Testimonials

Thank you for such a positive newsletter. It is very helpful too.

Just had to let you know how much we enjoy your newsletter. It is very helpful in the work we do and often our clients use the information too. Keep it coming!

I would like to commend you on your monthly newsletter ‘Hope, Help & Hanging Out’. I find it very interesting and positive to read. I sometimes print it out for some of my clients who too get great benefit from it. I love how you present such practical and simple options for workers and clients in the field of self-abuse. It is educational, humorous and extremely practical. I always print out a copy and pop it in a resource file as you cover such great topics. Thank you very much for all your hard work, it is greatly appreciated.

Can I please get my email address changed as I do not want to miss any of Hope, Help & Hanging Out’s. It is an excellent newsletter. Thank you. – SW [TAS]

This is one of the best newsletters I have read for a long time. It must take you forever to put it all together, just keep doing it! It has been very helpful to a myriad of people for me, including clients, carers, peer workers and my waiting room. I always print out at least 20 each month and pop them in my waiting room and they go very quickly. I often have people asking me for them when they can’t find them. It is obvious you put a lot of thought into them and they are so professionally presented. Thank you very much for this resource in a field where resources such as these are few. – AC [NSW]

One of my peer workers has introduced me to your wonderful newsletter. I think the name is very apt and it is always full of interesting and practical ideas. The humour and puzzles are a blessing for workers and clients alike. Thank you and I do look forward to receiving my own copy soon. – KT [TAS]

Hello Annie
It’s me again! I have to tell you that two more of my kids have stopped hurting themselves and I haven’t done the 3 day yet. Just through using the strategies and tools you gave me and thinking outside the box, I have helped to change 3 young people’s lives. They really have changed too. The other kids I am working with have reduced their harmful behaviours and I reckon with the 3 day under my belt – the sky’s the limit gal!
I have to thank you for supporting me too with my little calls every now and then and celebrating with me. You are so inspiring the way you break things down and explain everything, it becomes so understandable. If you know what I mean?
Take care and keep safe
Ciao Bella

Donna
A&D Youth Outreach Counsellor

Hello Annie
I was so excited on the phone this morning and thanks for everything. But I do have to write it too. It is so powerful when you see the globe truly light up after months of the light being on but no one being home. It was like someone flicked the switch and he just said, “I don’t need or want this shit in my life anymore”! Wow! Wow! Wow! and it’s not OCD.
In the training you talked about these times and how powerful they were for both parties, you were right gal. His brother came in about half an hour ago and wants to join his brother drug free. I have been working for two years with the two lads and hoped things would change, but they weren’t even at the pre-contemplation stage. Since using the self-soothing wheel hub, keeping track 1,2 & 3 and now the trigger board. Not one but both of them have contemplated!
I am so bloody excited I want to scream. Don’t worry I didn’t do the OMG syndrome with them. But everyone was very happy, even though they tried to hide it.
I’m going on like a pork chop. Don’t care though because I know you understand Oh inspirational mentor who has such contagious passion.
You should go into motivation speaking. Probably more money in it too!
Take care and keep safe
Ciao Bella Donna
A&D Youth Outreach Counsellor

Thanks for that, Annie.
I wanted to share briefly with you a couple of examples of how useful the training has been even in the short time back at work.
I had an existing client come in to see me on Tuesday, a chronic self-harmer, who has repeated been told by health professional to ‘just stop’. She had a panic attack in our session after being triggered by a siren, and actually self-abused in the session by opening an old wound. She was mortified and ashamed, but thanks to the training I refrained from ‘OMG!’, and stayed calm and reassuring; but more importantly I was able to say to her that I understood that her Self Abuse was a coping strategy that obviously worked for her short term (possibly not so well long term, and she nodded in agreement) and that I was not going to ‘tick her off’ or deprive her of this strategy. Her relief was palpable, and she really opened up after that.
The same day I was able to reassure a new client that suicide was not the logical end point or intention of her friend, another chronic cutter; that actually self-abuse is about willingness to live. She found this very reassuring. We also talked about the dangers of cutting too deep, possibly resulting in accidental suicide, of course.
Then a few days later, I got an email from a friend of mine whose son is on the path to self destruction. I had shared all the workshop information with her – that is where I stayed whilst doing the training and she has been using some of the strategies with her son, anything was worth a try in her eyes. Well her son turned around to her and said “Well Mum, it looks like you have finally got it. Now you can help me to kick the shit”. She said it’s the most communication she has heard from him for at least 2 years. So she is very excited and wants to come to the training herself.
Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing. I am very keen to undertake the next part of the training, the 3 day workshop. I work on my own, and my current employer does not finance training but I will finance it myself, especially now that I have experienced it in action! I would like to do this program mobile as I believe that public transport is a massive issue for so many people who have no vehicle to begin seeking help. They wither in their own isolation.
I have to commend you on the quality of your newsletter. It is a living resource.
Thanks again,

Thanks Annie. I was able to use some of the stuff from the workshop the very next day at work.
A lady came in to the ED having drunk a lot and feeling “suicidal”. She got quite stroppy and defensive initially but I was able to tell her I understood she needed to do what she was doing at the present time, for whatever reason, and that she was not “psycho” and didn’t need to be locked up in the psych ward. She melted almost immediately. When she asked why I cared what happened to her I told her it was just one human being seeing another human being in pain and wanting to help. It was almost like she’d never heard that before. After talking for nearly an hour (fortunately the ED was quiet so there was time to do so) she went home feeling a bit more positive and agreeing to establish a relationship with a counsellor, which she had not done previously despite a long involvement with Alcohol and Drug services. I don’t know whether there will be any long term good for her from that one contact, but it was really warming to see her leave feeling positive when she was so negative on arrival.
Thanks again for your work.

Hi Annie
I just wanted to thank you so much for the terrific workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am really looking forward to attending the 3 day workshop at the end of the month. See you then!

Dear Annie
I so much appreciated the passion and care you demonstrated towards people who hurt inside and hurt themselves in this way. I came away with insights into the individuals and also into sensitive, appropriate ways to assist. Thank you so much.

Dear Annie
Your workshop was so inspiring and also enjoyable so YES Chris and I are very fired up to run a Safe in Oz consumer recovery program. I gave my manager and CEO all the info on Safe in OZ. They submitted the idea to their Board and they approved it and they say they hope to have it up and running next year. Meanwhile they are applying for government funding and also making applications to Lottery West.
Thank you for the tax invoice for the CD. The SAFE in OZ Consumer Program Set-up CD, will save months of preparation work. So far I have funded my own training because I feel there is such a need for the program in Perth. I have contacted the Self-Harm support group (running here in Perth) and it’s amazing the work you have done with them to improve it. Your structured activities will help everyone in the support group.
Although I did a degree in counselling the first time I knew anything about self-harm was from a client sitting in front of me in the counselling room. There is so much lack of knowledge out there. Since doing the training I now feel more confident in counselling a client who self-harms (and at the moment I have 3 clients who self-harm). Thank you so much for taking the initiative and determination in setting up these workshops. You sure are ‘Walking the Talk’ – I just wish the people who funded services could realise the potential of this program like we all do! (Be my guest and quote me!)
I will keep in touch about any new developments at this end. Keep enjoying what you are doing; it is very much appreciated.
Kind wishes to you,

My Dear Annie
I would just like to say thank you for the effort and expertise that you brought to the workshop the other day. I found both days very informative and have taken many things (professionally and personally) away from the workshop.
Could I please get an electronic version of the Expression of Interest (Facilitating the SAFE in OZ Consumer Program). I would also like to have the Real Talk program for my students parents – trying to get funding though!
Cheers

Hi Annie
Here is a testimonial for you to use as you wish. Especially if it’s for the program to get enough funding to be a national intervention program.
I have completed several suicide intervention programs over the years, and these programs have delved into self harm and accidental suicide.
After completing the Safe in Oz program I realised that I actually only had a very minimal understanding of the issues surrounding self-destructive behaviour.
The Safe in Oz program has provided me with a greater level of understanding and awareness. It has also provided me with additional skills and comprehensive knowledge, and in turn will assist me in providing a better quality service to our clients who use or display self-destructive behaviour.
This program really does save lives.
Thanks you so much Annie, Oh, and of course Carol xxxxxx CG

Annie – Congratulations on such a great initiative.

Thanks Annie
And thank you again, for facilitating the only workshop, out of three I have attended on this subject that was helpful and useful.
Keep up the great work!!
Regards,

Hi Annie
Just a quick email to say what a brilliant workshop. The content was overflowing and you gave us all so many goodies to take away and use. I felt extremely well equipped by the end of the two days. Can I say how impressive the workbooks and handouts were. They will be an excellent reference material for me in my work practice.
I have already used some of the activities and tools on my clients who have taken to them, like a duck to water.
Keep up the fantastic work you do work and I adore your newsletters, they are filled with heaps of very useful information. Will see you at the 3 day even if I have to pay for it myself.
Cheers, Viv

Hi Annie
Many e-newsletters pass my desk and I quickly scan them for anything really important. But I want to say thanks because your newsletter stopped me, I took the time to read and it made me smile and even feel a tear!
Merry Christmas
MF – COORDINATOR

Dear Annie,
The year is nearly at an end with a change in direction for me thanks to your training program. Thank you for opening my eyes to a serious issue, which has inspired me and given me the tools to look at a new career path.
I look forward to meeting you again next year for the 3 day workshop. You are truly inspirational.
Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Warmest regards K

Dear Annie
Just wanted to say what a great newsletter!! I’m always happy to read and pass this one on.
Thank you!!

Yo Annie
Thank you for all the awesome information. Your newsletter rocks.
I want to do your training too. Some dude from the other youth service came and screams your praises, so we are going to too.
Cheers

Ah Yes!!! Annie,
Wish I was that relaxed!! This newsletter is excellent!!! That excellent I have passed it on to our Youth Co-Ordinator . Keep them coming!!!
Regards
G – Team Leader
Youth Services

Dear Annie
I am a Deputy Principal in a large public high school. (Currently managing some kids with major concerns) Someone passed on your newsletter including the dates of events. I am unlikely to be able to attend your event in Brisbane. However I would love to continue to receive this newsletter to pass on to our students and staff Thank you very much
SA
Deputy Principal

Thanks Annie
Thanks again for the workshop; I have gained a lot of practical information about self-abuse from doing your workshop. It was very engaging as well, which is not that easy to do for 2 days. Your passion for helping people who self-abuse is evident and I hope you see lots of fruit from your labour.
Regards JB

Hi Annie
Thank you very much for your presentation in Kempsey last week. For me it stands out as one of the best training workshops I have been to. I have come away with much more knowledge and feel far more equipped to deal with issues of self harm/abuse.
(Might put a message on morning notices -“Would all self harmers please meet in my office at recess!!!!”) OMG did I really type that?
Kind regards ML

Hi Annie,
I posted your website on my research facebook page & got the following glowing feedback, which I thought you’d love to hear: Melina Karn – “I have done this training, and it is invaluable for anyone working with at-risk youth, and teenagers in general.” Rheannon Harrop – “I’ve done this one too, great, awesome lady doing great work!” Cheers
MW – School of Social Sciences and Psychology

Thanks Annie for sending us this extra information.
I really enjoyed the training and have found it very useful for myself and my team already, not to mention the clients!
I think the work that you are doing is fantastic and you truly are an inspiration.
Regards, JC

Hello Annie
Just a note to say hello…. and thank you.
We had a very successful two days training that was everything and MORE than I expected. It was fantastic training.
I have had feedback from nearly everyone in the group and the consensus is the same. Excellent!
It has been so good working with you, I just want more….
the training was really excellent we all got so much out of it.
Thanks again
AB – Coordinator

Dear Annie
I did want to congratulate you to my participation in the two day workshop. My sincere gratitude to you. It was a good learning opportunity and networking experience. Best training experience for me.
I am planning for the three day workshop. Tomorrow I am going away and will be back in a month and then I will contact you.
I will see the facilities and awareness for these kind of kids.
Will be in touch. Thanks again S

i Annie
It was lovely to meet you and all the other workshop participants within such a great learning environment. Thank you again to Annie for such an informative and entertaining two days of learning. I was able to walk away with a new understanding of and strategies in, dealing with individuals who self abuse.
You are an inspiring and passionate woman.
L C – Respite Programs Coordinator

Hi Annie
You got me inspired and ready to go. This is my latest project since your phenomenal training. I thought you might find the attached useful as examples of inspirational/affirmation cards for others. I’m rather proud of them myself lol…
Feel free to make use of them… and pass on to others.
Best wishes
H – School Counsellor

Annie,
I LOVE your newsletter, 1st time I have seen it.
I am new to MH, didn’t want to come to work today!
So did the music, flowers, makeup, nice clothes thing
Opened my email and WOW there you were
Fantastic!
Have a good day
DW – Clinical Nurse

Hi Annie! Thank you so much for the workshop – I thought I had a good understanding of SDB – I have learnt so much and look forward to applying the strategies and knowledge!