We had a great roll up to our Tasmanian workshop with lots of non-members attending and getting to know the benefit of being a Diversional Therapy Association member.
Our presenters were diverse and offered a lot of great educational information to apply to innovative programming. Christine, the Brain Gym presenter flew down from Victoria to tell us about the amazing results and influence that small, seemingly insignificant movements can have on our brains and our general wellbeing, all things that we can incorporate into a gentle exercise program or indeed a creative and expressive activity, even little tricks and movements that can stimulate better involvement in your programs.
Ann from the Parkinson’s Association was also a wealth of practical information and understanding of what aspects of this disease affect a person’s ability to participate in meaningful and successful leisure.
Sandra, DTA’s Tasmanian board member presented on the many different ways that we can welcome people into a new facility, what can make that move easier for people and adopting a customer service approach in line with the changes occurring in the aged care system.
My presentation on Grief and Loss touched on some of the issues of not dealing with these emotions in a work place setting and how you can assist others including clients and families as well as other staff to deal with their loss and grief.
Keith from the local Port Sorrel Men’s Shed was a gem and had us all in stitches when he talked about the differences between men and women and how as leisure staff we can use different communication skills to tap into the needs of our male participants.
A big thank you to all that attended and to our Takeaway Café presenter Anna Clements who told us about her workplaces’ innovative dinner dances that they hold regularly. Some really great theme ideas to take away.
So if you haven’t been to a DTA workshop in a while check out the website for workshop dates still coming up for this year and the proposed list for next year’s workshops coming out soon.
Don’t miss out on an exceptional opportunity to learn and to meet others in your field. It isn’t all about the networking but this great opportunity to share and talk about your particular issue, concern and great activity ideas in a friendly environment you just can’t get anywhere else.
See you at the next workshop near you.
Steph