Alison’s Notebook

Posted: 06/05/2025

Today, I thought I’d talk about a tool that has been around for a while but is still a favourite – the five-column tool. The five-column approach was pioneered by Di O’Neil and Wayne MCcashen at St Luke’s Anglicare back in 1990 and is …Read more

Win BIG this End of Financial Year

Posted: 02/05/2025

Want to be in the running for a resources and training prize pack worth $1000? All you need to do is make a single purchase of $100 or more in May or June 2025 (including any of  our training products) and go into the …Read more

Finding hope and connection in the midst of grief

Posted: 02/05/2025

‘…whether we lose a person, or whether we lose a place, or whether we lose some ’thing’ that’s important to us, it’s normal for us to need an extended period of emotion or reaction to that.’ Shelley Skinner isn’t afraid to talk about grief …Read more

A blob of paint is never just a blob of paint

Posted: 02/05/2025

When artist and designer, Fiona Mansfield, thinks about the awakening of her creative self, she’s taken back to a time in her childhood when she was stuck at home with the measles. ‘I was in quarantine with a big A3 pad of paper and …Read more

Neurodivergent-friendly means everyone benefits

Posted: 10/02/2025

Nick Avery is the CEO of South West Autism Network (SWAN) in Bussleton, Western Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that grew out of a very real need for families in regional areas to have access to support, information, community networks and advocacy. SWAN’s vision is …Read more

Meet the authors

Posted: 10/02/2025

One of the things we pride ourselves on at Innovative Resources is the combination of lived experience and industry expertise that goes into the development of each and every card set. For more than 30 years we’ve partnered with leading experts in their respective …Read more

Seeing and hearing the world

Posted: 10/02/2025

Sharon Dunn lives and breathes creativity. Whether she’s creating unique artwork for an Innovative Resources card set, fulfilling a design brief for a business client, or writing and performing music, she is always searching for originality—the offbeat and quirkier the better. ‘Being a musician …Read more

Teacher Wellbeing cards coming soon!

Posted: 10/02/2025

Are you an educator looking for a better work-life balance? Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed in your teaching role and looking for ways to improve your energy levels and sense of connection? Do you work in a team that needs an infusion of …Read more

tell me everything. Alison talks to the experts – you!

Posted: 06/01/2025

I shouldn’t be at all surprised by the creative ways Innovative Resources’ tools are used in classrooms, in the playground, in groups, or on the family fridge. But every time I deliver training or a workshop, I hear incredibly innovative stories from people—social workers, …Read more

The gift of giving

Posted: 25/12/2024

A gift is not always something that is wrapped up with brightly coloured paper. Not all gifts are the kind you can place under a Christmas tree or tuck under your arm when attending a birthday party. While tangible gifts can be utterly delightful …Read more

Acts of Everyday Kindness

Posted: 02/12/2024

Acts of everyday kindness are all around us. They can come in the form of a kind word, a helping hand, a nod of appreciation, an encouraging smile, a story, a wave, a letter, a gentle caution, a friendly visit or a meal shared. …Read more

Basking in the warmth of stories

Posted: 25/11/2024

Cate Kennedy’s foreword for Storycatching (Innovative Resources, 2008) may have just turned 16, but it’s still one of the most beautiful pieces of writing about the shared experience of storytelling you’ll ever read. When Cate references the influence of TV, you realise this resource …Read more

The power of micro moments of joy

Posted: 05/11/2024

I was recently listening to an episode of the fantastic podcast, The Imperfects, (part of The Resilience Project) where Dr Emily introduced the idea of ‘micro moments of joy’. The idea is that wherever you are and whatever is happening, if you choose to …Read more

Everyday Strengths takes flight

Posted: 31/10/2024

After so many of you contacted us to ask about bringing back Angels, we decided to revitalise this much-loved card set, with a new name and a fresh new look. But don’t worry, we’ve kept all the beautiful, original watercolour illustrations by award-winning artist …Read more

Q & A with Respectful Relationships illustrator, Mat Jones

Posted: 31/10/2024

Mat Jones is more than just a sublimely talented illustrator, designer and interpreter of strength-based ideas, he’s part of the fabric of Innovative Resources (IR). For almost 20 years, his illustrations have graced some of our most iconic card sets and his designs are …Read more

Mental Illness Does NOT Have a Size

Posted: 30/09/2024

Eating Disorders, and mental illnesses come in all shapes, sizes, colours, ages, race and social economic levels. Throughout my lived eating disorder experience I have had to deal with weight stigma and being told things like “you don’t look that sick or underweight”, “your …Read more