The final session reviewed the many stories told throughout the year at the monthly event, as well as a wrap-up talk on resilience and how it can be developed through connections with each other. 

Co-ordinator of the event, Leonie Napier, viewed the sessions as therapeutic, as well as educational. 

“The coffee conversations have been a tremendous platform for unity in the community,” she said. 

“Having voices to speak and ears to listen establishes understanding, empathy and compassion. 

“The topics we covered were child sexual abuse, bullying, abortion, suicide, dementia, alcoholism, grief and loss from death and domestic violence.

“We saw the common elements of each story were isolation, shame and disconnection. It came to the forefront that shame was a driving force and was highly correlated with addiction, depression, violence, aggression, bullying, suicide and eating disorders.”

As a result of each of the sessions this year a book was collated to showcase each of the different stories. 

“Many thanks to the amazing women that have spoken about their experiences and those that have joined in the conversation,” Mrs Napier said.