Women across the New England region will be among those to benefit from a new series of free wellbeing workshops being rolled out across rural NSW ahead of NSW Women’s Week.
Workshops in Wee Waa on 1 March, Manilla on 17 March and Walcha on 19 May form part of an eight-town program funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). The initiative is designed to strengthen mental health support for women in regional, rural and remote communities, where access to services can be limited.
The one-day sessions will focus on practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience, covering how stress can affect rural women, ways to respond effectively, the role of personal values in wellbeing, and how to assess and develop self-care action plans.
Funding of $10,000 has been provided through the Rural Women’s Network, which works to support and empower women in regional, rural and remote NSW.
RAMHP delivers mental health education tailored to country communities, with coordinators drawn from regional and remote areas who understand the pressures and strengths of rural life.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the program recognises the ongoing strain faced by country communities.
“Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation across regional NSW where the stress of drought and other natural disasters can really take a toll,” she said.
“Mental Health and wellbeing support services are a vital lifeline and these workshops, specifically tailored for women, can really make a difference.
“They offer rural women the chance to pause, share experiences with others and focus on their own health and wellbeing. Something regional women rarely get the chance to do.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the workshops acknowledge the multiple roles women play in regional towns such as those across New England.
“Regional and rural women play many different roles in their communities – as business-owners, farmers, carers and volunteers. Like many women, they are often selfless and put others ahead of themselves,” she said.
“But sometimes, the stresses can be overwhelming. These one-day workshops are a great way for women to stop and learn how to prioritise self-care so they and their families can thrive.
“This is part of our wider work to support women’s health and wellbeing, empower them, and boost their participation in the community.
“I encourage regional women in these eight towns to register quickly for these workshops, as places will fill up fast.”
Kate Arndell, Service Manager for RAMHP, said the organisation was focused on creating a supportive environment for participants.
“RAMHP is thrilled to be working with Rural Women’s Network NSW to create welcoming workshops where women feel heard, supported and reminded that their wellbeing truly matters.”
“These workshops are a chance for women to step away from the busy-ness of daily life, spend time with other women who understand rural pressures, and focus on their own wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive space.”
In addition to Wee Waa, Manilla and Walcha, the workshops will also be held in Finley (31 March), Mudgee (14 April), Yamba (28 April), Narromine (12 May) and Urana (4 June).
The program complements the two-day Rural Women’s Skills Roadshow, delivered in partnership with St John Ambulance, which continues to tour regional centres.
Women can register for the Women’s Wellbeing Workshops via the NSW Government website.
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