CASPA's esteemed Allied Health team made a significant impact at this year's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Symposium on the Gold Coast. Michael Manning, Executive Director and leader of CASPA's Allied Health team, had the privilege of presenting two sessions to an international audience of mental health professionals.
In the first session, Michael conducted a workshop focusing on the profound influence of neurodiversity and trauma on the emotional regulation development of young children. The workshop, attended by approximately 200 participants, featured interactive activities such as emotional bingo, creating a shared language for non-verbal expression, and guided meditation. It provided a valuable platform for professionals to gain insights and practical strategies in supporting children and their emotional well-being.
Michael's second presentation centered around CASPA's remarkable journey of recovery following the devastating floods that struck Lismore in 2022. He discussed the incredible efforts of the entire CASPA team in the immediate aftermath of the flood and the ongoing support provided at the Wellbeing Hub, collaboratively established and managed by our education team and other community organizations. This presentation delved into the lessons learned from this experience, highlighting best practices for disaster preparedness and management, as well as the Hobfoll principles for promoting Community Resilience and Recovery.
Both sessions shared invaluable insights gleaned from CASPA's Allied Health team, who are at the forefront of providing crucial support to children, young people, and families impacted by trauma. Their expertise and dedication contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of those they serve.
Another standout presenter from CASPA Services was Emma Blackburn, a proud Dharug woman who works directly with Indigenous children in out-of-home care. Emma's presentation focused on the profound impact of intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous children as a legacy of colonization. She fearlessly shared her family's experiences with the out-of-home care system and her own growth as a mother and senior therapeutic practitioner. Emma's storytelling skilfully weaved in the life stories of her ancestors, providing real-world examples of how these experiences shape her worldview. Her presentation also offered practical strategies for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Emma's powerful and insightful perspective was highly regarded and left a lasting impression on the audience.
The CASPA team's presentations were met with great enthusiasm and appreciation by the conference attendees. The organizers themselves considered them to be highlights of the event. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in the next conference in 2025. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Symposium, organized by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association, is a biennial event that serves as an educational platform for professionals in the field, fostering learning and collaboration.
