Many women find it challenging to put their own needs first when they are so busy caring for other people in their lives. Women’s Health Week 2021 offers timely encouragement for us to prioritise our own wellbeing. As the saying goes, “put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”
This year Women’s Health Week is dedicated to women across Australia to make good health a priority. More details at: https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/about/
Holyoake has been supporting women since our inception in 1975. We offer a range of counselling and support programs to help prioritise their psychological, emotional and physical health, regardless of what stage of life they are in or what challenges they may be experiencing.
Our Women’s Program is specially designed for women who have varying levels of substance use, and may want to reduce or stop their dependency but are unsure how to do this. We support them to explore underlying issues and examine beliefs and behaviours that may be contributing to the situation. With increased insight into their own set of circumstances, they can then develop effective skills and strategies to move forward.
Women affected by a partner’s substance misuse can turn to our Relationships in Focus program. This program addresses issues commonly faced by significant others including trust issues in the relationship, conflict and communication breakdown, frustration and anger, grief, self-esteem issues, stress, anxiety and/or depression. This program provides the knowledge, skills and strategies to respond more effectively to these issues. Participants may choose to attend the group component of the program to connect with others in similar situations and gain a network of support.
Our Parent’s Program is ideal for mothers or guardians affected by an adolescent or adult child’s problematic use of alcohol and/or drugs. This program provides support to manage stress levels and develop strategies for selfcare, whilst also improving communication and relationship skills. The most frequent feedback comment we get from participants is “I no longer feel alone.”
For mothers or caregivers of children aged 2-11, we offer a special Attachment Art and Play program. Women can attend this program along with their children to address relationship and attachment concerns that may have arisen due to drug and/or alcohol misuse in the family. In addition, our Child Parent Relationship Training program is for caregivers to attend with other adults and learn skills to play and interact therapeutically with their children.
Michelle Obama once said, “Communities and countries and ultimately the world is only as strong as the health of their women.” So please prioritise your health, and the rest will follow. If you, or someone you care about needs help, reach out to Holyoake on 08-94164444 or email clientservices@holyoake.org.au
