Support Groups
We host a variety of trauma-informed support groups for women in the community to promote healing, community and safety after domestic and family violence. These groups are an important touchstone for women to stay connected with each other and the broader Bonnie’s network. These groups are facilitated by our caseworkers and happen throughout the year.
Creative Space
The Creative Space is an Art Therapy based program organised by Bonnie’s and our partner Rosebank. This program promotes healing through creating, where women get together once a week and use arts and crafts. Read more about this. Hindi and Urdu Speaking Women’s Health Group
Our Hindi and Urdu Speaking Women’s Group has been running for over 15 years and is still going strong. Many have left their large families behind and need a culturally safe space where they can sing, dance, share food and feel like they belong. Groups like these are especially vital during times such as the pandemic where language barriers can create confusion and fear.
Kids Space
This project, in partnership with Rosebank, provides a weekly group for children aged 7 – 11 who have been impacted by the effects of domestic or family violence. It offers a variety of craft and play activities facilitated by experienced workers with knowledge and expertise in child protection and early intervention and prevention work. The aim is to address the trauma symptoms and behavioural problems by providing a safe and nurturing space where children can express themselves and tell their story while building pathways toward resilience and emotional wellbeing. Aunty Bonnie’s
Aunty Bonnie’s provides a space for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse clients to experience a healing journey of self discovery and empowerment so they can feel less isolated while building their resilience. Clients will experience growth and change through movement and art therapy, the use of instruments and the sharing of cultures, stories, music and art. All that’s needed is an open heart, an open mind and each client’s unique voice.
This group is led by Peta, a First Nations woman. Shark-Cage
The shark cage group helps clients develop their own skills of self-sufficiency to avoid falling back into future cycles of violence. For each bar of the cage, the women build physical, emotional, social, financial and technological skills as well as spiritual rights that may have been abused in the past so they can protect themselves against those who may take advantage of them during this vulnerable period. Shark Cage was created by psychologist Ursula A Benstead who has 25 years’ experience in the field of complex trauma. Our facilitators bring their knowledge from training under Ursula into the program. Khmer Women’s Support Group
The Khmer Women’s group meets weekly to share information, reduce isolation. Many Cambodian women have experienced trauma and the group provides an opportunity to create connections, make new friends, enjoy new experiences and have fun together.
If you have any questions or ideas on creative ways you would like to help Bonnie’s connect with us and/or donate. Most of these groups wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors.