Mind Ed Margaret River

16/04/2026

We’re in the room with the people shaping how our community responds.

Mind-Ed hosts the Professional Liaison Team (PLT) - bringing together local services, government, and sector leaders to share what’s happening on the ground and respond collectively.

These are the conversations that matter:

What we’re seeing across the community
Where services are stretched or missing
What needs to shift at a system level
Where we can work better together

This is not front-facing work; but it’s critical.

It’s how we strengthen connections between services, improve access to support, and advocate for what our community actually needs.

We’ll continue to show up in these spaces, bringing local insight into wider conversations and helping shape a more connected, responsive system of care 💚

15/04/2026

Support is available 💚

If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, there are services available to support you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

📞 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
24/7 national counselling and support

📞 WA Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800 007 339
24/7 support, including referrals to women’s refuges

📞 DV Assist – 1800 080 083
Free, confidential counselling for regional WA
Mon–Thurs: 8am–8pm | Fri: 8am–4pm

📞 Waratah – 1800 017 303
Counselling, education and community services
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

📞 Crisis Care – 1800 199 008
Support, referrals, and accommodation assistance

If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.

Mind-Ed can also help connect you with local supports and services across our region.
Visit our website for more support and information 💚

14/04/2026

We’re hosting our Accidental Counsellor Training this May — a practical, accredited workshop designed to support our community to feel more confident in responding to someone in distress.

This training is about real conversations. The moments where someone might open up, and you’re not quite sure what to say or do next.

Participants will learn how to:

Start and navigate caring conversations
Recognise signs of stress and distress
Support someone safely and connect them to help
Look after their own wellbeing while supporting others

This workshop is suitable for community members, workplaces, and anyone wanting to build confidence in supporting others.

📅 Tue 12 May, 12:15pm – 4:00pm (AWST)
📍 Council Chambers, Margaret River
🤝 Hosted by Mind-Ed
🎓 Accredited by Su***de Prevention Australia

Mind-Ed members can access a discount, and community scholarships are available.

To find out more or register, head to the link or contact us at info@mind-ed.org.au

13/04/2026

Knowing how to respond when someone may be at risk of su***de can make a real difference.

This two-day Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop is open to anyone aged 18 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, who wants to learn su***de first-aid skills and become an ASIST-trained caregiver.

Over the two days, participants will build the comfort, knowledge, and skills to confidently and competently intervene to support someone at risk of su***de.

Delivered across five sections, the workshop supports participants to learn how to identify risk, connect sensitively with someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours, and help them stay safe using both personal skills and available services and supports.

This training has been generously funded by WA Primary Health Alliance.

📍 Shire of Augusta Margaret River
41 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River WA 6285

🕘 Please arrive at 8.45am to register for a 9am start

🍽 Morning tea, lunch and refreshments provided

If you have specific dietary requirements, the organisers will do their best to cater to your needs, though this may not always be possible. You’re welcome to bring your own food or extra snacks, and refrigeration is available on site. For catering questions, contact su***deprevention.southwest@sjog.org.au

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/livingworks-asist-margaret-river

09/04/2026

Mind-Ed is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation working across the Augusta Margaret River region to strengthen mental health and wellbeing through connection, education, and collaboration.

We don’t just deliver programs.

We are in meeting rooms with local and national professionals, contributing to conversations around su***de prevention, child and youth mental health, family and domestic violence prevention, and community wellbeing.

We work alongside local government, GPs, schools, services, and organisations, helping to connect efforts, strengthen pathways, and support more coordinated responses across our region.

You’ll find us in the spaces where ideas are shared, challenges are addressed, and community responses are shaped.

Our role is to make support easier to find, easier to understand, and more accessible for everyone.

Because strong communities are built through connection.

08/04/2026

Our Recent Services Spotlight with Augusta Margaret River Mail 📰🗞️💚 and Anglicare Financial Counselling here in our local area.

Mind-Ed is committed to promoting organisations that strengthen mental health and wellbeing in our region.

For this spotlight feature, Mind-Ed asked Anglicare Financial Counselling about its outreach service at the Margaret River Community Centre and how it can help anyone experiencing financial challenges.

ABOUT THE SERVICE
Anglicare Financial Counselling is now available fortnightly at the Margaret River Community Centre, offering free, independent, and confidential financial counselling support by appointment.
This service is available to anyone experiencing financial stress or uncertainty, and provides a safe space to talk through concerns, explore options, and receive practical support.
In addition, Anglicare has appointed a Financial Capabilities Worker who can assist people with budgeting, navigating online systems, accessing services, and building confidence around financial processes.

WHO IS THE SERVICE FOR?
Anglicare Financial Counselling offers a free, non-judgemental, person-to-person financial support service.
Financial counselling supports community members to understand their own financial position, and the options that they have at their disposal.
This doesn't mean we offer stock advice; it means we look at your life in a broad sense and provide practical options for you to consider.
We can also help by advocating for you.
This could be as simple as putting together a budget or making a phone call to negotiate a debt with a lender.
Sometimes all that is needed is a third party to speak on a client's behalf to reach a successful resolution.
There are no real restrictions on what is discussed financially speaking, we cannot however, give you investment, accounting, tax or legal advice.
But if that is what you need, we know where to get it!

WHY DO PEOPLE SEEK HELP?
Our role is to assess every situation individually and give people options and direction on what they can do to help alleviate their financial hardship.
Once the options have been identified Financial Counsellors support people and can help advocate with banks, creditors, utility companies, debt collectors and any other service that they are having issues paying.
It can be as simple as helping someone set up a payment plan to Synergy because their power bill is overdue, or as complex as looking at options around mortgages when people can't pay their housing loans.
One thing to remember is whatever the problems are, there are always options and Financial Counsellors know what they are and where to get help.

FREE, INDEPENDENT, AND CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT?
You can come once for information and advice, or you can come many times while we support you to get things in place to address the financial difficulty – it is free and won't cost a thing.
Financial counselling is independent, so we are not aligned with anyone other than our clients. It is our job to get the best outcomes for YOU and to give YOU advice and options based on YOUR situation.
Everything is confidential and we do not disclose information to anyone for any reason unless we get your permission first.

TELL US ABOUT THE FORTNIGHTLY PRESENTATIONS?
We understand that not everyone has the time, energy or ability to make it to physical appointments in the closest locations of Busselton or Manjimup.
We run this outreach program purely for the benefit of the Margaret River locals.
While we can provide support over the phone, generally it is quicker and more effective to assess these matters in person.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES OFFICER?
This exciting new aspect of financial counselling is just becoming available in the South West.
Financial Capability Workers pave the middle ground between the community and Financial Counselling.
We don't have the resources to walk someone through some of the processes they need to complete, to achieve a greater level of financial freedom (such as filling out paperwork and submitting forms), however Financial Capability Workers can help with this.
A fantastic concierge-like service to help people shore up the gaps in their day-to-day finances.

WHAT'S THE BEST FIRST STEP IN SEEKING HELP?
If you are avoiding your financial situation, or procrastinating on making change, or perhaps you just don't know what is going on regarding your finances then take a step forward and book an appointment.
Sometimes the best first step is getting help to understanding what you're looking at!

Anglicare's Ryan Pietersen is available fortnightly, by appointment on Mondays at the Margaret River Community Centre.

Appointments are free of charge.

To make a booking, contact the Anglicare Bunbury office on 9780 9200 or book in-person with the Margaret River Community Centre team.

Mind-Ed is a community-led initiative that empowers individuals through early intervention and prevention education, promoting mental wellbeing and building a resilient, informed community.

08/04/2026

Mind-Ed exists to make support easier to find.

We are a local, community-led organisation working across the Augusta–Margaret River region to strengthen mental health and wellbeing through connection, education, and collaboration.

Our role is simple.

To help people know where to go, what’s available, and how to access support when it matters most.

We work alongside local services, schools, organisations, and community members to build a more connected and supported region.

Because mental health is not something anyone should navigate alone.

07/04/2026

World Health Day 2026

Together for health. Stand for science.

Today is a reminder that health is something we build together.

Science plays an important role in helping us understand what supports our wellbeing, from mental health to physical health, community connection, and prevention. But it’s not just about research. It’s about how that knowledge is shared, understood, and made accessible in our everyday lives.

At Mind-Ed, we see the impact of this every day. When people have the right information, the right support, and feel connected, real change happens.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of working together. Across communities, services, and systems, we all have a role to play in creating healthier, more supported environments.

Because health isn’t one-size-fits-all. And support should be easy to find.

Today, we stand for:
• Accessible information
• Community connection
• Prevention and early support
• Turning knowledge into action

We’re all in this together.

06/04/2026

We’re sharing an upcoming opportunity for those working with children and young people across our region.

The ASK (Assessing Su***de in Kids) Workshop is a specialised online training designed for professionals supporting children aged 5–14 years.

This workshop builds practical skills to support early identification, safe conversations, and risk assessment when working with young people.

Across two sessions, participants will explore:

How to talk about death and su***de with children
Developmentally appropriate ways to identify risk
Practical tools for assessment and safety planning
Navigating conversations with parents and carers

📅 Tue 28 April, 8:30am – Wed 29 April, 1:30pm (AWST)
💻 Online
🤝 Hosted by Su***de Prevention Coordinators South West

To find out more or register, head to the event link in our bio.

05/04/2026

LGBTIQA+ Su***de Prevention Training – IDAHOBIT 2026

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lgbtiqa-su***de-prevention-training-tickets-1985118834873 -card

In recognition of IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia), Mind-Ed is partnering with Living Proud and St John of God Social Outreach to deliver a su***de prevention training focused on supporting LGBTIQA+ communities.

LGBTIQA+ individuals continue to experience higher rates of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts due to stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. This workshop is designed to strengthen understanding, build confidence, and equip participants with practical skills to support others in a safe, informed, and inclusive way.

Participants will gain:

Increased awareness of su***de prevention from an LGBTIQA+ perspective
Skills to recognise when someone may be struggling
Confidence to respond supportively and appropriately
Knowledge of how to connect people with the right supports

This training is open to community members, allies, volunteers, and professionals who want to play a role in creating safer, more inclusive communities.

Together, we can strengthen connection, reduce stigma, and make support easier to find. This is a free workshop Mind-Ed is hosting.

02/04/2026

🧩 World Autism Awareness Day | 2 April 2026

Today we recognise World Autism Awareness Day, a day to increase understanding, acceptance and inclusion for autistic people in our communities.

Autism is part of the diversity of human experience. Many autistic people bring unique perspectives, strengths and ways of understanding the world. At the same time, barriers such as stigma, misunderstanding and lack of accessible support can affect wellbeing and participation.

Creating communities where people feel respected, included and able to access the support they need is an important part of supporting mental health and wellbeing.

At Mind-Ed, we believe that education and community connection play an important role in building understanding and reducing stigma.

Today is an opportunity to listen, learn and continue working towards communities where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.

01/04/2026

Back in February we had the privilege of delivering Talk Ask Listen Connect – Accidental Counsellor Training with the incredible women participating in the LEEF Program.

LEEF (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Emotional Resilience and Financial Independence), delivered by Innovation Cluster, is supporting women in the South West to build confidence, strengthen financial resilience, and explore new pathways in business, education and employment.

During the session, participants learned practical skills to help navigate difficult conversations and support someone experiencing distress. Together we explored how to recognise signs of stress, start caring conversations, listen without judgement, and help connect people with appropriate support while also protecting our own wellbeing.

Programs like LEEF play an important role in strengthening connection and reducing isolation, while building confidence, leadership and opportunity for women in our region.

It was a privilege to spend time with such a thoughtful and engaged group.

If your organisation, community group, workplace or local initiative would like to bring Accidental Counsellor training to your team, we’d love to connect. DM or Email us for more information, our website has the next available training dates.

These skills help build stronger, more supportive communities where people feel confident to look out for one another.