... Lets create a wave of kindness to spread around the world.

02.01.2022 Earlier this year during Covid, I set myself a challenge to get moving! Both physically and mentally and to not let the anxiety of covid or life in general beat me. As part of this, I set myself the goal of climbing Cradle Mountain Summit... a goal to be honest I wasn’t sure I could do. As I set out today to attempt it with my little walking buddy, I wasn’t entirely certain we would get to the top, but we were prepared to give it a red hot go, and that we did and I am pleased... to say we rocked it. It was by far harder than I thought mentally than perhaps physically, although it was still a whopping day taking us 10.5 hours to complete, but we conquered it! So, next big moving challenge is 3 Capes Track! #letsgetmoving #exerciseisgoodformymentalhealth #cradlemountain

02.01.2022 How are you going to incorporate some self care in to your week?

01.01.2022 Awesome news from my mate Steve Biddulph who is going to start doing some of his events for schools and communities - ONLINE! Now more than ever, mums & dads, grandparents, carers & educators can be inspired, can laugh and cry with the amazing insight and knowledge that Steve shares during his Raising Boys, Raising Girls and Raising Happy Children sessions. Nothing can stop Steve from sharing what his passionate about, and after much consideration on how to make this happen well, the first events will occur in August, head over to the link for the first events hosted by Melbourne https://www.stevebiddulph.com//2020_Talks_Program_Goes_Onl

01.01.2022 I am mindful that today is Fathers Day, a day that can bring with it many meanings and emotions, some bittersweet, and so I wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a peaceful day and to recognise you what ever today might mean for you. For those who may carry your children only in your heart but not in your arms, I hope you are surrounded by gentleness and acknowledgement of you as a Dad, and of your child by those around you on this special day. For those who experienc...e the tearing of the heart today between a baby who has died, and one who now might be with you earthside this fathers day, be gentle on yourselves as you experience the mix of emotions. For those who may be on the journey to become a Dad, and struggling with today, I hope that you can find compassion and love by those around you. For those who are grieving the loss of a father or may have a father unwell, my thoughts are with you at this time. To those who may be unable to have contact, due to the barriers at present due to Covid. May you be socially connected even if you cant be physically connected today. To those Dads that are out there battling through, on the days when it can feel like hard work and you might feel so alone whether you are a single parent, or in a relationship and juggling work and parenting and feeling overwhelmed, know you are valued and thought of today and there is support available for you. Whatever Fathers Day means to you and your family, I hope you are surrounded by those who you love. I wish you a peaceful day mindful for the beauty and challenges that come from being a Dad whilst taking a moment to reflect and remember those who might find today a challenging day. If you are finding today, or any day challenging know there is support out there. You can call Lifeline on 131114 or reach out to us and I can put you in touch with services that might be able to support you through this time. With much kindness to you today, Robyn

01.01.2022 Final flight for the year! Big shout out to the amazing guys and gals at Sharp Airlines for looking after me this year and keeping me up in the air flying to the beautiful islands of Flinders and King Islands! Always a pleasure flying with them, even in what has been a unique year there customer service has continued to be amazing. So to all, from the pilots to the airport crew to the administrative people, thank you! #sharpairlines #ruralmentalhealth #flindersisland #kingisland #launceston #travellingsocialworker

01.01.2022 It takes a village to raise a child, and through these past few months many parents and teachers have been riding the wave of emotions both for themselves and for their big and little people as they navigated the impact that Covid-19 has had on their families, and students. Thanks to the generous support of Riverlands, I have been given some funding to provide some wellbeing and debriefing sessions to the local families of Longford Primary School to take stock of what we hav...e been through, and to reflect on how we are travelling, and to explore together some strategies to help us recover and rebuild, whilst preparing for future life stressors. A staff session has already been held, and parent/carer sessions are scheduled for the upcoming week that I encourage you to consider coming to. RSVPs would be handy, and please remember to sign in to the main school office and complete the screening process. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for: Monday 3rd August 9am - 10am Friday 7th August 1:45pm - 2:45pm I look forward to seeing you there! #wellbeing #covid19 #recovery #community

01.01.2022 Are you a Tasmanian who has been made redundant, or lost their job due to COVID. You might be interested in the Rapid Response Skills Initiative that focuses on supporting people to gain the skills and support needed to regain a new job. The Rapid Response Skills Initiative provides up to $3000 towards the cost of training for people who have lost their jobs because they have been made redundant, the place they worked has closed, or the employer had to let staff go.... In the link below there is a list of course providers and the courses they offer, eligibility criteria and how to apply. Also, if you are a business looking for employees you can register on this site too. https://www.skills.tas.gov.au//support_for_retrenched_and_