Get on the Bowen 'Sole Train'

Consumers at the Bowen Mental Health Hub are learning valuable skills to help alleviate stress with the help of a new group program, Sole Train.

The group program is designed for all skill levels and is directly aimed at getting your body moving and supporting a healthy lifestyle.

As Mental Health Hub peer worker Fallon explains the group helps consumers build social connections, stay active and maintain good mental health while connecting with their environment.

“Sole Train has been designed to teach consumers skills to help improve their quality of life. As part of the group we also include low impact activities like beach walking, yoga, swimming and hiking,” explains Fallon.

Recently 16 consumers took to the road for an excursion to a local “secret” waterhole with a day of hiking and swimming.

“The new Mental Health Hub bus was full! We also had a car load of consumers and two others who meet us at our destination.

“We had received a lot of rain so we thought we would take a trip and investigate a local swimming hole at Spring Creek. The excursion was solely an adventure of curiosity – which definitely paid off!”

Spring Creek swimming hole normally only flows during monsoon rains or the wet season and too everyone’s surprise not only was the hole full it was crystal clear.

“Some of our consumers were a bit hesitant to get in and swim. But after the bravery of one, four others were inspired to jump in and enjoy the moment connecting to country.”

When asked what they thought of the day consumers Hayden, Felicity, Sue and Allan were eager to share with us their experience.

• Hayden had mentioned that he wasn’t feeling the best, “but this has just made my whole week better”.
• For Felicity the thought of climbing up and seeing the waterfall was something that wouldn’t be possible…“I was able to sit under the waterfall, this is the best day!”
• Sue was so thrilled to be reminded of the beautiful things, “it’s times like these you remember you live in a beautiful town, and that it has beautiful people.”
• And for Allan “I never thought I would get so close to a waterfall.”

Group programs at the Mental Health Hub have been running regularly two months now and with demand for the groups continuing to grow!

“Our little crew is great people who are wanting to do something different. The hardest part is getting to and opening the front door…after that trust me you will feel welcome, heard and seen. You will want to come back and if not, I’ll make you lunch!"

For more information about selectability Bowen Mental Health Hub HERE