Renate's Social Work Counselling & Consultancy

29/08/2026

A call to. Mental Health arms from Mind Australia. Sharing in case this is of interest to you.

29/08/2026

Wisdom from Karen Young - Hey Sigmund, a Psychologist who haa written a serues of helpful books for children and young people about understanding the brain and managing anxiety.

The most important questions often won't sound like questions.

They might sound like defiance, refusal, anger, frustration, disengagement, 'people-pleasing', perfectionism, apathy, or silence. They might not sound like anything at all.

The questions that need to be answers with certainty before anything else is possible are:

Am I safe here?
Do I belong?
Am I welcome here?
Will someone notice if I'm struggling?
Am I safe to get it wrong?
Does my teacher like me?
Does my body feel safe in this space?

When the 'absolutely yes!' is missing, safety will be the priority. Feeling safe - which might be different to actually being safe.

They might be safe, but unless they feel safe, nothing else will be possible. Not learning, regulation, connection, memory, play, creativity, engagement.

This is why the relationship with the adult matters so much.

A warm greeting.
A face that says, 'I'm glad you're here.'
Using their name with warmth.
Consistent 4 second gestures of warmth.

Relationship isn't what happens when children are doing well, or behaving well, or learning well. Relationship is what makes it all possible.

The way into the learning will always be through the adult in the room.

29/08/2026

Men are often left searching for new and different ways to connect. Here is a free, facilitated event where men can meet and share their experiences . It is on at the Seaford Library on Friday 4th of September 2026 at 11 am and facilitated by Joe Bakhmoutski.

https://frankston.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=247663&fbclid=IwVERTSAT_H8ZwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHuD531ZDE5qA5__noHENyx9Ym-gJ7l0Bo-DzZymcDcDRECa4BnXu9z3ExvQP_aem_FDIwqz8WQaA4dCvwUt209Q

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12/08/2026

Some good insight from The OT Toolbox .

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12/08/2026

Focus on community connections and reducing isolation - good suggestions and an initiative at the Mordiallic-Community Centre during Loneliness Awareness Month.

12/08/2026

For the Tradie in your life...

This Tradies National Health Month, we are committed to supporting the mental health of Australian tradies.
Tradies are navigating significant pressures, but more people are also speaking up and seeking support.
Let's keep that momentum going by checking in, listening and making mental health part of everyday conversations.
If you need extra support, Beyond Blue is available 24/7.

12/08/2026

A new initiative at Castlefield Community Centre for young Mums parenting on their own starting Tuesday 18/8/26!

💜 Single Mothers Support Group and Individual Counselling 💜

Being a single mum takes incredible strength, but even the strongest anchors need support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating big changes, or just need a safe place to process, you don’t have to do it alone.

Book an appointment today for compassionate, judgment-free care, and take the first step toward feeling like you again.

Support Group:
Commences Tuesday the 18th of August 9am - 10am
Individual Counselling:
Mondays by appointment
🏠 Castlefield Community Centre
📍 505 Bluff Road, Hampton

To book, contact Castlefield Community Centre below:
📞 03 9068 3882
✉️ [email protected]

12/08/2026

A Free painting demonstration by Artist Barbara McManus at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery this Saturday 15/8/26 from 1.30 - 3.30 pm. Watch Barbara bring a portrait to life. You can bring your sketch books along to sketch along with her.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DaLCkNXua/