How to Turn Anxiety into Wellbeing

A free evening on 9 September 6:30-8pm full of practical support for parents, carers and educators

Parents and carers are often given endless advice about what they should and shouldn’t be doing to raise happy, healthy children.

But who is looking after the adults?

Join us at St Raphael’s School, Parkside, for a warm, practical and interactive evening designed to support your own mental health and wellbeing.

This is not another parenting lecture. It is an opportunity to pause, breathe and learn simple tools to help you recognise and manage anxiety in yourself, because when adults model calm and healthy emotional regulation, children are more likely to follow.

What to expect

During this free community event, you will explore:
• What happens in the brain when we “flip our lid”.
• How to recognise the early signs of anxiety and stress in yourself.
• Belly breathing, box breathing and five-finger breathing.
• How to identify what you can and cannot control.
• The importance of safety, belonging and positive routines.
• How calm, clear and positive language can reduce anxiety.
• Practical ways to model emotional regulation for children.
• Real-world strategies you can use at home, at work and during stressful parenting moments.
• An opportunity to ask questions and learn from experienced professionals.

You do not need to wait until you feel overwhelmed to use these tools. This evening will help you build simple wellbeing practices that can support you every day.

Meet the expert panel

The evening will feature a panel of professionals with experience in psychology, family support, occupational therapy, education and child and adolescent mental health.

Dr Terence Sheppard
Co-founder and lead of Positive Parenting, paediatric psychologist and experienced parent educator.

Sarah Graetz
Workshop facilitator with Families Growing Together, Safer Family Services, and Child and Family Support within the South Australian Government.

Eleanor White
Co-Clinical Director of OTFC Occupational Therapy for Kids and occupational therapist.

Emma Fowler
Principal of St Raphael’s School and 2026 Australian Education Awards Primary School Principal of the Year.

Hannah Walton
St Raphael’s School Wellbeing Officer, certified teacher with a Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

This event is for you

This session is suitable for:
• Parents and carers of children from babies through to Year 6.
• Parents and carers who want practical support for their own wellbeing.
• Adults who want to better understand anxiety and stress.
• Educators and early childhood professionals.
• Members of the wider community.

Free childcare will be available, helping parents and carers make time for themselves.

Watch the video series

The event builds on St Raphael’s five-part online video series exploring anxiety, emotional regulation, breathing, healthy stress management and positive language.
The series is designed to help adults and children better understand anxiety and discover practical ways to build calm, confidence and wellbeing.

Watch the series on the St Raphael’s event webpage or via the YouTube playlist.

Event details
Event: How to Turn Anxiety into Wellbeing
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Time: 6.30–8.00 pm
Venue: St Raphael’s School, Parkside, South Australia
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Parents, carers, educators and community members
Childcare: Available

Reserve your place

Take an evening for yourself and discover practical ways to feel calmer, more confident and better equipped for everyday stress.

RSVP for the free event
Places may be limited, so register today.

About the event
St Raphael’s School’s annual Parent and Family Wellbeing Event brings families, educators and community members together for expert advice, friendly conversation and practical strategies for supporting mental health.

For 2026, the focus is anxiety, something many adults and children experience in different ways. The event aims to create a calm and understanding space where participants can learn, reflect and explore ways to build positive wellbeing at home and school.