One of the intentions of this conversation is to connect like-minded people to be part of the solution.

Richa Ekka is a graduate of the Spiritual Ecology Leadership program, an environmental and sustainability consultant, a certified life coach, breathwork facilitator and an experienced group facilitator.

Community members, health care workers, support workers and organisational representatives are invited to join the inaugural community conversation.

The conversation will be held via webinar on September 11.

"A safe and welcoming space will be co-created for the participants to bring forward the mental health challenges present in our community related to climate change impacts," Richa said.

"We will discuss the resources and new ideas from young and experienced community folk present, to respond to mental health challenges brought on by impacts if climate change.

"Participants will be invited to share in a process to develop their ideas about how we can respond as a community and have the opportunity to network with passionate people who may be able to support them in implementing their ideas."

Dr Sarah Mollard, HHH team lead, said the community has faced multiple stresses from climate change in recent years.

"Following drought, the 2019 bushfires and regional flooding, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic means that the community must look at other ways to come together. We need to build connections to sustain us through these prolonged difficult times," Dr Mollard said.

The Head, Heart and Hands (HHH) Project by the Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network has been named a recipient of the NSW Government, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment "Increasing Resilience to Climate Change" Community Grant. HHH is auspiced by Port Macquarie Community Gardens.

If you would like to get involved in the project please email headheartandhandsportmac@gmail.com or find us on Facebook @headheartandhandsportmac.

To register for the webinar go to: events.humanitix.com/community-conversation-mental-health-responses-to-climate-change

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