CHESS Connect, the Coffs Harbour based not-for-profit human services and workplace wellness organisation, is hosting a series of free Mental Fitness and Wellbeing workshops in the first half of February across the Nambucca Valley.

CHESS Connect Workshop Facilitators Jen Hill and Nicole Holland, together with attendees, will explore ways to improve mental wellbeing.

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According to the organisation, just like physical fitness, having awareness and establishing routines for mental fitness are important for good, overall health.

With sessions held in Macksville, Bowraville and Nambucca Heads, the free workshops are open to those living and working in the Nambucca Valley who want to learn more about good mental health practice, how to manage stress and set intentions for wellbeing.

Co-facilitator Jen, who lives in Bowraville, recognises the need for education and information sharing within the Nambucca Valley community.

“There’s a feeling that sometimes the Valley gets left out of the bigger picture of regional mental health supports,” she said.

“We’ve been through a lot as a community.

“First, we had the bushfires then COVID and the floods; there’s a lot of people out there who have been affected either directly or indirectly.

“It’s been particularly tough for community services and businesses who have kept delivering services to locals.

“These workshops are a way for us to give back, share our knowledge and provide a toolbox to support positive mental health practice in the Valley,” said Jen.

Over morning tea attendees will learn about: how stress presents and mechanisms for coping, activities to shift mindset and motivation, practical techniques and goal-setting for self-care, mindfulness, and wellness, mental health stigmas, and how to advocate for yourself and others.

They will also be given contact details for a range of local and national health supports.

The workshops are held from 9am – 12pm with morning tea included.

Macksville Senior Citizens Hall, Wednesday 8 February.

Bowraville Pioneer Community Centre, Thursday 9 February.

Nambucca Senior Citizens Hall, Thursday 16 February.

The workshops are funded by a grant from the AusPost Community Grants Program.

Call 1800 899 017 to reserve a space at one of the three sessions.

By Andrea FERRARI