Check back each week to see more panel discussions on Helping Hands.
How do we cope when things spin out of control?
Remaining Grounded When Things Spin Out of Control
Whether facing everyday stress or devastating tragedy, learning to cope when life feels like it is spinning out of control begins with grounding ourselves physically, naming our feelings, and having the courage to simply be.
This week, Helping Hands explores how to navigate moments of chaos with psychologist Collett Smart, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder Danny Abdallah.
How can we support people through tough times?
Supporting People Through Tough Times: The Gift of Presence
When tragedy strikes, the most powerful thing we can offer isn't advice or solutions – it's simply being present and creating a safe space.
This week, Helping Hands explores what it means to support others during their darkest moments with Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder Danny Abdallah.
The power of forgiveness
The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn't about excusing wrongdoing or forgetting pain – it's about freeing ourselves to move forward. But understanding what forgiveness truly means, and how to extend it, requires a deeper look at this misunderstood concept.
This week, Helping Hands explores the complex journey of forgiveness with psychologist Collett Smart, Vision Christian Radio CEO Phil Edwards, and chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood.
How can we help others to live their best lives?
Helping People to Live Their Best Lives: The Power of Presence
Supporting others to live their best lives doesn't require perfection – it requires presence, authenticity, and the courage to sit with pain.
This week, we explore what it means to help others thrive with Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder and prison chaplain Danny Abdallah talking about how we can help people to live their best lives.
Healthy Friendships
The even playing field of healthy friendships
“Healthy friendships are all about mutuality,” says psychologist, Collett Smart. “It’s about being on that even field where one isn’t more important than the other.”
In this episode of Helping Hands, Collett is joined by Nathan Brewer, a youth worker; and Ian Barnett, the founder of the National Grandparent Movement, to discuss healthy friendships.
The Medical Challenges of Rural Living
Flying Hope to Rural Australia: How Little Wings Keeps Families Together
When a child in rural Australia faces a serious illness, accessing specialist treatment in major cities can put a massive strain on families. Little Wings is changing that, one flight at a time.
This week, we explore how this small but mighty charity supports regional families with Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson, recipient parent Renee Baird Jones, and child and family psychologist Collett Smart talking about the challenges of medical treatment in rural and remote communities.
What is Easter Really All About?
A Deeper Meaning of Easter: More Than Just a Long Weekend
Easter offers Australians a rare four-day break, but beyond the chocolate and time off lies a profound message about life, renewal, and community. This week, we explore the significance of Easter with psychologist Collett Smart, Vision Christian Media CEO Phil Edwards, and Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen.
Domestic violence series recap
Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a national crisis affecting every corner of Australian society. That's the sobering message from Helping Hands panellists Delia Donovan (CEO of Domestic Violence NSW), Steve Frost (founder and director of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Kate Fylan (NSW and ACT State Manager of Family and Domestic Violence at the Salvation Army).
Domestic Violence Series: The Importance of Having a Voice and a Choice
Having a Voice and a Choice Helps to Restore Dignity and Self-worth
A purple velvet duvet. A scented candle. A piece of artwork. These simple choices might seem trivial when furnishing a home, but for survivors of domestic violence, the ability to choose represents something profound: the restoration of agency and self-worth. That's the message from Helping Hands panellists Ren Fernando (co-founder of ReLove), Steve Frost (founder and director of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Kate Fylan (family and domestic violence state manager at the Salvation Army).
Domestic Violence Series: A Safe Haven for Victims and Children
Safety and Security for Victims of Domestic and Family Violence
A safe haven is more than a roof – it's where victims of domestic and family violence can feel safe, regain agency, and begin to heal. In this week’s panel discussion on Helping Hands, our panellists Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House), Steve Frost (founder of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Libby Caskey (Community Development Manager, Women's Housing Company) discuss what is means to provide a safe haven.
How To Choose Which Charity To Support?
How To Choose Which Charity To Support?
With over 60,000 registered charities in Australia, the not-for-profit sector plays a vital role in supporting communities and causes across the nation, but how do you choose which charity to support? That is one of many questions discussed in this extended Helping Hands panel discussion with Marion Bennett (Mission Australia's Executive of Practice, Evidence and Impact), Joe Ware (CEO of the Chatleigh Foundation), and Pip Kiernan (Chair of Clean Up Australia and daughter of late founder Ian Kiernan).
What does it mean to be a Good Samaritan?
What Does It Mean to Be a Good Samaritan?
Whether it's listening to someone in distress, helping a neighbour after a tragedy, or simply stopping to say hello, being a good Samaritan is about putting compassion into action. That's the message from Helping Hands panellists Jon Owen (CEO of Wayside Chapel), Raewyn Elsegood (chaplain and author), and Danny Abdallah (co-founder of i4Give).
Making Christmas last all year long
Making the Christmas Spirit Last All Year
Generosity, time to rest, and the Christian message of hope and love; these are some of the things we love about Christmas. But can we maintain them all year round? Our Helping Hands panellists: Felicia Limmer of Vision Christian Radio, youth worker Nathan Brewer, and Michaela Chanmugam of Samaritan’s Purse, say yes, we can.
Practical Support Can Save A Life
Practical Support Can Save A Life
If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are many practical ways you could help. Being available to listen, taking the person to an appointment, or encouraging them to contact professional support, are all simple steps and can be life-saving.
We discuss these and other practical ways to help someone experiencing domestic violence in this panel discussion with Lilly McKeich (Salvation Army National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist), Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program), and Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House).
How do we meet the needs of domestic violence victims?
To Help a Victim of Domestic Violence, Listen and Believe Them
Listening and believing a victim’s story, respecting their choices, and offering practical help, could be the lifeline that helps someone break free from domestic violence. That’s the advice of Helping Hands panellists Lilly McKeich (Salvation Army National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist); Stacy Jane (Escabags founder and survivor); and Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program).
