Sunshine Coast Social Work Services Pty Ltd

11/07/2025

NAIDOC Week 2025
This week, we celebrate strength, survival, and the unbroken spirit of the world’s oldest living cultures.

This beautiful "WELCOME" sign was painted by one of our incredible participants, and it now greets every person who walks through our gates. It proudly represents our values of inclusion, respect, and belonging across cultures, genders, identities, and histories.

🖤💛❤️ During NAIDOC Week, we pay deep respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Custodians of this land, knowledge holders, truth-tellers, and community leaders.

We honour ongoing connection to Country, resilience in the face of injustice, and the incredible contributions that are made to our collective story.

May this week inspire reflection, learning, and action because reconciliation lives in the everyday moments too.

10/07/2025

18/05/2025

New Feathery Faces on the Team! 🐔

We are so excited to officially welcome Ice and Snowflake to our Animal Assisted Therapy Team!

These two gorgeous, fluffy ladies have settled in beautifully and are already bringing smiles, calmness, and connection to those they meet. Chickens can be incredibly grounding companions, helping us practice mindfulness, emotional regulation, and even a little laughter as they explore and interact with us.

We can’t wait for you to meet them soon.

Welcome to the team, Ice and Snowflake! 🐔❄️

08/04/2025

🐴 Horse Team Self-Care Day!

Our amazing horse team had a well-deserved treat this week—relaxing massages with Megan from Megan Simpson Equestrian, to help care for their hardworking bodies and calm their minds. Just like us, horses carry physical and emotional tension, and need to spend time looking after themselves as well.

Taking time to look after their wellbeing helps them stay happy, healthy, and ready to do the incredible work they do.

A gentle reminder: If the horses can pause for some self-care... so can we.

Whether it’s a walk, a deep breath, a chat with someone you trust, or simply taking 5 minutes to rest—your mind and body deserve care, too.

Let’s follow our four-legged friends' lead and make self-care a priority this week. 🐎
Jess and The Team

28/03/2025

The Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is making waves in mental health care, offering incredible benefits for those dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more! Here's how it helps:

💖 Emotional Support: Animals provide unconditional companionship, reducing loneliness and boosting well-being.

🌟 Stress Reduction: Spending time with animals lowers stress and promotes relaxation by boosting feel-good hormones!

🧠 Increased Engagement: Animals can motivate clients to actively participate in therapy, especially for those resistant to traditional methods.

👥 Better Social Skills: For those with anxiety or autism, animals help improve communication and build confidence.

💪 Building Trust: Animals help rebuild trust and emotional resilience, especially after trauma.

From horses to dogs, and even goats, animals are changing the way we support mental health. 🐶🐴

Have you experienced the healing power of animals? Share your story below! 👇
Reach out to Jess and the Team on admin@scsws.com.au

10/03/2025

🌧️ Important Update: Session Cancellations 🌪️

Due to Cyclone Alfred and ongoing flooding in the Nambour region, all sessions have been cancelled until Wednesday for the safety of our clients, staff, animals and community.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the severe weather. Please take care and prioritize your well-being during this time.

Self-Care Tips During Severe Weather:
✅ Stay indoors and keep connected with loved ones.
✅ Engage in calming activities like music, art, or reading.
✅ Prepare essential items, including medications and emergency supplies.
✅ Stay informed through reliable sources like BOM (www.bom.gov.au) and local council updates.

Who to Call for Support:
📞 SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500 (For storm damage, fallen trees, and flooding assistance)
📞 Emergency Services: 000 (For life-threatening situations)
📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 (For crisis support and mental health assistance)
📞 DV Connect (Domestic Violence Support): 1800 811 811 (24/7 confidential support)
📞 Local Council: Sunshine Coast Council

We appreciate your understanding and will provide updates as soon as possible. Stay safe, and take care! Jess and The Team 💙

06/03/2025

🚨 Service Closure Notice Cyclone Alfred Update 🚨

Due to Cyclone Alfred, SCSWS will be closed from Thursday to Saturday for everyone’s safety. 🌪️ We will review our reopening date after Saturday and provide updates as soon as possible.

Our animal team is safe, prepared, and well cared for during this time. Our goat and horse team have tags with our contact details and the chooks will come inside in a pen. 🐾❤️

For emergency assistance, contact SES (132 500) or 000 for life-threatening situations. Stay informed via:
📌 Bureau of Meteorology
📌 Sunshine Coast Council
📌 Get Ready Queensland

Stay safe, and we’ll update you soon! 💙