PICAL partners with Lifeline

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) is partnering with Lifeline Gippsland to deliver a series of workshops, with the first one this Friday August 21.

The free workshops are set to provide locals with the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise when someone may be struggling, start meaningful conversations and prioritise their own wellbeing.

This week's workshop, Listen Connect Support, runs from 10am to 12pm.

It's designed to help participants feel more confident in connecting with others and supporting emotional wellbeing in their community.

The interactive workshops will focus on starting meaningful conversations, checking in with family and friends, building confidence to listen and provide support and understanding when and where to access additional support.

Workshops will also run in September and October.

• Self-Care Workshop (10am to 12pm, Friday September 18): The workshop will explore practical self-care strategies, the importance of emotional wellbeing, ways to encourage self-care in others and simple habits to support everyday wellness.
  
• 1-Day DV-Aware Workshop (9am to 4.30pm, Tuesday October 27): Participants will learn how to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence. The workshop will be led by experienced trainers who are dedicated to reducing violence against women and children and will focus on recognising and responding confidentially to those in crisis.
  
  David Rooks, Centre Manager PICAL, says the partnership with Lifeline Gippsland reflects PICAL's commitment to creating a supportive community that is connected, resourceful and caring.
  
  "At PICAL we focus on initiatives that empower individuals and the neighbourhood," explains David.
  
  "These workshops will give practical skills that can be used in everyday life - whether that's checking in on a friend, supporting a family member or looking after yourself. They will help build a stronger community as locals will be better equipped to support one another."
  
  Lifeline Gippsland, its staff and volunteers work to support the national 13 11 14 network which receives a crisis support call, text or chat every 24 seconds.
  
  The workshops will take place at PICAL, 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes.
  Register early as spaces are limited.
  
  For more information or to register for workshops on August 21 and September 18 contact PICAL on (03) 5952 1131 or visit www.pical.org.au.
  
  To register for the DV-alert workshop on October 27 go to www.dvalert.org.au/enrolment-forms/cselif08614
  
  The series of workshops are made possible thanks to the support of Rotary Phillip Island and San Remo.