A flower can symbolise resilience, hope, courage or new beginnings.
Drawing on the Victorian Language of Flowers, a 19th-century code used to convey hidden emotional messages, Mind the Flowers invites participants to explore their own stories of reflection and growth.
The free, four-week program brings together a therapeutic art group that delves into healing, self-expression and connection through creativity in a safe, trauma-informed environment.
Drawing on tradition where flowers were used to communicate emotions, messages and personal experiences, participants use the symbolic meanings of flowers as a starting point for reflection, storytelling and creative expression.
Centre Against Violence intake and therapeutic services manager Maddi Tobias said feedback from participants in Wodonga highlighted the value of creating space for reflection, creativity and connection.
“People told us they valued having a space where there was no judgment and no pressure,” Maddi said.
“They spoke about forming connections, rediscovering their creativity and learning more about themselves through the process.
“Many participants shared that the program helped them reconnect with hope.
“They spoke about learning self-compassion, recognising their strengths and the capacity for growth, and building meaningful connections with others.”
Participants from the Wodonga program reported meaningful benefits, including greater self-acceptance, deeper personal reflection, a renewed sense of creative expression and stronger connections with others.
All participants who completed the evaluation said they would recommend the program to other people who had experienced family or sexual violence.
Maddi said programs such as Mind the Flowers offered another pathway for healing and recovery.
“Healing looks different for everyone,” Maddi said.
“Programs like Mind the Flowers provide an opportunity for people to explore their experiences in a different way, build confidence, express themselves creatively and connect with others in a supportive environment.”
The Centre Against Violence is now inviting expressions of interest from community members aged 18 years and over who have experienced family or sexual violence.
The program will commence on Monday, November 9 and run weekly from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Maddi encouraged anyone considering the program to reach out and learn more.
“You don’t need to be creative or have any previous art experience to take part,” Maddi said.
“If you’re wondering whether the program might be right for you, we encourage you to get in touch and have a conversation with us.”
Registrations close on October 26 and can be made via centreagainstviolence.org.au/news/mind-the-flowers
A minimum number of participants will be required for the program to proceed.
If you or someone you know needs support due to family violence, contact The Orange Door Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 1800 271 157, or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 for 24/7 after-hours support.
If you or someone you know needs support due to sexual assault, contact Centre Against Violence Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 5722 2203, or the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 for 24/7 support.
If you are in immediate danger, call police on 000.
