Mental Wellbeing & The Relief of Suffering

Join us Wednesday night, 11 March for a live panel discussion:

Mental Wellbeing & The Relief of Suffering

Amid increasing rates of medication for mental illness, for things like depression and ADHD, and increasing aggression and division in politics and public discussion, people have sought different ways to relieve their own unease and distress, and to help others in a modern world where many are clearly in distress. What we can learn from them?

Join us for a compelling panel with an exercise physiologist, a practicing Buddhist, a positive psychologist and a registered psychologist on Wednesday, March 11. Held at The Base in Newcastle West and facilitated by Alex Morris, we aim to offer strategies and techniques from different experts to help us all learn about ways to relieve unease in our private lives and distress at the state of our society.

After the conversation with the guests, we will open the conversation up to the audience.

Common Ground’s Mission Statement

Worried by the heated and divisive state of public discussion today, Common Ground's Mission Statement is to build a conversational community to facilitate productive discussion and critical thinking about complex and controversial issues. People with different opinions and perspectives are welcome. Common Ground is a place to share and a space to listen.

Come along. Learn something new, make a friend! BYOB. (Bring Your Own Brain).

When & Where

Wednesday, 11 March at The Base Health, 3 Tudor St, Newcastle West.

Doors open from 6:15pm for 6:45pm start. We aim to wrap up by 8:30pm.
Tea and coffee available.

Meet the Speakers!

Jacinta Durney - Exercise Physiologist

Jacinta has been working as an Exercise Physiologist for over 10 years, working with various populations and needs. Jacinta is currently undertaking a PhD that explores the effects of physical activity on mental health and gut health in people with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), which includes conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

As an exercise physiologist, Jacinta collaborates with various people to restore function and healthy movement patterns, and help manage chronic conditions. Jacinta has a passion for physical movement's fundamental role in maintaining psychological health, which spills over into being able to foster states of happiness. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-rose-durney-5292a6118/

Declan Edwards - Positive Psychologist

Declan Edwards is a happiness expert and the founder of BU Happiness College, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to teaching the practical skills and science of happiness.

A researcher with a Masters Degree in Applied Positive Psychology, Declan has shared his evidence-based insights with leading organisations including the United Nations, TEDx, PwC, Red Cross, and the NSW Department of Education.

He is also the author of the upcoming book, How To Be Happy (available now for preorder), which translates cutting edge happiness research into actionable daily habits. Ultimately, Declan is driven by the hope that his work creates a ripple effect, making the world as a whole just a little bit happier.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college/

https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/

Link to Pre-Order Book: https://amzn.to/3OieywQ

TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p3g6jNEmOg

Jane Gray - Buddhist Meditation Teacher, former senior health executive

Former Chairperson - Rigpa Australia | Non-Executive Director & Deputy Chair - The Healthy Communities Foundation Australia

Jane is a connector who loves helping people and organisations build stronger, safer, more compassionate communities. She is a non-executive director for organisations which improve health, education and social outcomes. She is a committed meditation practitioner and loves yoga.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-gray-504a071a/

Rigpa Australia - Newcastle https://rigpa.org.au/rigpa-newcastle/

Michelle Heaton - Registered Psychologist

Michelle’s passions focus on trauma, PTSD, grief & loss, depression & anxiety disorders, life changes & relationship issues.

With 20 years of experience as a psychologist across Australia, including Central Australia, Michelle specialises in trauma-informed practices across a range of modalities and has spent many years working in the hospital and healthcare system as both an individual and group therapist.

She is passionate about helping people reach their potential in all areas of life and works with individuals experiencing trauma, depression & anxiety disorders, life changes, grief & loss and relationship issues. Michelle is also familiar with culturally proficient mental health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

https://michelleheaton.com.au/

Moderator Alex Morris is a writer, MC and events organiser. Originally from the States, she's lived in Newcastle for over a decade and hosts and runs many interesting and fun events. She loves throwing/attending a good party and equally adores intelligent, thought-provoking conversation. Learn more about Alex by reading her Substack Newsletter, The Weekly Write. 

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