Dealing with Climate Anxiety through Nature Mindfulness (for Young People)

Banyule Loves...Connection!

Reconnect with yourself, others, and the natural world in this in-person workshop designed to inspire and support young people

This no-cost workshop is part of the new Banyule Loves...Workshop Series.

This workshop will be a reflective and interactive session for young people (ages 13-25) to explore their inner worlds, connect with each other, and deepen their relationship with the natural environment. Facilitated by Psychology for a Safe Climate, we will create a safe and supportive space to explore emotions such as climate anxiety and grief, and find inspiration for taking personal action. This workshop uses imagination and creativity to approach meaningful topics. 

All young people aged 13-25 are welcome, and no prior experience is needed.

Each participant will receive their own nature journal to take home.

Afternoon tea will be provided, so please note dietary needs during registration.

What to expect:

• Set the vibe - Establish group agreements and check in with a moment of connection.
• Dive into Climate Emotions – Explore eco-anxiety and climate grief in a supportive space.
• Reflective Wander & Object Collection - Take a mindful stroll, find a natural object that speaks to you, and bring it back for an art piece.
  
• Collage & Drawing - Channel your climate emotions into a shared creative practice.
• The Web of Life – Engage in an interactive outdoor game that reveals our deep connections to each other and the planet.
• Reflections & Next Steps – What insight or action will you carry forward from today?

Leave feeling inspired, connected, and empowered!

General notes: 

• We will be both indoors and outdoors so please dress for the weather and bring sun protection. 
• Please bring a reusable water bottle and keep-cup.
• If you're unwell on the day, please stay home to protect others.
  

Accessibility notes:

This venue includes accessibility accommodations such as:

• 1 accessible parking spaces which is 3m x 4.5m in size.
• 39-metre distance on parking asphalt and concrete path to reach entry.
• There is ramp access from the path into the hall.
• The venue and toilets are accessible to people with wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
• Tactile features for vision impairment (entry and toilets).

Some additional considerations include:

• The door at the entry is a manual (swinging) single door, less than 850mm wide.
• Parking is shared with the Sporting Pavilion and Banyule Theatre.

The Banyule Loves...Workshop Series explores the lost art of sustainable, climate-resilient living. The series celebrates the things about Banyule which our community loves- from gardening to connecting to Country to saving money on our energy bills. These workshops will upskill community members while connecting participants to like-minded neighbours. Attendees are entered in a drawing for a prize for participating in each workshop, with the drawing held at the annual wrap-up celebration and showcase event in November. Each attendee will receive a certification of completion for the workshops they attend. 

This workshop takes place during the Kulin season of Waring (Wombat). Waring (wombats) emerge from their burrows to enjoy the warmth of the sun and graze, a change from their summertime nocturnal behaviour. Waring burrowing behaviour has an important role in our natural ecosystems, aiding in improving soil health by cycling natural nutrients to the surface and softening compacted soils to allow seedlings to mix when they wouldn’t normally be able to. Waring burrows provide protection and shelter to other native species, both from fires and non-native predators. The most common wombat species in Victoria is the Bare-nosed Wombat.



Banyule City Council is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as traditional custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the region's history.

Our community is made up of diverse cultures, beliefs, abilities, bodies, sexualities, ages and genders. We are committed to access, equity, participation and rights for everyone: principles which empower, foster harmony and increase the wellbeing of an inclusive community.