Inclusion at Heart

Inclusion at Heart We support people with injury illness and disability to improve their lives by facilitating inclusion

We provide tailored evidence-based services to children, young people or adults (and carers) who have physical and / or mental health conditions and disabilities. We provide support in relation to the following:

Vocational support:
Supporting people with disability, illness or injury to access work, volunteer, or education environments by undertaking and offering services including:
- Career expl

oration and assessments
- Job placement and development services
- Employer education and guidance
- Skills development

Psychosocial support:
Coordination of needs to address barriers to participation and identify goals through assessments and interventions.
- Support to adjust to the impact of a disability including independent living, life care planning and counselling. Medical management support:
Work collaboratively with you and your treatment providers to develop a plan to help you achieve your health and work goals. Advocacy support:
Assist the person with disability to exercise choice and control and to have their voice heard in matters that affect them. Services include:
- advocating for access to the NDIS
- advocating for adjustments or accommodations within the workplace / educational institution including schools
- advocating for gifted students (including twice-exceptional student i.e. gifted person who also has a disability)


We address a broad range of issues including:
- Mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, suicide, stress and more.
- Physical disabilities including traumatic brain injury (TBI), acquired brain injury (ABI), stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), epilepsy and more.
- Intellectual disabilities
- Twice-exceptional (gifted with a disability)
- Chronic / persistent pain
- Autism (ASD) plus comorbid conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ehlers-danlos syndromes, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), epilepsy and dysautonomia

Acknowledgement of Country:
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Gubbi Gubbi people and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land. Acknowledgement of Diversity:
We acknowledge and respect the diversity of bodies, genders and relationships as well as each person's each person’s culture, sexual orientation and abilities. Acknowledgement of Lived Experience:
We would like to recognise those with lived experience of mental health conditions and recovery. We acknowledge that we can only provide quality services through valuing, respecting, and drawing upon the lived experience and expert knowledge of the individual, their families, carers, friends, staff and the local community. Qualifications:
- Master of Rehabilitation Counselling from Griffith University
- Standard Mental Health First Aider
- Youth Mental Health First Aider
- Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning
- Bachelor of Economics from University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Business (Management) from University of Queensland

Counselling approaches:
- Evidence based
- Strengths focused approach
- Lifespan approach
- Trauma informed care
- Positive psychology
- Narrative therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Mindfulness based approach

Professional Membership:
Full Member of Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors Ltd (ASORC)

20/06/2026

Sharing this interesting clip from doctors discussing the importance of investigating venous issues in some patients with conditions such as POTS and related disorders.

I still need to spend more time reviewing the research in this area, but after recently meeting with a group of local practitioners who have a particular interest in the “trifecta” (and associated co-occurring conditions), one GP mentioned that they are identifying a significant number of venous abnormalities when patients are referred for vascular imaging, particularly in the cervical region.

Many people are already aware of conditions such as MALS and pelvic venous compression syndromes, which can be more difficult to detect. However, imaging technology and clinical awareness appear to be improving, potentially making it easier to identify these issues than in the past.

If this topic resonates with your experience, it may be worth having a conversation with your medical practitioner to determine whether further assessment is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for information and discussion purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.

Well worth reading as the term is everywhere
18/06/2026

Well worth reading as the term is everywhere

The term is everywhere, but what does it mean? Six guiding principles can help organisations provide care without causing further harm.

🌟 Volunteering Opportunity 🌟I know many people who have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences with U3A (University of the...
17/06/2026

🌟 Volunteering Opportunity 🌟

I know many people who have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences with U3A (University of the Third Age). It’s a wonderful way for older adults to stay socially connected, keep their minds active, and continue learning new skills in a supportive community.

If you’re looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity or know someone who may be interested, I encourage you to check it out. Programs like U3A play such an important role in promoting lifelong learning, purpose, and community connection.

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

⭐ SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE – BECOME A U3A TUTOR! ⭐
Are you retired or semi-retired with skills, experience, or hobbies you’d love to share? 💡
U3A Sunshine Coast (University of the Third Age) is looking for friendly, passionate volunteers to lead fun, relaxed learning groups in our community 🤝

🎉 Teach what you love:
📚 Languages
🎨 Arts & Crafts
💻 Technology
🌍 History & Science
🧘 Fitness
✨ Or any passion or life skill you enjoy!

💙 Why join us?
✅ No formal teaching qualifications needed
✅ Welcoming, social environment
✅ Only 1.5–2 hours weekly or fortnightly
Your experience matters.
Your knowledge can inspire others across the Sunshine Coast 🌞

👉 Learn more or express your interest today:
https://volunteeringsc.org.au/volunteers/?oppId=225036

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔁 Share • 👥 Tag a friend who would love this!

16/06/2026

Respect

15/06/2026

This is one of the consumer health research advisory groups I’ve been involved with in the past.

The program itself appears to be valuable, and I still believe it could make a real difference for many people who use it.

My experience as a consumer representative, however, was mixed. While consumer perspectives were listened to, it often felt like there was limited scope for meaningful co-design or influence over the project. I was also surprised to learn that several aspects of the research and related work had already been completed before consumers became involved.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes leave consumer representatives wondering whether involvement is genuinely embedded in the process or primarily included to satisfy funding requirements.

That said, I remain supportive of the program and encourage people who may benefit from it to explore what it offers. I also hope future projects continue to strengthen authentic consumer partnership and involve lived experience voices earlier and more meaningfully in the research process.

Volunteering opportunity
13/06/2026

Volunteering opportunity

Highly recommend Empathie on SBS On Demand.As someone who works with people navigating disability, mental health challen...
11/06/2026

Highly recommend Empathie on SBS On Demand.

As someone who works with people navigating disability, mental health challenges, trauma, neurodivergence, and complex life circumstances, I found myself reflecting on many of the themes explored throughout this series.

What I particularly appreciated was the way it challenges some of the common assumptions society holds about mental illness. Rather than reducing people to diagnoses, symptoms, risks, or behaviours, it presents them as complex human beings with stories, strengths, struggles, hopes, and needs.

At its heart, Empathie asks an important question: what happens when we approach people with genuine curiosity, understanding, and hope instead of judgement and labels?

It’s thoughtful, funny, confronting at times, and deeply human. A refreshing reminder that meaningful change often begins when people feel heard, understood, and believed in.

If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore mental health with both depth and compassion, I’d encourage you to give it a watch.

Note, it’s in French with English subtitles available.

Watch Empathy for free with SBS On Demand, your ultimate destination for diverse entertainment. Stream now!

08/06/2026

Does anyone know a website developer (or student developer) who might be interested in helping with a community project?

The project already has more than 220 people engaged from across Australia and is well known within its community, so it’s not something that’s starting from scratch.

I’ve got a small amount of funding from a GoFundMe, but nowhere near enough to pay a web development company. The project isn’t designed to make money—it’s a community resource that I’m developing because I think it fills an important gap.

I’ve tried reaching out to local TAFE through their general enquiries form but haven’t had any luck.

It could be a great portfolio project for a school, TAFE, or uni student, and I’d be happy to promote their work and involvement.

If you know someone who might be interested, please tag them or send them my way.

03/06/2026

Have you ever noticed that when your brain is overloaded, EVERYTHING feels harder?

Not just work tasks — but replying to messages, starting chores, planning meals, switching between tasks, regulating emotions, or even knowing where to begin.

For many neurodivergent adults (particularly ADHD and AuDHD individuals), executive functioning difficulties can contribute to:
• overwhelm
• procrastination
• emotional exhaustion
• shutdown/burnout
• reduced confidence
• workplace stress

One app that may be worth exploring is NeuroNation (used within the research project).

It’s a brain training/executive functioning app designed around short cognitive exercises targeting areas like:
✔ attention
✔ working memory
✔ processing speed
✔ cognitive flexibility

Importantly, the goal isn’t to become a “perfectly productive person.”

The value may come from creating regular, low-pressure opportunities to:
• engage your brain intentionally
• strengthen cognitive stamina
• improve mental switching/flexibility
• build consistency and routines
• notice your own cognitive patterns

Recent research in working adults found executive-function-based app training was linked to improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms over time.

What I particularly like is that it can be:
• short
• self-paced
• done privately
• repeated regularly
• lower demand than traditional therapy

For some people, using apps like this consistently may help support long-term sustainability at work and in daily life — especially when combined with other supports, accommodations, pacing strategies, and nervous system regulation.

The key is consistency over intensity.

Five to ten minutes regularly is often more realistic (and more sustainable) than trying to overhaul your entire life overnight.

Research: The effectiveness and mechanisms of action of app-based interventions for improving mental health and workplace well-being: Randomized Controlled Trial (MacLellan et al. 2026).

02/06/2026

Sometimes people already KNOW the strategies…

The challenge is remembering to use them when overwhelmed, stressed, emotionally flooded, burnt out, or trying to juggle everyday life.

That’s one reason apps like Moodfit may be helpful for some people.

Moodfit is a self-guided mental health and wellbeing app based on CBT-style approaches (which I personally don't love). It includes tools for:
✔ mood tracking
✔ routines and habits
✔ reflective exercises
✔ coping strategies
✔ sleep and wellbeing monitoring
✔ goal setting
✔ self-awareness

Interestingly, recent workplace mental health research found that CBT-based apps may improve workplace wellbeing, even when anxiety or depression scores don’t dramatically change. (even though I don't love CBT, this research finding is worth considering why it may be a tool to use).

That actually makes sense clinically.

For many neurodivergent adults, improvement may look like:
• understanding patterns earlier
• recognising burnout signs sooner
• communicating needs better
• pacing energy more effectively
• feeling more in control at work
• reducing self-criticism
• building sustainable routines

Apps like Moodfit are not a replacement for therapy or individualised support (this was the app used in the research study).

But they can act like a “portable support toolbox” sitting in your pocket — particularly useful during stressful periods, work transitions, study, burnout recovery, or when trying to rebuild routines after overwhelm.

Like most supports, the benefits are usually cumulative rather than instant.

Small repeated check-ins can sometimes create bigger long-term changes than occasional intense efforts.

Research: The effectiveness and mechanisms of action of app-based interventions for improving mental health and workplace well-being: Randomised Controlled Trial
(MacLellan et al. 2026.)

Address

Sunshine Coast, QLD

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+61493281331

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