This upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re hosting a free webinar with Educational Psychologist Cathy Robson for people with intellectual disabilities, their whānau, and those who support them, including coaches and volunteers. We will use Special Olympics Strong Minds to explore practical ways to recognise and navigate big feelings — in ourselves and others.

Join us on Wednesday 14 October at 6.30pm - register here.

 
Special Olympics Strong Minds. Big Feelings. Strong Connections

Sometimes big feelings can make joining in or staying connected feel harder. Frustration, anger, disappointment, stress, overwhelm or overstimulation can happen in everyday life, when trying something new, going somewhere unfamiliar, or connecting with other people.

  • Recognise - big feelings in ourselves and others.
  • Understand - what can happen in our brain and body when we experience big feelings.
  • Respond - practical Strong Minds tools including mindfulness, calming techniques, strong thoughts and reframing.
  • Connect - ways to support ourselves and others, take part, stay connected and belong.
     

Presented by Cathy Robson, an Educational Psychologist

Cathy led the introduction of Special Olympics Strong Minds in New Zealand at the 2025 National Summer Games. Strong Minds is part of Special Olympics New Zealand’s Healthy Athletes Programme, supporting athletes’ health and wellbeing.

Cathy describes a psychologist as being “kind of like a coach for your brain”, helping people understand how their brain works and how they can manage tricky things like big feelings.

During the session, Cathy will look at how big feelings can affect bodies and brains, what can happen in new or unfamiliar environments, how to recognise when we or someone around us may be becoming overwhelmed, and practical strategies that can help.

Join us - register today!

The webinar is open to athletes, whānau and caregivers, coaches and volunteers, educators, residential caregivers, inclusive employers and anyone supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

There will be time to ask questions, and you will receive a practical handout following the session.

Those who join us live and stay to the end will have the chance to win a special prize pack!

Strong Minds. Big Feelings, Strong Connections.
Wednesday 14 October 2026, 6.30pm
Online and free to attend