Hi everyone,
Our two workshops, running consecutively the day before the conference, got a great response with some of our international visitors taking the opportunity to attend a workshop on Takeaway Café Activities or Music and Art Therapies.
I facilitated the fun and laughter at the Activities workshop where we launched the first DTA takeaway café booklet. We worked through the activities one by one, including ceramic cup painting, wool craft donuts, speedy dice and card games, Minute to Win it and lots of other practical ideas to encourage client engagement and fun. We even came up with a DTA anthem which some musically inclined people put to a tune that stuck in our heads the whole Conference.
Those in the therapy workshops were treated to the inspiring and practical skills of Dr Loretta Quinn who they could have listened to all day, then IKON Art Therapist, Paula Gillespie-Fotheringham took over after lunch giving some practical experiences and insights into using art with our clients.
The highlight of both workshops for me though, was the break in the middle where the inspiring and energetic Dr. Helena Popovic had us enthralled with her “Four Big Lessons from Four Big Years of Caring for Dad”- A half hour presentation that we were all able to take something from. I learnt that studies have proven that the worst thing for your health is extended time being seated and all major health issues can benefit from standing up every 20 minutes- so set your reminders on the computer or your alarm clock to stand up and move around every 20 minutes for improved health and to live longer.
Before I get up and move around though I’d just like to turn your attention to the other workshop information in this issue- the wonderfully successful and informative Warrnambool workshop written up and photographed by Victorian Board member, Judith Brian. Thanks again to all those that facilitated the workshops who I was not able to get to, your assistance and passion is irreplaceable. It was great meeting many of you at the Conference and be able to put faces to the many names and emails.
Workshops coming up!
• 17th October – VIC Shepparton
• 15th November – WA Perth
• 18th November – North Ryde NSW (followed by AGM)
I’ll leave you with the words of our little DT theme song:
“Humorous, Flexible-that’s what we need to be
Positive, Professional – that’s what you will see
Multi-skilled and Passionate- that’s who we want to be!” (repeat)
Yipee!!
Till next time,
Steph