By Michelle Byrne
The Women’s Wellness Hub, an initiative of the Mind Connections Foundation offers a place for women to come together, to make new friends, share resources, learn new skills and ultimately find a place to belong.
The aim of the Women’s Wellness hub is to promote positive health outcomes, both physically and mentally by offering weekly wellnessfocused and information sessions that encourage social cohesion and reduce social isolation amongst women.
Every week a different activity is run from canvas painting to dance to tai chi to harmony day celebrations and luncheons as well as drop-in sessions, an annual weekend retreat, ukulele lessons and everything else in between. There is literally something for all women to engage with and enjoy at the Women’s Wellness Hub and it is a place I also enjoy visiting.
Although there are activities planned, the main draw card for the Women’s Wellness Hub is the opportunity to also sit enjoy a cup of coffee and piece of cake and chat to other women from across the Hills and from different age groups.
For many of the women who regularly attend, the Women’s Wellness Hub has become an important part of their lives providing a huge social connection, friendships and a support network that helps with navigating the challenges that life throws at all of us.
Dr Padmini Howpage, Chair and Founder of the Mind Connections Foundation is proud of the difference the Women’s Wellness Hub, also known as the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire is making in the lives of women.
“We saw how popular the Men’s Sheds are and the important role these sheds are playing in reducing social isolation and ultimately mental health challenges and we wanted to create something similar for women” Dr Padmini Howpage said.
“The Women’s Wellness Hub is about bringing women together to reduce social isolation, to create friendships and connections with others and to have fun. I am proud of the difference Mind Connections Foundation is making in the community through the Wellness Hub and I hope more women will join us” she added.
The Mind Connections Foundation established in August 2020 aims to improve mental health and wellbeing of the Hills community through awareness programs and research and runs programs including Pawsitive Steps, mental health first aid courses, a men’s mental health program, research collaboration with Western Sydney University and of course the Women’s Wellness Hub.
The Women’s Wellness Hub is open to women of all ages and runs every Thursday between 12:30 and 2:30pm at the Community Hub located at Castle Towers.
For more information on the Women’s Wellness Hub and the Mind Connections Foundation go to
https://mindconnectionsfoundation.com.au
