
dianne smith design









QUICK WRAP: NEWS and Updates 2024
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While the weather in Perth is so wonderful (and as family and friends in the East are sweltering in the heat) I feel very fortunate as I reflect on 2024. Right at the moment, even though it is the weekend there are people working outside to help us to maintain the house and office. I am looking forward to it all coming together; especially as it even looks better half done. I have also had success in the vegetable garden this season. We picked cherry tomatoes and the first zucchini yesterday and ate them last night! Learning to share with the numerous bugs has been a worthwhile lesson for me.
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In terms of dsd it has been another interesting year working with people, who are looking for change and/or who are addressing particular issues in their everyday lives.
Things that have happened at dsd.
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A series of workshops with Carers WA. A wonderful organisation which supports those who care for others (whether parents, partners, siblings, children with special needs, friends, and the like). If you are in that position, consider reaching out. (ph 92287400 https://www.carerswa.asn.au/) It was such a pleasure to meet a wide range of carers across the city and to use creative activities to support them while enjoying ourselves. ​
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Ongoing monthly workshops at DYHS (Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation). These are small group sessions where we use a range of art materials to support women; many have experienced domestic violence. I enjoy the sessions and have met some wonderful women over the year -both staff and clients. (ph 1300 420 272 https://www.dyhs.org.au/services/counselling/)
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Mother-Child workshops at DYHS during school holidays. These particularly aim to use creative activities that support the mother and their child working together during the session. They both seem to enjoy the opportunity to share and create.
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One-on-one consultations at my Victoria Park studio. These continue throughout the year so feel free to reach out if you wish to make an appointment for yourself or for details if you know someone else who may benefit through art therapy.
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Courses for my professional development are ongoing and include a number through the MHA (Mental Health Academy) and the Wesley's Suicide Prevention Training. (See under Welcome) I must admit that I love learning so searching out new ideas and knowledge is part of who I am. What I gain I hope to share/apply through my sessions with others.
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ALSO
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An ongoing project exploring the design of housing for people with schizophrenia wrapped up in October this year with a presentation at the Institute of Architects in Perth. There my colleague, Dr Elizabeth Karol and I outlined and gifted our Design Framework to those who are able to apply the principles we have developed to the design of accommodation.
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We operate as DEKS and have published this work so that others can access the Framework electronically to use. (Reach out if you are interested and/or refer to the webpage and articles noted below*. Spread the word to others who may be interested.) The principles outlined may be able to be developed and applied to conditions other than schizophrenia in the future.
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​​​​​​​*Smith, D., & Karol, E. (2024). Design to support people with schizophrenia: activating professional boundaries. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.1004807. In Hocaoglu, C. (Ed.). (2024). New Approaches to the Management and Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.1001676
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​​​​​​​*Dr Dianne Smith & Dr Elizabeth Karol. Beyond the Tangible. Designing to support self- esteem and wellbeing in specialised accommodation. Link to interactive web based record via: https://www.deksdesignresearch.com.au/ to https://beyondtangible.wixsite.com/beyondtangibledesign




NEWS and Updates 2025 ... coming in the new year

