This program is designed precisely for you. These are practices that we all do as children, without being taught, yet we stop as we grow older, and after getting signals that we have to be ultra-talented, or 'arty' to do them. 
The truth is, they are good for us. We know this, because when we doodle on a page, or dance in the kitchen, write for fun, our nervous system calms down, we produce more happy hormones like seratonin, they reconnect us to the present, and importantly, they remind us of an undeniable truth of being human - that we are hardwired to play, to experience delight, small joys and pleasures.

This is for you if:
- you are seeking strategies for day-to-day ways to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma
- you are open to exploring creative practices that you may not have tried before
- you are able to use a computer and email, zoom, text messages
- you want to improve, support and maintain good mental wellbeing
- you want to be empowered to develop ways to care for yourself on hard days

The ReMind program connected me back to my creativity, which was lost. I had decided this wasn't part of me, but now, I take such pleasure in my daily journalling, and tending my garden, playing my ukulele, it has been really transformative, and amazing
Naomi

No! This group is facilitated by an experienced group educator. Some weeks there may be an invitation to share what you’ve created, but whether you do is completely up to you. No pressure at all!

You don't need one, You can join this program without a referral. We welcome you!

Yes, this program is also for you! We don't focus on diagnosis in this program. It's for anyone who would benefit from exploring a bunch of creative practices, like writing, music, painting, stitching, movement, cooking and plants - and wants to cultivate some good self-care habits. 

Please get in touch on hello@makeshift.org.au or 0431 475 147 to let us know a little more information.
- Zoom sessions can include auto-captioning
- Printed materials can be emailed as Word documents for resizing
- Video instructionals include handouts with activities explained in writing
- Creative practices have options for adjustments for a range of mobility

Presently, we can engage NDIS participants who are self or plan managed, with Social and Community Participation Funding. We will be a Registered NDIS provider later in 2021.

This is a highly resourced program, that includes a home delivered Creative First AId Kit (valued at $250), plus weekly group sessions, and up to 7 guest artist facilitators spending time with the group.
The NDIS listed rate is what it costs MakeShift, per person, to go through the program.NDIS funding allows for this rate in specifying that group programs are funded at around $50 an hour of group participation.
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We recognise that for community members who don't have access to this funding, this cost is out of reach for many. This rate is heavily subsidised by our organisation in an effort to make it more possible to enrol. There is also an option to use ZipPay to pay your course fee in monthly $40 installments. We are working on ways to gain funding for this program to be subsidised even more, for all.

We get it. Being on video calls can be uncomfortable, and tiring in a different way to being face to face.
It is completely up to you, and some people join the group with their camera always off, others become comfortable over time and turn it on. It is nice to see people, and helps in getting to know each other, but again, how you participate in this way is your choice, and you won’t be pressured either way.

“I was nervous to press start on that first zoom session, but I’m so so so glad I did. It took a few weeks to feel comfortable sharing, but I’ve now connected with others all over Australia who ‘get it’. It was really special”
‍Mary, ReMind participant

Unlike many group programs, the focus of this program is on creating and trying new things. You will never be asked to share personal experiences, and instead are welcome to share as you feel comfortable.

Our program is about creative prescribing. Unlike art therapy, where therapists use art processes to work through therapeutic goals, this is about exploring creative forms because they are fun, playful, and spark our imagination.  
We work with a core group of creative educators who are passionate professionals in their field. Our creative writing workshop facilitator is a published author and our drawing facilitator illustrates for mainstream comic magazines. That means that you’re learning from some of the best in their area of creativity and learn handy tips and tricks to try experimenting with creative processes in different ways.

Through the course of the program we will explore journalling, playing the ukulele, gardening and a few other creative practices.  You will be doing it all from the comfort of your own home, so feel free to make adjustments to make your participation possible. We are able to offer adjustments to activities when we know what specifically you need. Please let us know!