New Youth Garden - safe space for sexual abuse survivors

New Youth Garden offers safe, restorative space for sexual abuse survivors

HELP have opened a new outdoor area, specially designed for young women who have been affected by sexual abuse and assault to regenerate, reflect and heal. Based in Auckland, HELP are a specialist organisation who support survivors and facilitate prevention programmes surrounding sexual abuse and assault.

Following studies conducted by Point Research, HELP identified the need for a less clinical, natural space, and after months of hard work, have opened a Youth Garden at their Mt Eden premises. The garden is the culmination of a seed planted eighteen months ago, when the Youth Team discussed their need for an additional space.

“We needed an informal, contemplative space,” says Diane Piesse, leader of HELP’s Youth Team. “Many young women we work with may not have had the chance to spend time in a beautiful garden, especially in the city. This space is something extra we can offer their healing process.”

Russell Dawe, of garden design and installation company Inlandscape, approached HELP after seeing their “wishlist”, which included an outdoor space for young women. Upon meeting the Youth Team, he captured the vision sensitively, and facilitated the creation of the garden, managing and coordinating volunteers, and providing materials and labour.

“Nobody said no,” says Russell, of the others he approached for help. “Everyone was happy to contribute, be it their time, money, services or facilities, everyone was keen to get involved.”

It is widely recognised that spending time outdoors has positive benefits for emotional health and wellbeing, with therapy gardens attached to hospitals and health facilities worldwide. “It’s a place of safety, where one can attach oneself to the earth,” says Russell. “It’s good for the soul.” Designed to be a calm, informal, contemplative space, the garden offers a space for survivors to talk, reflect, regenerate and ‘ground’ themselves.

“Grounding oneself is hugely important to the healing process. It helps young women to focus on the present, rather than constantly reflecting on traumatic events,” says Youth Counselor Carol-Anne Weaver.

Carol-Anne will use the garden to talk with survivors, in this open and peaceful setting. “Sitting side by side on the deck or seat is natural for young people, it’s informal and relaxed, and it will help them open up. The garden is a place of growth, both figuratively and literally, and will help them to see ahead and visualise their futures and possibilities,” she says.

Representatives from a number of local groups attended the opening, including Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse. "It's wonderful to see this resource made available to HELP, which will further support the valuable work they do within the Auckland community", she says. "This garden is a valuable asset to HELP as they support young women to progress themselves to positions of increased strength and positivity."

Since its’ inception 32 years ago HELP has revolutionised the way women affected by sexual violence are supported. Bill Daniels, Police Surgeon at the time, was influential in the creation of the organisation, and attended the Youth Garden opening with enthusiasm.

“A space like this is not what I’d initially envisioned for HELP,” he says. “When it all began, the “treatment” for women who had experienced sexual violence was very standardised, through the police process. I suggested a specialised service, an idea that was readily accepted. It wasn’t that anyone was opposed to the idea, but more that they hadn’t considered alternative methods.”

Bill says that his involvement with HELP has been much like the creation of the Youth Garden itself. “It’s about delegation. I asked my lawyers and accountants to contribute, each in their own area of expertise. I am extremely proud that in Auckland, we have good people in positions of influence, who are willing to help and don’t need to be asked twice.”

The Youth Garden is indicative of the generosity and community spirit of those in the region, and offers an incredible resource for HELP’s clients. With the support of so many embedded in its’ very soil, the Youth Garden allows young women a safe, healing space where, along with the support of HELP’s staff, they can heal and move forward in a positive and empowered manner.

HELP’s services include:
• 24/7 Crisis Services
• Adult Therapy - Youth Services
• Justice Services
• Child and Family Services
• Restorative Justice Services
• Community programmes, including We Can Keep Safe – preschool prevention

ENDS

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