At Sheltered by Grace, we believe that lasting change begins with connection.
On Friday 26 June, we were privileged to welcome community members, support coordinators, allied health professionals, frontline workers, local organisations, and advocates to our Mental Health Morning Tea & Networking Event at Bethania Community Centre.
The morning was about more than simply discussing mental health. It was about creating a space where people could learn from one another, build relationships, and strengthen the networks that help individuals and families thrive.
Bringing the Community Together
Mental health impacts every part of our community, and no one organisation can address it alone.
That's why we believe collaboration matters.
Our Mental Health Morning Tea brought together people from across the community sector who share a common goal: supporting individuals to build healthier, more connected, and more independent lives.
The conversations throughout the morning demonstrated the value of bringing different perspectives together. From lived experience to clinical practice, each person contributed insights that challenged, encouraged, and inspired others.
Sharing Knowledge That Makes a Difference
We were honoured to hear from an outstanding panel of speakers who shared their expertise and experience across a range of important topics, including:
- mental health and recovery
- addiction and rehabilitation
- neurodiversity
- domestic and family violence
- community partnerships
- practical approaches to supporting wellbeing
Each presentation reinforced an important message: meaningful support is built through understanding, compassion, accountability, and genuine human connection.
Rather than focusing solely on challenges, our speakers highlighted hope, resilience, and the practical ways individuals and communities can work together to create positive outcomes.
Conversations That Matter
One of the most valuable parts of the morning was seeing meaningful conversations unfold around every table.
Using our Mental Health Conversation Starter Cards, attendees connected with people outside their usual networks, shared experiences, explored different perspectives, and discussed practical ways to strengthen support across our community.
These conversations reminded us that some of the most powerful learning happens when people simply take the time to listen.
Stronger Together
The networking session created opportunities for new partnerships and strengthened existing relationships between organisations committed to supporting vulnerable members of our community.
At Sheltered by Grace, we know that sustainable change is rarely achieved by one organisation working alone.
It happens when services collaborate, resources are shared, and people work together with a common purpose.
Every new connection made during the event represents another opportunity to improve outcomes for those we collectively serve.
Thank You
We extend our sincere thanks to every speaker who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and passion.
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated in discussions, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to such a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
We are also incredibly grateful to our valued community partner, Bethania Community Centre, for once again providing a wonderful venue and supporting opportunities that bring our community together.
Hearing From Our Community
One of the highlights following the event has been reading the reflections shared by attendees.
Vickie Berzins captured the spirit of the morning beautifully in her LinkedIn post, reflecting on the value of collaboration, shared learning, and strengthening community connections to improve mental health outcomes.
We encourage you to read her reflections here:
Continuing the Conversation
The Mental Health Morning Tea may be over, but the conversations don't stop here.
At Sheltered by Grace, we remain committed to creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether through community events, partnerships, support programs, or everyday conversations, we believe that strong communities are built when people invest in one another.
Because real change doesn't happen through awareness alone.
It happens when people come together, build relationships, share knowledge, and take action.
Thank you for being part of that journey. We look forward to continuing the conversation with you.