BRAINSTORMING ways to make new friends and invite people to social activities were hot topics discussed at headspace Mount Gambier’s Social Inclusion Week celebration on Tuesday.
A small group of participants worked together on an art project at this week’s event, with the aim to decorate the headspace office’s courtyard area.
headspace community liaison worker Mikarla Papini said there were many people in the community who often struggled with social interaction.
“There are a number of reasons why people may struggle, including mental health and anxiety,” Ms Papini said.
“Meeting new people and being in a group can be hard.
“It is important for places like Mission Australia and headspace to provide a safe place for people to come, even if it is small things like this.”
Participants also decorated rocks, which will be used to enhance the outside of the organisation’s building.
“We went with a similar idea to SA Rocks, where you paint a rock and put your post code on it to then hide it somewhere for another person to find,” Ms Papini.
“They are then able to take it somewhere else and you can see how far it goes.
“It is just a bit of fun the kids can do, but we also thought we could add them to our garden area.”
Participant Georgia Pubben said she had come a long way with her social anxiety, which was why she had trouble socialising.
“It is why I never go to parties, because if I did I would be freaking out and wondering what to do,” she said.
“headspace is one of the safest places I have ever been.
“I am not very good at reading body language, but I have a unique gift where I can sense people’s energy.”
Ms Papini said it was important events promoting social inclusion were available to the region’s youth.
“We did hold something a couple of years ago, which involved a large nighttime event at the centre with a lot of different service providers,” she said.
“It is a nationwide event which promotes inclusion especially for vulnerable people.
“As service providers, it is what our work involves day-to-day so it is a week to recognise what we do.”
Mission Australia community engagement officer Belinda Anderson said social inclusion was important for building community capacity.
“Mission Australia’s core business is helping people with a disability, but also linking with the general community just like headspace,” she said.
“It is great to build people’s knowledge and empower them to know what is out there.
“Social Inclusion Week is nationwide, so what better time to do something.”
Ms Anderson said it was also a time to recognise how people communicate with others.
“People are then able to understand others may come across differently.”
Participant Beau-Shae McMahon believed social inclusion was about allowing people into your own social life.
“I think it is about talking to people even if you do not want to and not thinking there is something wrong with it,” he said.
“You should try and include people in conversations.”
