EMPOWERED #23

Empowered 23

Queensland

V IE W P O IN T

Enhancing collaborative impact

The Children We Miss Today Become the Adults We Worry About Tomorrow Every September, we mark Child Protection Week and World Suicide Prevention Day. Two worthy causes. Two important conversations. Yet too often we treat them as separate issues when they are deeply connected.

We spend a lot of time asking why people are struggling. Why mental health challenges are rising? Why loneliness feels so widespread? Why some people reach a point where hope seems out of reach?

Perhaps a better question to ask is - what happened much earlier in their lives?

Behind many adult struggles are childhood experiences that were never addressed. A child who felt unsafe. A teenager who didn't feel seen. A young person carrying trauma, fear, neglect or isolation, that nobody noticed, or acted on.

Child protection isn't only about responding to danger. It's about creating the conditions where children can thrive. It's making sure every child knows they matter. It is building environments where every child feels valued, supported and connected.

And that is exactly where suicide prevention begins too. Not at the point of crisis.

Not in an emergency department. Not after a tragedy. It starts with belonging. It starts when a child has someone who listens. Someone who notices. Someone who shows up.

This month let us challenge the idea that child protection only belongs to specialists, and that suicide prevention only belongs to health professionals, and instead acknowledge they both belong to ALL of US! Please always remember - the children we overlook today do not disappear. They become the adults our communities worry about tomorrow. Consider that the most powerful form of prevention is making sure nobody grows up wondering if they, as a human being, matter.

Sandra Holebrook C E O - Tra u m a A s s i s s t

“ B u i l d i n g s a f e r c o m m u n i t i e s f ro m t h e g ro u n d u p”

Contents CHILD PROTECTION WEEK ............................................ 1 BENEFITS OF FOSTER CARING........................................ 3 SUICIDE - CHANGE THE NARRATIVE

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WHEN YOU MIND SAYS NO WAY OUT ........................... 6 SIGN LANGUAGE HAS A VOICE ..................................... 7 INVEST IN PEACE EVERYDAY ......................................... 8 DEMENTIA ...................................................................... 9 PROSTRATE AWARENESS .............................................. 11 CELEBRATING FATHERS DAY .........................................13 R U OK? ANY DAY ........................................................... 14 FASD, THE INVISABLE DISABILITY ................................. 15 LOVE BITES HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE............................16 WHAT ARE MICRO JOYS? ...............................................17 EMOTIONAL ADDICTION ................................................18 LIFE WITH DOGS AND CATS .......................................... 19 BRAIN FOOD FOR REAL LIFE ......................................... 20

Proudly Produced by Trauma ASSIST

EVERY CONVERSATION MATTERS, SHIFTING CONVERSATION TO ACTION NATIONAL CHILD WEEK FOCUS:

PROTECTION

Conversations can spark ideas, build understanding and encourage reflection. But meaningful change happens when those conversations lead to practical action that strengthens support for children and families.

National Child Protection Week helps turn conversation into action by bringing people across Australia together to share ideas, strengthen communities and prevent harm before it occurs. While the Week creates an important national moment, the campaign continues throughout the year, encouraging all of us to take steps that help children feel heard, valued, safe and supported.

By shifting conversation to action, we can help build communities where every child experiences real safety, care and protection.

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WHAT IS NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK?

National Child Protection Week (NCPW) brings Australians together to focus on how we can all help keep children and young people safe, supported and heard.

It is an opportunity to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect, share information and practical resources, amplify the voices of children and young people, and promote actions that strengthen families and communities and prevent harm before it occurs.

National Child Protection Week reminds us that protecting children is everyone’s business.

We all have a role to play – whether we are parents, carers, community members, educators, service providers, policymakers or neighbours.

By coming together, listening to children and young people, sharing ideas and turning conversation into action, we can strengthen the communities around children and families. We can also celebrate what is already working, while continuing to build environments where every child is valued, respected and able to thrive.

Queensland

LISTENING MATTERS. WHAT WE DO MATTERS MORE TAKING VIEWS SERIOUSLY

For many years, child protection conversations have focused on awareness, recognising abuse, encouraging children to speak up and reminding communities that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. These conversations remain essential, but meaningful prevention requires deliberate action.

LISTEN, THEN RESPOND

Giving children a voice means more than asking what they think. It means allowing their experiences and ideas to influence the environments, services and decisions that affect them.

When children tell us what makes them feel safe, uncomfortable or unheard, adults should consider what needs to change.

Listening builds trust. Acting on what we hear shows children their voice has value.

ACT BEFORE CRISIS

Child protection is often associated with responding after harm has occurred.

Prevention means acting earlier.

Families experiencing financial pressure, isolation, housing instability or other challenges may need support long before reaching crisis point. Connecting families with practical help, services and community support can strengthen the environments around children.

SAFER ENVIRONMENTS

Schools, sporting clubs, community groups and organisations need more than child-safety policies.

Safety should be reflected in recruitment, screening, training, codes of conduct, risk management, complaint processes and how concerns are handled. Children and young people should also have a meaningful say in the places and programs designed for them.

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES

Protecting children is not the responsibility of one service or profession.

Families, neighbours, educators, businesses, health professionals, community organisations and governments all contribute to a child’s environment.

Strong communities notice when families need support, challenge unsafe behaviour and make it easier for people to ask for help.

SPEAK UP

Action can also mean responding when something does not feel right — challenging inappropriate behaviour, seeking advice, reporting concerns or supporting someone who discloses harm.

Ultimately, shifting conversation to action means turning good intentions into changed behaviour, earlier support, stronger organisations and safer communities.

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OPENING YOUR HEART AND HOME:

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A FOSTER CARER

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. For many children, however, this isn’t their reality due to circumstances beyond their control.

Becoming a foster carer not only changes the life of a child, it enriches your own in countless ways.

THE BENEFITS FOR FOSTER CARERS Foster care is as rewarding as it is challenging. Carers often describe a deep sense of purpose, knowing they are making a tangible difference in a young person’s life. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community, build meaningful relationships, and model stability and kindness for children who may never have experienced it before. Many carers also find personal growth through fostering—developing patience, resilience, empathy, and an appreciation for life’s small milestones. For some families, it strengthens bonds as they work together to support a child. For individuals, it opens doors to connection and a strong sense of belonging in the foster care community.

THE BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN Foster care provides children with safety, stability, and the opportunity to heal from difficult circumstances. Living with a carer gives them a chance to experience routines, education, and nurturing that may have been missing in their lives. A foster home can also restore a child’s sense of self-worth— teaching them that they are valued, cared for, and capable of building healthy relationships. Over time, this security can lay the foundation for stronger mental health, better educational outcomes, and hope for a brighter future.

Foster care is more than temporary accommodation; it’s a chance to create lasting change, one child at a time.

A SHARED JOURNEY Every smile, every step forward, and every moment of trust gained is proof of the difference a foster carer makes. By opening your heart and your home, you’re not only giving children a safe place today—you’re helping shape the adults they’ll become tomorrow.

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Queensland

COULD YOU BE THE ONE? Foster carers come from all walks of life.

But no matter who they are, carers all have one thing in common. Foster carers have a place in their hearts for a child who needs support and understanding.

Fostering starts with care. It's not always easy, but training and support is available.

Fostering needs people with extraordinary hearts. People just like you.

Foster carers provide care in their own homes for children and young people who they are not related to biologically, for short or long periods of time.

KINSHIP CARERS Kinship carers are related to the child or may be members of a child's community and considered family or close friends.

They may be grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives or friends. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, relative care may include another Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander who is a member of, or compatible with the child's community or language group.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Life Without Barriers suggests considering whether you can tick some of these important boxes: You are over 18 and ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a child.

You have the time and space in your home for another child.

Your household is supportive and willing to be part of the fostering journey.

You are financially stable and able to manage your household responsibilities.

You are willing to complete background and safety checks.

You can provide patience, stability and understanding, particularly when a child is dealing with difficult feelings or experiences.

You are prepared to help children maintain important family connections and, where appropriate, support their safe return home.

You can make a child feel included as part of your household while they are in your care.

You can rent or own your home, be single or partnered, and come from any cultural or family background.

MORE INFORMATION

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Sometimes the most important conversation is the one we are afraid to start. World Suicide Prevention Day is held every 10 September, bringing people, communities and organisations around the world together with one powerful message: suicide can be prevented.

The 2026 theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, challenges us to change the way we think, speak and respond to suicide — moving away from silence, stigma and misunderstanding towards openness, empathy and support.

Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, with every death affecting families, friends, workplaces and communities. Behind every statistic is a person, and behind that person is a story we may never fully know.

GLOBAL ACTION: GLOBAL ACTION: PEOPLE PEOPLE AROUND AROUND THE THE WORLD ARE WORLD ARE ENCOURAGED ENCOURAGED TO TO LIGHT LIGHT AA CANDLE NEAR CANDLE NEAR AA WINDOW WINDOW AT AT 8:00 8:00 PM PM ON ON 10 SEPTEMBER 10 SEPTEMBER TO TO SHOW SHOW SUPPORT, SUPPORT, REMEMBER LOST REMEMBER LOST LOVED LOVED ONES, ONES, AND AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS. SUPPORT SURVIVORS. 5

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E T G HE N A H C NARRATIVE

We sometimes avoid asking someone if they are struggling because we fear saying the wrong thing or making things worse.

Talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase them. Listening without judgement, showing compassion and helping someone connect with support can create space for a person to feel heard rather than alone.

Changing the narrative also goes beyond individual conversations. It means building communities where asking for help is accepted, improving access to care and ensuring suicide prevention remains a priority for governments, workplaces, services and communities.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, perhaps start with something simple: Ask. Listen. Stay present.

Sometimes letting someone know, “I’m here, and I’m listening,” can be an important first step towards support.

Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) 24/7 online counselling Lifeline (13 11 14): Crisis and suicide prevention Queensland

when your mind says there’s no way out UNDERSTANDING THE THOUGHTS AND GETTING THROUGH THE MOMENT Suicidal thoughts don’t always arrive as one dramatic moment. Sometimes they build quietly when life has felt too heavy for too long. A person may feel exhausted, trapped, disconnected or convinced they have become a burden.

The thoughts can sound like: “I can’t keep doing this.”

“Nothing is going to change.”

“Everyone would be better without me.”

“I just want the pain to stop.”

In that moment, those thoughts can feel very real. But suicidal thoughts can come and go, and they do not have to be acted on. What feels unbearable now may change, sometimes within hours.

A suicide safety plan can give you something practical to follow when thinking becomes overwhelming.

It might include your warning signs, things that help calm or distract you, people you trust, places you feel safe, reasons to keep going and professional support contacts.

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

When everything feels too much, you don’t need to solve your whole life.

Make the goal smaller.

Try getting through the next 10 minutes. If the feeling is still there, focus on another 10. Suicidal urges can come in waves and may reduce in intensity.

Move somewhere you feel safer or spend time with someone you trust.

Let someone know you are struggling.

Walking, sitting outside, listening to music, spending time with a pet, breathing slowly or focusing on what you can see and hear can help bring you back to the present.

The aim isn’t to suddenly feel better. It is to create some space between the thought and acting on it.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs when you are struggling, as they can make thoughts and emotions harder to manage. If possible, remove or safely store anything you may use to harm yourself and ask someone you trust to stay with you.

The Lifeline Beyond Now tool can help you create a personalised safety plan, ideally with someone you trust or a health professional.

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EVERY HAND HAS A VOICE CELEBRATING AUSLAN, INCLUSION AND THE RIGHT TO COMMUNICATE On 23 September, International Day of Sign Languages recognises the importance of sign languages and the right of Deaf people around the world to communicate, participate and access information in ways that work for them.

But the day also gives us an opportunity to better understand what it can mean to live with deafness or hearing loss.

In Australia, an estimated 2.4 million people — 9.6% of the population were living with partial or complete deafness or hearing loss (ABS).

Hearing loss becomes increasingly common with age, with approximately 1.3 million Australians aged 65 and over — almost one in three — experiencing deafness or hearing loss.

BEING DEAF DOESN’T LOOK THE SAME FOR EVERYONE

Some people are born deaf, while others lose hearing through illness, injury, noise exposure or ageing.

People may describe themselves as deaf, hard of hearing or hearing impaired. Others identify culturally as Deaf, with a capital D, reflecting a connection to shared language, community and culture rather than viewing deafness simply as a medical condition or disability.

ACCESS IS ABOUT MORE THAN HEARING Everyday situations that hearing people rarely think twice about making a phone call, attending an appointment, watching a video, joining a meeting or hearing an emergency announcement can become difficult when communication isn’t accessible.

Inclusion might mean providing an Auslan interpreter, captions or transcripts, using visual alerts, facing a person when speaking or allowing another way to communicate.

Sometimes the simplest approach is also the best, ask the person what works for them.

International Day of Sign Languages celebrates signing, but its bigger message is one of communication, choice and belonging.

Not everyone who is deaf uses sign language, and not everyone who uses Auslan is deaf.

For many culturally Deaf Australians, however, Auslan — Australian Sign Language is their first or preferred language. The 2021 Census recorded more than 16,000 Australians using Auslan at home.

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Each year on 21 September, the world marks the International Day of Peace — a United Nations observance dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace through 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire.

The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” asks us to think about peace as more than the absence of war. Peace is also the experience of safety, dignity, opportunity and cooperation in everyday life.

The United Nations is using this year to recognise the “everyday architects of peace” people who are creating change in their communities, supporting others, building understanding and helping make their neighbourhoods safer and more connected.

PEACE IN ACTION

Giving your time to help someone. Speaking up against discrimination. Supporting a cause that creates positive change. Listening to people whose experiences are different from your own. Sharing stories of hope rather than division.

The UN also encourages communities to host intergenerational Peace Circles, youth-led conversations that explore practical solutions and give younger people a voice in building a more peaceful future. Because sometimes, meaningful change begins with one small action that brings people closer together.

International Day of

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International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. In 2001, the Day was formally designated as a period of non-violence and ceasefire. More than four decades later, its message remains deeply relevant.

Peace may be negotiated by leaders, but it is also shaped in classrooms, workplaces, homes and communities. In Australia, we can help build it by choosing respect, challenging discrimination, supporting inclusion and making space for different voices to be heard.

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Queensland

DEMENTIA: WHAT IS IT?

IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA

Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges facing Australian families today. As our population ages, more households are impacted—often in deeply personal and emotional ways.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE

Dementia is not a single disease, but a group of symptoms caused by brain disorders. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, but others include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.

Common symptoms include: Memory loss Confusion about time or place Difficulty with language problem-solving Mood or personality changes Trouble completing daily tasks

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Dementia is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time.

WHAT CAN HELP Seek Professional Support: Talk to a GP, specialist, or memory clinic.

Establish Routines: Predictability helps reduce anxiety.

Use Memory Aids: Calendars, notes, and labels support daily living.

Stay Connected: Music, touch, and shared activities help maintain emotional bonds.

Care for the Carer: Taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout.

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Emotional Strain: Watching a loved one change can be heartbreaking.

Communication Difficulties: Simple conversations may become frustrating.

Practical Caregiving: Managing hygiene, meals, medications, and appointments becomes a daily task.

Safety Concerns: Risks like wandering or forgetting medications are common.

Carer Burnout: Many family members feel overwhelmed or guilty for needing rest.

SUPPORT Dementia Australia – 1800 100 500 Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 Local Support Groups – Talking with others facing similar experiences can ease loneliness.

Queensland

September 21-29th is Dementia Action Week. It's a time when organizations like Dementia Australia raise awareness about dementia, challenge the stigma surrounding it, and promote support for those affected. The month also highlights the importance of research and support services for people living with dementia and their families.

With an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are dementia touches someone you know. In Queensland alone, an estimated 88,200 people are living with dementia.

INSIDE THE MIND:

What it feels like to live with Dementia When we think of dementia, we often focus on memory loss or confusion.

But behind the symptoms, there’s a person who still feels, remembers moments, and senses connection— even as their world shifts.

Early Awareness In the early stages, many people know something is changing. They may forget names, lose their train of thought, or feel like their mind is in a fog. These moments often bring frustration, fear, or embarrassment, as they become aware of the gaps in memory.

👂 What They Still Understand

Even as words and memories fade, emotions stay strong. A person with dementia may forget what was said— but not how it made them feel.

Kindness, tone of voice, and body language speak louder than ever.

Good Days Still Happen Dementia isn’t constant decline. There are still moments of clarity like a song, a smell, or a photo can unlock vivid memories.

Families call these moments “windows” when a loved one feels fully present.

Living Between Two Worlds Many describe the feeling of moving between moments of clarity and confusion—two worlds that can be exhausting. Yet, love and respect still reach them, even when words do not.

The Human Side Remains Dementia affects memory, but not the heart. People still feel love, joy, sadness, and connection. They laugh.

They enjoy music. They respond to touch. They are still themselves, just experiencing the world differently.

A Reminder for Families Dementia changes what someone can do, but not who they are. Meet them with patience, empathy, and presence and you’ll still find moments of real, human connection.

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September is

Healthy Prostate

Prostate With Tumor

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER? Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate, a gland below the bladder. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause problems, while others can be more aggressive and spread. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, and early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. That is why understanding your risk and talking with your GP matters.

PROSTATE CANCER IN AUSTRALIA An estimated 28,868 Australian men were diagnosed in 2025 — about 30% of all new cancers diagnosed in men.

Approximately 1 in 5 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

The five-year relative survival rate is a very encouraging 96%.

An estimated 3,975 Australian men died from prostate cancer in 2025 — close to 11 men every day.

SYMPTOMS (OFTEN QUIET IN EARLY STAGES) Early-stage prostate cancer may not present symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include: Frequent or sudden need to urinate.

Slow urine flow or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Needing to urinate frequently at night.

Blood in the urine or semen Unexplained weight loss Ongoing pain in the back, hips or pelvis.

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SCREENING & DIAGNOSIS IN AUSTRALIA Australia still does not have a national prostate cancer screening program, but new NHMRC-approved early detection guidelines were introduced in 2026.

From age 50–69, PSA testing every two years is recommended for those who choose testing after an informed discussion with their GP. People at higher risk may begin testing every two years from age 45. Higher-risk factors include a brother with prostate cancer, a father diagnosed before 65, certain family histories, Black subSaharan ancestry or a BRCA2 gene mutation.

For people aged 70 and over, testing is considered individually based on overall health and life expectancy.

One raised PSA result does not mean cancer. The test is usually repeated within 1–3 months. If it remains raised, referral to a specialist may follow, with an MRI recommended before any biopsy.

Queensland

PERSONAL JOURNEY:

PROSTATE CANCER At 51, Bob Holden felt completely healthy.

He had no symptoms suggesting prostate cancer.

A routine visit to his GP for gout medication changed everything. His doctor added a PSA test to his blood work, and further investigations revealed an aggressive prostate cancer.

Bob was stunned. He remembers feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether the results could really be his.

His thoughts quickly turned to his family and whether he would be there to see his daughter marry the following year.

Within a week, he underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy. After surgery, doctors told him the cancer had been close to spreading beyond the prostate.

Recovery took several weeks, but Bob returned to work and needed no further cancer treatment. Three years later, his PSA remained undetectable and he reported no complications.

Looking back, Bob feels grateful that his GP suggested the test when he did.

His experience is a reminder that early prostate cancer can cause no symptoms.

BOB HOLDEN

What Causes Prostrate Cancer?

Prostate cancer has no single known cause. Age, genetics and family history matter most, while excess weight may also increase risk.

What You Can Do Get tested early—especially if over 50 or with family history.

Talk to your GP about PSA testing— not all prostate cancers show symptoms.

Support awareness campaigns during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—every conversation counts.

Remember: Early diagnosis gives you more choices, better treatment paths, and a stronger chance of survival.

The Takeaway: Hope, Detection, and a Bright Future Not all prostate cancers are the same.

Many are slow-growing and manageable with medication and monitoring, avoiding surgery altogether. The key is regular PSA screening and evaluation by a urology specialist.

Support Groups

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DAD: THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE UNPAID UBER DRIVER

Celebrating Fatherhood

Father’s Day has a funny way of bringing out the best — and occasionally the strangest gift-giving.

There are the classic socks, the coffee mugs declaring WORLD’S BEST DAD, the barbecue tools he already owns and enough aftershave to last until next Father’s Day. Then there are the gifts only a child could think were absolutely perfect.

One dad recalls proudly receiving a rock his young daughter had found in the backyard. It was wrapped carefully in several layers of paper and presented like treasure. Another was handed a handmade voucher promising “one free lawn mow” — only to discover the fine print apparently required Dad to supply the mower, petrol and most of the actual mowing.

Then there’s the breakfast-in-bed tradition: cold toast, slightly questionable eggs, cereal overflowing with milk and coffee that could strip paint. Yet somehow, Dad eats every bite and declares it magnificent.

That may be the real magic of Father’s Day. Ask different men and you’ll get different answers. For some, being Dad means fixing things, solving problems and being the person everyone calls when something goes wrong.

But beneath the practical stuff is something bigger.

Being a dad means showing up, even when you’re tired. Passing on what your own father taught you — while sometimes choosing to do things differently.

It’s watching your children grow, wanting to protect them, then learning when to step back and let them find their own way.

One of fatherhood’s surprises is discovering your children keep teaching you. They teach patience, perspective and just how quickly time passes. And often, the moments that stay with you aren’t the big occasions.

They’re the ordinary ones — backyard games, long drives, shared jokes, quiet conversations and simply being there.

This Father’s Day, the best gift may not be something wrapped at all.

Sometimes, it’s just time together.

Queensland

Most of us have had a moment when we knew someone was not quite themselves. Maybe they had gone quiet, stopped turning up, seemed overwhelmed or simply felt different.

The difficult part is often knowing what to do next.

R U OK? DAY IS THURSDAY 10 SEPT We want Australians to remember that checking in with someone should not be limited to one day. Life happens every day, and sometimes the people closest to us are carrying far more than we realise.

WHAT IS R U OK? A National suicide prevention charity that helps ordinary people build the confidence and skills to support friends, family, colleagues and others who may be struggling. It is not a counselling or crisis service. Its focus is helping us recognise when someone may need support and feel comfortable starting a meaningful conversation.

8.8 people take their lives every day in Australia 7 million+ Australian adults are close to someone who has died by suicide or attempted suicide.

An estimated 55,000 Australians make a suicide attempt every year

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YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE ANSWERS R U OK? uses four simple steps: ASK R U OK? Choose a genuine moment and ask how they are going.

LISTEN Give them your attention. Do not rush, interrupt or judge.

ENCOURAGE ACTION Ask what might help and encourage them to connect with appropriate support if needed.

CHECK IN Come back to the conversation. A message or phone call later shows that you meant what you said.

You do not have to be a psychologist, counsellor or expert to care about someone.

You just need to notice, ask and be prepared to listen.

Because sometimes the most important thing we can give another person is the feeling that someone noticed and someone cares.

Current research says 9 in 10 people who were asked “Are you OK?” felt grateful, cared about and supported, while 1 in 4 people may hesitate to ask even when they think someone is struggling.

“ONE QUESTION CAN OPEN THE DOOR” HOW TO ASK

LIVING WITH FASD

INVISABLE DISABILITY A LIFELONG CONDITION THAT CAN LOOK DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability is caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. It affects the way the brain and body develop and can influence learning, behaviour, communication and everyday life.

FASD is often described as an invisible disability because many people have no obvious physical signs. The challenges may only become noticeable when greater demands are placed on a child at school, during adolescence or even into adulthood.

WHAT CAUSES FASD?

When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, it crosses the placenta and can interfere with the development of the baby’s brain and other organs.

The brain develops throughout pregnancy, which means alcohol exposure can cause harm at any stage. Australian health guidelines advise that there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and the safest option when pregnant or planning a pregnancy is not to drink alcohol.

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No two people with FASD are exactly the same. Depending on how the brain has been affected, someone may have difficulty with: Memory and remembering instructions Attention and concentration Learning and processing information Planning, organisation and problem-solving Managing emotions and behaviour Understanding consequences or social cues Communication and everyday tasks Coping with noise, change or busy environments A person may understand something one day but struggle to remember or apply it the next. Behaviour that can look like someone “not listening” or “not trying” may actually reflect how their brain processes information.

💫 Key Takeaway

With understanding, structure, patience and the right support, people with FASD can build on their strengths and participate meaningfully in school, work, relationships and community life.

Queensland

LOVE BITES

Helping young people build safer, healthier relationships Relationships can be exciting, confusing and difficult to navigate — especially while young people are still learning what respect, consent, boundaries and healthy communication look like.

Love Bites is NAPCAN’s Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people aged 11–17, with ageappropriate programs for junior and senior students.

LOVE BITES SENIOR For young people aged 15–17, Love Bites Senior uses a trauma responsive, strengths-based approach. Shaped by research with Australian Catholic University and the lived experiences of young survivors, it creates a safer space for honest discussion.

The Senior program explores five areas: respectful relationships, gender stereotypes, abuse in relationships, sex and consent, and speaking out, offering support and creating change.

It can be delivered as a full day or across several sessions, with NAPCAN encouraging a whole-school approach to respectful relationships education.

LOVE BITES JUNIOR Love Bites Junior is designed for young people aged 11–14 and is delivered across Years 7, 8 and 9.

The program builds progressively, exploring identity, emotions, consent, stereotypes, online safety, bullying, boundaries, respectful behaviour, healthy relationships and how to stand up for others.

The updated Junior program also reflects issues young people are navigating today, including coercive control, pornography, affirmative consent and the online world.

It gives younger students language to recognise pressure, set boundaries and seek help early.

Love Bites is delivered by trained facilitators in schools and community settings across Australia. Schools and organisations can submit an Expression of Interest through NAPCAN to bring the program to their young people, or register for facilitator training. In the Wide Bay Burnett region, Trauma Assist can also provide information about Love Bites delivery.

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EXPLORING MICRO WHY SMALL MOMENTS OF JOY MATTER MORE THAN WE THINK Happiness is not always a tropical holiday, winning the lottery or finally paying off the mortgage. Sometimes it is finding one Tim Tam left in the packet, getting every green light on the drive home, or climbing into bed with freshly washed sheets and thinking, this is living. These small moments are often called micro joys. They are the quick flashes of pleasure, comfort or amusement that show up in an otherwise ordinary day. And, they are everywhere.

It might be finding $20 in an old handbag, putting on jeans and realising they still fit, or having someone cancel plans you secretly didn’t want to attend anyway.

Maybe your dog chooses your lap, your favourite song comes on at exactly the right moment, or someone sends you a message that makes you laugh out loud.

None of these things will change your life, but they can definitely improve the next five minutes.

Joy also looks different for everyone.

For some people, it is gardening. For others, it is watching someone else do the gardening while they sit nearby with a coffee.

Even nostalgia can deliver a little burst of happiness. One old song can suddenly take you back twenty years to a time when your knees worked better and staying out until midnight seemed like a perfectly reasonable idea.

The point is not to pretend life is always wonderful. Some days are messy, tiring and best left behind.

But even on those days, there is often something small worth noticing.

A laugh. A great coffee. A ridiculous text. Five minutes of peace.

So keep an eye out for your own micro joys.

It might be a good meal, a long chat with a friend, ten quiet minutes before everyone else wakes up, or getting outside and feeling the sun on your face.

Because sometimes happiness really is finding the good biscuit before someone else does.

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EMOTIONAL ADDICTION

WHEN FEELINGS BECOME A HABIT We often think of addiction in terms of substances like alcohol or drugs, but emotions themselves can also become addictive. This lesser-known struggle is called emotional addiction — it can quietly shape our behaviours, relationships, and daily lives.

What Is Emotional Addiction?

Emotional addiction happens when the brain becomes wired to crave certain emotional states, whether positive or negative. Just like a chemical substance, emotions trigger the release of powerful neurochemicals such as dopamine, cortisol, or adrenaline. Over time, the brain learns to “seek out” situations that recreate those feelings, even if they’re harmful.

Common Patterns

Anger Addiction – constantly seeking arguments or outrage.

Stress Addiction – thriving on chaos, deadlines, or constant busyness.

Sadness Addiction – unconsciously drawn to memories or situations that trigger grief.

Drama & Conflict Cycles – repeating patterns in relationships that bring both highs and lows.

Why It Happens

Our brains love familiarity, even if it’s unhealthy. If we grew up in environments filled with conflict, neglect, or unpredictability, we may unknowingly recreate those emotional states in adulthood because they feel “normal.” This doesn’t mean people want to suffer, but their nervous system has learned to find comfort in the familiar chemical patterns emotions create.

Breaking the Cycle

Overcoming emotional addiction isn’t about suppressing feelings — it’s about learning healthier ways to regulate them. Key steps include: awareness, mindfulness & grounding: Practices like meditation, journaling, or breathwork can retrain your nervous system.

Healthy Alternatives, therapy & support.

A New Way Forward

When we understand how our emotions shape our choices, we can break free from unhealthy cycles and create new patterns that serve growth, connection, and wellbeing.

Healing comes when we stop being controlled by our feelings and start learning from them instead.

✨

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CATS

DOGS

who wins yours heart?

FOUR PAWS, PLENTY OF ATTITUDE, AND A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE

Ask someone whether they are a cat person or a dog person and you can start a surprisingly passionate debate.

Dog people love the enthusiasm. Walk through the front door after being gone for ten minutes and you are greeted like a war hero returning after three years.

Cats take a slightly different approach. You can return from a two week holiday and receive a look that says, “Oh. You’re back. Dinner is late.”

Yet whether your favourite companion barks, purrs, sheds on everything you own or somehow takes up three quarters of the bed, pets have an extraordinary way of becoming part of the family.

For adults, a pet can mean companionship after a long day, a reason to get outside, someone to talk to when nobody else is around, and a warm presence beside you when life feels a little heavy.

For children, pets can bring friendship, responsibility and some wonderful lessons about kindness and caring. They are often the patient audience for stories, secrets and childhood worries too.

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And pets have their own ideas about family life. There is the cat who ignores the expensive new bed and sleeps in the cardboard box it arrived in. Or the dog who hears the word walk from three rooms away and suddenly appears beside you before you have even found your shoes.

Then there is the universal pet rule: the moment you sit down wearing clean clothes, someone covered in fur needs a cuddle.

They also seem to know when something is wrong, quietly staying close when we are tired, upset, lonely or unwell.

But perhaps that is exactly why we love them. Pets don’t care about your bad hair day, your job title, how much money you earn or whether dinner came from a gourmet recipe or a takeaway container. They simply know you are their person.

Queensland

BRAIN FOOD FOR REAL LIFE NO BLENDER, SUPERFOOD POWDER OR SPARE HOUR REQUIRED

Scroll through social media and eating can look like a full time job. There are green smoothies with twelve ingredients, jars and bowls topped with superfoods. Wonderful if you have the time.

But what if you are running out the door, eating between appointments or wondering what to grab? The good news is that feeding your body well does not need to be complicated or expensive.

Good food supports concentration, energy, mood, sleep, health and overall wellbeing. Eating regularly can help you feel steadier through the day, rather than running on caffeine and good intentions.

GOOD ENOUGH IS STILL GOOD Frozen vegetables count. Canned beans count. Tinned fish counts. A sandwich counts. Healthy eating is not about perfection. It is about giving your body what it needs to function, think, move and feel well.

Food can be part of happiness. Sharing a meal, enjoying something you love or sitting down to eat can bring comfort and connection.

So forget the pressure to create the “brain bowl”.

GRAB IT AND GO Banana and a tub of yoghurt Fruit provides carbohydrate and fibre, while yoghurt adds protein and calcium. Cheap, filling and no preparation required.

Wholegrain sandwich or wrap Choose chicken, tuna, egg or cheese with salad where possible. A simple combination that gives you energy and helps keep you satisfied.

A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit Easy to keep in your bag or desk. Nuts provide protein and healthy fats, while fruit adds fibre and natural carbohydrate.

Boiled eggs and wholegrain crackers Quick, affordable and surprisingly filling.

Tuna, crackers and salad A small tin of tuna, grain crackers and a supermarket salad pack can become lunch in about two minutes.

Cheese, fruit and crackers It does not need to be a fancy grazing board. Apple, cheese and wholegrain crackers work perfectly well.

Supermarket roast chicken and bagged salad Dinner does not have to be cooked from scratch to be nourishing.

“Healthy doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes the best choice is simply the one that nourishes you and fits your real life.”

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Empowered “A safer, stronger world is built in the moments we choose to notice, listen, protect, include, support and care for one another.”

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