Meet Sarah: A Social Work Superhero

It’s 8:30 AM, and the community centre is just opening its doors. Meet Sarah, a dedicated social worker who’s already reviewing her schedule over a quick cup of coffee. Sarah’s role isn’t just about paperwork and referrals; she’s a passionate advocate for mental health education in her community. She knows that mental health challenges are common. In fact, about one in five Western Australians experiences mental health problems each year, and nearly half the population will face a mental health issue at least once in their lifetime. Armed with this understanding, Sarah starts her day determined to make a positive difference for anyone who walks through the centre’s doors.

Morning: Starting the Day with Purpose

Mornings for Sarah begin with preparation and empathy. She arrives at the community centre early to review case files and messages. There might be a note about a new client seeking help or an update on someone she saw last week. For Sarah, each file represents a real person: a teen battling anxiety, a single mother overwhelmed by stress, or a retiree feeling isolated. She reminds herself why her work matters: mental health issues can affect anyone, and getting support early is important when someone is struggling.

By 9:00 a.m., the centre will be buzzing with activity. Sarah’s first appointment is with a young man in his 20s who has been feeling depressed after losing his job. Client interactions like this are a core part of her day. Sarah greets him warmly and invites him into a private counselling room. As he opens up about his feelings of worry and low self-esteem, Sarah listens attentively. She validates his emotions and gently educates him on coping strategies for depression and stress; this step is part of the mental health education aspect of her role. For instance, she talks about the importance of daily routines, staying active, and staying connected to supportive people (all known protective factors for wellbeing). She even shares a simple breathing exercise to help with moments of anxiety. Sarah provides him with a few brochures from Beyond Blue, a well-known Australian mental health organisation that offers information on depression and anxiety. (She notes that Beyond Blue’s resources are designed to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around these issues.) Before he leaves, she makes sure he has contact information for a local employment support programme and she encourages him to reach out if he feels worse. “You’re not alone in this,” she reminds him, highlighting that help is available.

Often, Sarah’s morning also involves unplanned crises. It’s not unusual for someone to walk in without an appointment, in distress. On these occasions, Sarah must be flexible. She might put other tasks on hold to attend to a community member who says she “can’t cope” with life at the moment. Sarah offers a quiet space, a cup of tea, and a calm presence. She assesses the situation: Is this person just needing someone to talk to today, or are they at risk of harming themselves? If it’s beyond what the community centre can manage, Sarah will encourage professional help; she might help them call their GP or the local mental health clinic. If it’s an immediate crisis, she doesn’t hesitate to call for backup, whether that’s the mental health crisis team or an ambulance. And she always keeps important helpline numbers on hand. For example, Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis line is written on a sticky note by her phone. Knowing that such support is available around the clock is reassuring for both Sarah and her clients.

Midday: Community Outreach and Mental Health Education

By late morning, once immediate client needs are identified, Sarah often shifts focus to community outreach and education initiatives. A big part of her job is proactive: rather than just reacting to crises, she works on raising awareness and teaching skills that can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. These tasks could mean organising a lunchtime workshop or a support group at the centre. For instance, today Sarah has planned a “Managing Stress 101” group for parents and carers in the community. Over the lunch hour, a handful of locals gather in a meeting room where Sarah leads a casual seminar on stress management and mental well-being. She uses simple language and a conversational tone, much like a friend giving advice, not a lecture. Daily responsibilities like preparing these workshops involve creativity: Sarah might share short videos, provide handouts on coping techniques, or even do a quick mindfulness exercise with the group. The goal is to help community members identify signs of stress or mental health issues and learn how to support themselves and each other. It’s all about building mental health literacy. “When we talk openly about mental health, it becomes less scary and less stigmatised,” Sarah tells the group, echoing her belief that open conversation can save lives.

She also works with local organisations to promote mental health education. On some days, she might invite a guest speaker this time a psychologist from the nearby health service; other days it is a representative from a charity,  to speak at the centre. She’s forged connections with folks from the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH), which is the peak body for community mental health in WA. (WAAMH works to ensure people can access the support they need, when they need it, and promotes awareness across the state.) Through such partnerships, Sarah helps her community centre host informational sessions on topics like “Understanding Anxiety in Teens” or “Building Resilience for Seniors.” These sessions are usually interactive; Sarah encourages questions and sharing, creating a safe space where people realise they’re not alone in their experiences.

Community initiatives are a highlight of Sarah’s job. Each year, she gets involved in campaigns like R U OK? Day and Mental Health Week. R U OK? Day (held every September) is a national day that encourages Australians to check in on each other with a simple conversation starter that can make a huge difference. In the lead-up to R U OK? Day, Sarah might set up a colourful booth at the community centre with R U OK? posters and conversational tip cards. She’ll chat with visitors about the power of asking, “Are you okay?” and how this simple question can open the door for someone who’s struggling to talk about their feelings. Similarly, during Mental Health Week in October (timed around World Mental Health Day on October 10), Sarah helps organise events that bring the community together. One year, she coordinated a "wellness fair" at the centre: local yoga instructors offered free mini classes, nutritionists talked about healthy eating for mental health, and volunteers from a youth theatre group performed skits about coping with exam stress— all in the spirit of making mental health education engaging and accessible. These initiatives educate and promote an environment that encourages support and openness. Sarah loves seeing people who attended an event later feel more comfortable approaching her or other staff to chat about their mental health. It’s proof that awareness campaigns are working, little by little.

Another project Sarah champions is the Act-Belong-Commit campaign. Act-Belong-Commit is actually WA’s longest-running mental health promotion campaign, which encourages everyone to stay active, keep connected with others, and engage in meaningful activities for the sake of their mental well-being. Sarah incorporates this philosophy into her daily advice, whether it’s suggesting a lonely senior join the community gardening club (act and belong) or encouraging a young mum who’s feeling down to volunteer for a cause she cares about (commit to something meaningful). She also makes sure the community centre’s bulletin board is stocked with Act-Belong-Commit posters and ideas, giving people practical tips on how to take charge of their mental health in everyday life. By lunchtime, Sarah might check that board and smile, seeing flyers for dance classes, book clubs, and “walk and talk” meetups. These are all opportunities for people to connect and improve their mood preventative mental health in action.

Afternoon: Supporting Clients and Collaborative Care

After lunch, Sarah often meets with a support group that she facilitates. This could be a weekly “Mums and Bubs” mental wellness group for new mothers or perhaps an adolescent peer support circle for teenagers dealing with anxiety. Today, the calendar says 1:30 PM It’s time for the Youth Anxiety Support Group. A handful of high schoolers shuffled into a cosy room at the centre. They know Sarah well by now; she’s been running this group for a month, and trust is building. The teens sit in a circle, and Sarah kicks off with an ice-breaker (everyone shares one good thing that happened this week). They then move into discussing this week’s theme: “Dealing with Exam Stress.” Sarah provides some education about anxiety; she normalises it, explaining how it is a common experience and can even be helpful in small doses. The teens’ eyes widen a bit when she mentions that anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in Australia but that there are tools and support to manage them. In fact, national surveys indicate roughly 17% of Australians have had an anxiety disorder in the past year. Knowing they aren’t alone seems to comfort the group.

During the session, one 16-year-old, Jack, shares that he has panic attacks when he thinks about final exams. Sarah and the group members listen supportively. Sarah then gently educates them on practical skills: she demonstrates a grounding technique for when panic strikes, and they all practice it together (there’s some giggling as everyone breathes deeply and wiggles their toes to “stay in the present moment,” but they give it a go). She also talks about healthy habits: Remember, good sleep, a bit of exercise, and taking breaks while studying can really help your mood and focus,” she advises, echoing well-known mental health advice. By the end of the hour, the teens are swapping tips (one girl suggests a playlist of calming music that helps her study, which Sarah jots down to share with others). This peer support and education blend is precisely what Sarah hopes for: the young people are learning from her and from each other.

After the group, Sarah spends some time on collaborative care tasks. Being a community social worker means she doesn’t work in isolation. She often liaises with other professionals to make sure her clients get comprehensive support. For example, she makes a quick phone call to Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, on behalf of Jack (the teen with panic attacks). She knows that Headspace has over 150 centres across Australia offering free or low-cost services to young people 12–25, and there’s one not far from the community centre. During the call, she helps Jack set up an appointment with a Headspace counsellor for some one-on-one therapy, reinforcing that ongoing support. “Headspace is great,” she tells him. “It’s specifically for young people like you, and they understand what you’re going through.” By coordinating this referral, Sarah is ensuring Jack has a safety net beyond the weekly group.

By late afternoon, Sarah turns to the ever-present paperwork. She documents the day’s sessions, writing case notes about the young man she saw in the morning and the youth group discussion. This documentation is important it helps track progress and ensures continuity of care. While not the most exciting part of her day, writing up notes and updating referral lists is part of her daily responsibilities that keeps the whole service running smoothly. She might also spend a few minutes updating the community center’s notice board or social media page with an inspirational quote or a reminder about an upcoming mental health workshop. These little tasks, though administrative, are done with intention: even a simple post about “It’s OK to ask for help” can reach someone scrolling on their phone who needed to hear that message.

Evening: Reflection and Self-Care

As 5:00 p.m. approaches, the foot traffic at the community centre slows down. Sarah takes a moment to tidy her desk and reflect on the day. It’s been fullof emotional moments, educational talks, laughter in group therapy, and some tears too. Reflection is an important part of her routine. She thinks about the people she saw: Did she do everything she could for them? What went well, and what could be done differently tomorrow? For instance, she’s happy that the young man she met in the morning left with a bit of hope and resources in hand. She’s proud of the teens in the group for supporting each other. There’s also a nagging concern for the walk-in client who was in crisis Sarah plans to follow up with them tomorrow to make sure they connected with the help they need.

Before heading home, Sarah engages in a bit of self-care, which she firmly believes in (after all, she teaches self-care to others, so she strives to practice it herself!). She might debrief briefly with a colleague just a quick chat in the staff room to decompress, sharing a funny moment or getting a hug if it was a tough day. On particularly hard days, she’ll call her supervisor for guidance or use the employee support programme because even social workers need it. More often, Sarah’s end-of-day self-care is simple: a short walk in the park across the street to clear her mind or writing in her journal for a few minutes about something she’s grateful for. Today, she jots down, “Grateful for the courage of the people I worked with today.” It’s this positive reflection that keeps her motivated. Being a social worker can be emotionally taxing, but Sarah finds it incredibly rewarding to know she is helping others learn, heal, and find hope.

By 6:00 p.m., Sarah locks up her files and says goodbye to the centre for the night. As she steps out, she notices the sunset casting a warm glow over Perth’s skyline. She feels worn out, yes, but also fulfilled. “Tomorrow is another day,” she thinks, already considering the mental health first aid course the centre is hosting later in the week and the individuals she’ll meet. There’s always more to do, more people to educate, more stigma to break, and more support to give, but Sarah knows each day, each conversation, and each small action is making a difference in her community.

The Bigger Picture: Why Mental Health Education Matters

As Sarah's day demonstrates, a social worker at a community centre assumes various roles, such as counsellor, educator, advocate, event organiser, collaborator, and occasionally a friendly confidant. It’s a challenging job, no doubt. There are days that are hard, cases that weigh on her heart, and systemic issues (like housing or unemployment) that she wishes she could fix overnight. But through her dedication to mental health education and support, Sarah sees hope and progress. Each deep breath a client takes instead of giving in to panic, each teenager who learns it’s okay to talk about feelings, each community member who now knows the Lifeline number by heart these are the wins that keep her going.

Mental health education also means empowering people with knowledge. In her day, Sarah might teach a parent how to respond if their child is anxious or show a teenager a diagram of how stress affects the body. This knowledge helps demystify what they’re going through. It replaces fear with understanding. Studies have shown that when communities are more informed about mental health, individuals are more likely to reach out for support early, rather than waiting until they’re in crisis. Sarah sees this firsthand: a client who attended her “Managing Stress” workshop might come back later saying, “I realised I needed to get help with my anxiety after what I learned.” Moments like that affirm the importance of her educational approach.

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Finally, there are key resources and organisations that extend support beyond the community centre. Here are some of the valuable mental health resources she frequently recommends:

• Lifeline (13 11 14): A 24/7 crisis support hotline for anyone in Australia. Lifeline provides free, confidential counselling at any time of day or night. (When things get overwhelming, Sarah reminds clients that they can always call Lifeline to talk to a trained counselor who will listen and help in a crisis.)
  
  
• Beyond Blue is a leading national mental health organisation focused on depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Beyond Blue offers extensive online resources and a 24/7 support service (via phone at 1300 22 4636 or chat). (Sarah often prints out fact sheets from Beyond Blue’s website for clients for example, tips for managing panic attacks or information on supporting a friend with depression.)
  
  
• headspace: The National Youth Mental Health Foundation, which operates over 150 centres across Australia for people aged 12–25. Headspace provides early intervention services, from counselling to group programmes, tailored for young people and their families. (If Sarah is working with a teenager or young adult, she might refer them to headspace for specialised ongoing support.) It’s youth-friendly help,” she explains.)
  
  
• Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH): WA’s peak body for community mental health, which advocates for better services and runs mental health promotion activities statewide. (WAAMH coordinates Mental Health Week events in WA and offers resources that Sarah uses to plan community activities. It’s a go-to for staying updated on local mental health initiatives and training opportunities.)
  
  
• Local Mental Health Services: In Perth, there are community mental health clinics and non-profits (like HelpingMinds for carers, and Rise for social inclusion) that provide counselling, support groups, and rehabilitation services. (Sarah keeps a directory of these services, knowing the right referral can connect a person to long-term help suited to their needs.)
  
  

References:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020–2022) findings (mental disorder prevalence).
  
  
• Mental Health 2020: Making it personal and everybody’s business—Mental Health Commission WA (noting 1 in 5 annual and almost 1 in 2 lifetime prevalence in WA).
  
  
• Beyond Blue Learn about mental health (mental health statistics and the importance of early support).
  
  
• Healthdirect Australia Mental Health Helplines (information on Lifeline and Beyond Blue services).
  
  
• Act-Belong-Commit Campaign (Mentally Healthy WA)—promoting active, connected, and meaningful living for mental wellbeing.
  
  
• R U OK? Day is a national campaign encouraging conversations to prevent suicide.
  
  
• Western Australian Association for Mental Health—community mental health support and advocacy in WA.
  
  
• Headspace – National Youth Mental Health Foundation (services for ages 12–25, with centres across Australia).
  
  
• WA Mental Health Week is the annual mental health awareness initiative in WA (around World Mental Health Day).