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What does it mean to be "vulnerable?" A short blog with Kirstie
A commonly accepted definition of "vulnerability" is a "state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally."
The fact is (ok, maybe not a fact, my opinion actually, but "fact" has a certain ring to it ...), many of us still see "vulnerable" as the antithesis of "courage". It has really got me thinking recently, especially given I have related to both the type of person traditionally described as "vulnerable" ๐คand to the group of attributes people relate to vulnerability.
However, when we generally interpret according to the definition above, you will see that we are all vulnerable; that we all get wounded and/or have the propensity to be wounded (even if it is in different ways and/or at different ratios).
What sets us apart is our diversity in our practices of sharing of that vulnerability. What we are finally learning, I hope ๐ค, is that is totally ok to apply the same revere, traditionally withheld for only those who privately and with stoicism handle their vulnerabilities, to those who now openly share theirs; with courage and for the benefit of not only their own healing, but those with whom they walk their journeys.
Seeing "vulnerability" as pertaining to only a certain group of people and/or as only alive and kicking in certain personality attributes is an outdated philosophy that is still ingrained in our formal systems and slowly changing ๐ข. It paints those of us with mental health related challenges as inherently unwell and in need of saving; certainly not as being able to control our own recoveries.
At APTF Inc. we are grateful, despite its challenges, to be a part of the newer services recognising that "vulnerability" is something we all share (common humanity) and through sharing our vulnerabilities and courageously voicing our narratives, we are not only helping ourselves but also helping others to heal.
We are building a community where isolation is decreased, a shared healing is evolving and where we lead our own recoveries, supporting each other, while also working with services and not having services work for us.
โThe difficult thing is that vulnerability is the first thing I look for in you and the last thing Iโm willing to show you. In you, itโs courage and daring. In me, itโs weakness.โ โ Brene Brown Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest of our news... Kirstie
What else? Remember we invite guest contributors for our newsletter. Reach out if you want to share your living/lived experience.
Next newsletter we will hear from a former Workforce Peer, Lachie ๐ and see what he has been up to lately.
๐ฅ๐Oh, and don't forget that we are willing to share our office and group spaces with other community related businesses. We'd love you to join us and all you have to do is throw a few ๐ค๐ค toward our rent.
There is also a recent social media post (with same photo as above) sharing a little bit more about me (for those of you newer to our A Path To Follow Inc. community.
And keep an eye out for the start to our ๐Ormond Junior FC ๐ Peer Program for season 2023. We hope to announce some positive and self sustaining changes... Walking with You ๐ฃ๐
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A Path To Follow Inc.
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Oh, I nearly forgot! Have I told you already? Ah, it doesn't matter if I have, you can hear it again. The Inc. bit after our name now means we are registered as a Not For Profit Incorporated Association? Yep! We will share our Directors with you formally in our next edition, but here is a sneak peek. And P.S Amy, Congratulations of getting married!!!!
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Youth Peer Support
We are not quite ready to share more about our newest recruits yet. We are hosting our orientation on Feb 21st, where we will officially welcome approximately 8 new Youth Peer Support Workers ๐. We are so excited. We've now got Balaclava, Sunshine West, North Melbourne, Frankston, Clyde, Mount Waverly, Caulfield and more areas covered.
Now is a great time to reach out if you are thinking about a young person who could benefit from the support of a young adult with living experience.
Email: info@apathtofollow.com.au to find out more or to refer.
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Sporting Peer Program
Ormond Cricket Club ๐๐๐ We are super pleased to announce a community partnership with our local Ormond Cricket Club.
The partnership ๐คwill enable a supported planning and implementation of a project focusing on Ormond CC enhancing its model to ensure it is not just a club that is successful on the pitch, but off the pitch and sustained into the future.
Ormond CC are in a unique space right now, with their foresight to identify the importance of creating and maintaining a safe space for all aged members; to sustain connection to the community, in turn contributing meaningfully to community wellbeing.
Oh, for those who are worried about this taking away from Ormondโs competitive edge? Rest assured: people who enjoy their sports, have positive self-worth and in sum, positive wellbeing, are also more productive sports players and community members, with increased capacities to lead and drive teams toward success.
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Things we loved this month |
#NavigatingHealth
I had the opportunity to share what we do via a recent "Navigating Health" live session. Their vision is "Enabling the Right Patient, Right Care, Right Time, Every Time". We are 100% behind that that vision. A great opportunity to connect with other services also trying to enhance the experiences of health users.
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Bridge It
We are super, super grateful to have engaged in a partnership with Bridgit, with Juliette attending there weekly to run Art Group with their residents. ๐จJuliette is available to attend other settings in a similar way and provide service in our offices.
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Sayf App
Sayf allows you to check in with those who care about you, and let them know when you are okay, and when you are not. Sayf has been developed by a Melbourne app by a Melbournian with living experience. Worth Checking out. https://youaresayf.com.au/
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Partnership Training
We are also excited to announce that A Path To Follow Inc. has been the chosen provider to deliver training to the very important Coordinators and Volunteers of TeamsSports4All.
We will provide essential information pertaining to common life challenges families face. Very excited and grateful for the opportunity.
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