Making Space. Creative Peer Support for Carers.

A shared space for caregivers — including everyday parents — to pause, connect, and make some stuff together.

This workshop is facilitated by Alisoun, monthly on Monday afternoons at the Living Space Studio Gallery in Newhaven.

Upcoming dates are:

• Monday 14 September 1.30 - 3.00pm

• Monday 12 October, 1.30 - 3.00pm

• Monday 9 November, 1.30 - 3.00pm

• Monday 7 December, 1.30 - 3.00pm

Location: 6 Forrest Avenue, Newhaven (next to Island Healing).

About the program

This is an ongoing group, with newcomers welcome any time. It is not an art class, but a facilitated, peer-based space for creativity, connection, reflection, and gentle exploration of how to support our nervous systems.

These sessions offer caregivers time out, peer connection, and space to notice your own responses while caring for others — including becoming more aware of your limits, and what helps you continue when things feel stretched.

We’ll spend time with what can help: ordinary things many people already draw on, such as objects, images, memories, or small practices that can steady us when life is demanding. These aren’t solutions or fixes to the many challenges you may be facing, but ways of expanding the supports you can return to in everyday moments.

The sessions usually include a themed creative activity focused on making a personalised visual resource — something meaningful you can keep and return to — alongside shared discussion about how and why visual resources and meaning-making can be supportive, especially under pressure.

This space is designed to be respectful, grounded, and accessible. There is no pressure to share personal details, and no expectation of prior creative experience.

Who this is for

For people aged 18+ years who support or care for others — in families, communities, or informal caring roles. You might be caring for a child — navigating school drop-offs, sick days, bedtime battles, or the quiet worry that comes with loving in this way — or supporting a partner, family member, or another person in your life.

What to expect

• A small, supportive group
• Time and space alongside other carers
• A gentle, accessible creative activity
• Opportunities for reflection and shared conversation
• Something personal to take away and return to

What participants have said

“I’d say the way you hold space & create a welcoming, calm & inclusive environment is the standout feature of these groups. I have felt comfortable & relaxed each time I’ve attended even though there have been mostly different people there each time. I’m a newcomer to making any kind of art at all and have always felt very encouraged & validated.”

“I found all the sessions unique and inspiring. It was interesting to see what was going to be made by the end of the session. It was therapeutic art.  Alisoun was a great facilitator.”

“The sessions have provided a welcome time out to focus and reflect. The use of art making materials was enjoyable and insightful, and presented without any ‘performance’ expectation … Several times the activity and subsequent reflection brought very helpful insight.”

Cost & Access 

• Free: For carers registered with the Carer Gateway — see below*

• Standard: $120 for a 3-session program

• Concession: $90 for a 3-session program (with a Health Care Card)

• Flexible: Per-session rates and sliding scale options are available — just ask.

*Many participants are eligible for a subsidy through Carer Gateway. This includes people caring for someone with a disability, mental illness, medical condition (including chronic conditions), or frailty due to age. Please let me know below if this might apply to you. If you are not yet registered, I can help you with the process. Supported by Carer Gateway and Uniting Vic.Tas.

How to Book

Ready to book or confirm your funding?

• Call: 0405 778 518

• Email: info@alisounneville.com.au

• Online: Fill out your details using the button below and I will get back to you.