INFOBUS August 30th 2018: Getting to know the ReachOut Online Community Team with Gina!
Last month's Infobus was the first of a few "get to know the ReachOut team" discussions, and we had a great discussion getting to know @Jess-RO!
We are back behind the scenes, and excited for you to get to know us better again!
Next week, on Thursday the 30th of August from 7pm-9pm join us to get to know the ReachOut team with Gina (me!) and talk all things forums, mental health and life!
I'll be online answering your questions, and having a chat about mental health, forums, and looking after yourself while supporting others!
I've been around the forums since March of this year, and have previously worked in a few different mental health programs supporting young people and adults with mental health challenges. I am studying a masters in Social Work, and am passionate about seeing people build their resilience and live a meaningful life. 
Hit me with all those questions you've been wanting to ask, and get to know the person behind the posts! Use this infobus as an opportunity to get to know me a bit better 
Submit any questions you have in advance here - it's anonymous!
@blobby no worries at all!!
Hope you got it done!
If there's anything you want to ask, it's not too late 🙂
YASSSSS I am so pumped for this! 😄 Prepare for the question submission form to be spammed to death by me 😉
Also, this gif has never been more relevant 😛
Also given that YouTube links are a bit awkward to post in Google forms, I'll post this question here...
I saw this video the other day and I'm wondering what your thoughts are on it?
This is happening tonight! Very much looking forward to it!!
Don't forget to submit any questions (on the link in the original post above)!
Hi everyone!
Infobus will be starting at 7pm - in about half an hour! I am excited to announce that this conversation will be hosted by @Jess-RO - who will be asking me all the questions you've been submitting!
Looking forward to seeing you all join the convo!
Who's joining us? @scared01 @blobby @DruidChild @ErinsAntics @Anonymous @Anonymous . @litgym @redhead
Hi Everyone!
We are now 10mins away from starting this month's infobus with the amazing @gina-RO from ReachOut!
Do you want to know a bit more about Gina, Reachout forums and looking after yourself while supporting others? Tonight is your chance!
Have a read of Gina's Bio to learn a little bit more about her and the incredible knowledge she brings to her role at Reachout:
"I'm Gina, and I've been at ReachOut since March of this year!
Before I was here, I was working on a program in suicide recovery, where I worked with young people aged 12 and up, as well as adults, who had survived a suicide attempt. I worked with them and their families, helping them to develop their safety plan, and support network leaving hospital. Before that I worked for a few years on a program with people experiencing long term mental illness.
I am currently completing my masters in Social Work, and I hope to have a long career working with people who experience all sorts of hardship. I have my own story, like all of us, that includes experiencing mental ill-health, and chronic illness, and this informs my work.
I am passionate about community, and about seeing people thrive.
I also care a lot about the planet, animals, and good music!"
It's time to get started! Welcome to @gina-RO and everyone joining us online tonight for the August infobus.
I am very excited to introduce Gina, our Online Community Co-ordinator, who has joined us tonight to share her insights and experiences. Many of you have spoken with Gina and seen her post frequently on the forums- now's your chance to get to know her better
To kick off, we might start with a light question to get to know Gina!
1. What do you do for fun?
Hey @Jess1-RO!! Thank you for the lovely intro! There were some (a lot of) very weird and wonderful questions that came through this week!!
The community are really interested to learn about your background @gina-RO and how you came to work at ReachOut
- What were you doing before you were working for ReachOut?
Well the day before I started at ReachOut, I was returning from Tasmania after completing a 6 day hike along the Overland Track! That was a challenge and a feat 🙂
But I guess what people are really asking is my professional history.. before this I was at a suicide recovery program, in a social work role - assisting people leaving hospital for a period of 3 months, to rehabilitate and build a safety plan and support network to keep them safe and recover. I met some incredible people in that role. Prior to that, I was working for a few years on a program with people who experience chronic or long term mental ill-health. Likewise in that role, I met amazing people and learnt a lot about the diversity of experiences that people have.
food is so delicious!! that must have been an amazing job before Reach Out 😮 @gina-RO
Hi I enjoy binge watching TV shows, Listening to Music & Reading!
That's some really important and supportive roles you have held before coming to ReachOut. I love that you mentioned the incredible people you have met in those roles.
I can imagine that looking after yourself in those roles would have been really important. Which leads us to our next question:
3. What do you do for self-care?
@Jess1-RO That is by far the best thing about doing this work - it is such a privilege to meet these people that I would have otherwise never met - and they each teach me something new. It's incredible.
But you're absolutely right that it can be incredibly challenging and painful work at times - it is so important to always look after yourself when you are supporting others.
There's a lot of things that i do for self-care, but it's definitely something that i have to continually remind myself of, and am always working to get better at!
Exercise is a big one - regular exercise has to be part of my schedule for me to stay sane!
I spend time journalling and writing lists!
I love burning incense and candles, and reading!
I love listening to music.
I also love spending time with my friends - going out for dinner with them, going to gigs and music festivals and connecting with people is a big one for me.
I also make sure to slow down, and to get enough sleep. That's important.
So true @gina-RO that self care is something you can practice and continually work at to find what works for you sounds like you have an amazing self care routine that is really whole-of-wellness-focused!
