RAISING VOICES & VISIBILITY IN RURAL & REMOTE COMMUNITIES

* EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH INDIGENOUS ADULTS
* EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ISOLATED people: geographically, socially, economically, systemically
* experience in working with people & communities in recovery

 

In their own words: Sample outcomes from wellbeing-through-writing events in remote communities:

“I feel less isolated within my community through hearing how much we have in common.” Sally, outback community enduring prolonged drought

– 5 stars and a big thank you to all involved

– the way ahead is much clearer

– excellent drawing out of ideas … THANK YOU!

– medicinal

– only one thought away from happiness

– gave me some unbelievable ideas and more importantly confidence

– emotions come out and I thought about how I can manage them

– a wonderful resource for isolated rural families

– (we now) look at each other in a different light

– wow … to make each of us feel special and show us we all have a story that is worth sharing.

“I would like to say thank you for your teaching it was very encouraging the last two day was something to remember I think we all love it so much.” Aunty Eva, Ngemba Country

“The last two days was very interesting, and very good because I never really stopped and thought about the weir. The only thing I checked was the water level.” Leaum, Ngemba Country

“This is the first time I’ve learned how to truly write a story.” Aunty Vera, Murrawarri Country

“Stephanie, you brought out a lot of emotions and knowledge in me today by participating in your writing workshop. Excellent value from you to me.” Aunty Josie, Murrawarri Country

Wellbeing-through-writing programs in remote communities

Events in rural and remote communities typically take the following formats:

  • 2 x 2-hour wellbeing-through-writing workshops in one day
  • 2-3 day programs in Indigenous communities
  • 3-day wellbeing writing retreats for isolated women.

From the get-go, when I took my newspaper journalism skills west in 2014, I was in awe of the distances people who do not consider themselves a writer will drive for a writing workshop.

The following verbatim phrases are typical of the reasons people have for not writing:

‘fear of judgement’, ‘frivolous’, ‘wasting time’, ‘not capable’, ‘who am I to think I can do this?’, ‘too busy looking after others’, ‘too overwhelming to think about it’, ‘fear of rejection’, ‘fear of failure’ ‘terrified won’t live up to expectations’, ‘self indulgent’, ‘selfish’, ‘I’m a dill’, ‘I’m not interesting enough’.

The foundation of this work’s success is putting such silencing self-talk to the test, overcoming voices of sabotage – about writing and everything else – through writing.

Through experience and research I have learned that when people allow themselves time to take time out and write, they are happier, more content, less stressed, more confident and better able to look after the needs of others.

They are more positive in their general outlook and more likely to encourage others to take time out, connect with their community and ‘waste time’ writing.

Some of these brave new writers have gone on to write and publish books. Others have moved forward with business ideas. A young Indigenous man stopped pulling his hoody over his face. A woman whose life was frozen for 7 years as the result of a remote-area tragedy built the wishing well she was ready to build before the event.

What value a wishing well to a bureaucratic spreadsheet?

A woman who is returned to her community, available for organising committees and assistance to others; a grandmother returned to the school gate; a friend available to isolated friends in need.

About wellbeing-through-writing outcomes

The outcomes from the workshops & events include:

* increased courage and confidence

* relief

* individual and community empowerment

* validation that a project is worthwhile and encouragement to pursue that project

* self belief

* willingness to seek and accept guidance and support to achieve what they most long to do

* new and productive connections for health service providers

* overcoming isolation

* increased resilience

* proactive health and wellbeing strategies.

Wellbeing-through-writing workshops and events result in reinvigorated relationships in small communities.

Significant numbers of people learn new things about the people in their community – family members, neighbours and friends they’ve known for decades, as well as people they had not previously met.

New conversations are ignited between them. Their vulnerabilities are shared, no longer hidden. They have invited others to share their dreams, aspirations and goals, for themselves and their community.

Importantly, given time to find the words that match who they know themselves to be, rather than defined by old family and community stories, they have been witnessed in their own words.

What community services’ advocates & professionals have to say

“Wonderful pieces of writing … what a world we live in! Truly amazing to read these words when only a short time back most of the students didn’t put pen to paper. You are magical the way you open up the heart, senses and words.” Deborah Durnam, co-ordinator, Literacy for Life Foundation’s Yes I Can adult Indigenous literacy program

“Stephanie Dale runs incredible writing workshops. They could almost replace counselling sessions. If only we could get the rest of the world to understand how valuable writing is.” Ellen Day, Rural Resilience Officer, Department of Primary Industries

“I have witnessed Stephanie Dale deliver workshops in remote NSW. She creates a welcoming space and participants leave empowered, positive and proud. It is a wonderful process to observe.” Sarah Goulden, Department of Primary Industries

“It has been a pleasure to work along side Stephanie Dale, and to also gain an insight into her projects by being able to take part as a worker. I would strongly encourage other services to also work with Stephanie to bring about change in peoples’ lives.” Belinda Cunningham, Centa-Care

“I have attended Stephanie Dale’s workshops as a participant and a mental health professional. Personally and professionally they have been beneficial, encouraging me to use writing to assist with problem solving, reflection, and clarifying and challenging my thoughts. 

“The workshops re-ignited my long time ambition to write my life’s stories, providing me with strategies to move forward with the project. 

“I have witnessed other participants in the workshops come together and share knowledge, experiences and support for each other.

“Participants have claimed life changing effects from undertaking the workshops. They describe new levels of confidence; taking control of their life; being more connected to their natural environment; dealing with chronic health issues and grief and loss; seeing a way forward; and feeling confident with writing.” Marie Kelly, far west co-ordinator, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

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