NatureConnect is a volunteer led peer support space at the Collingwood children’s farm for women and trans and gender diverse peers and their children who have experienced family violence.
What is it
Nature Connect previously offered therapeutic support at the Collingwood Children’s farm, however due to lack of funding Nature Connect has transitioned to a peer led space. This means that there is currently no therapeutic support offered through this program.
What Nature Connect offers is an opportunity for Women and trans and gender diverse peers and their children to come to the farm to learn and grow together through connection to Nature and peers.
Nature Connect supports the formation of friendships and social connection through gathering and enjoying outdoor experiences together. Nature Connect is hosted by the Collingwood Children’s farm and currently meets at the farm on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12pm and monthly on Saturdays. Please reach out on the what’s app group linked below to introduce yourself and to find out more.
How can I get involved
Individuals: If you feel like the Nature Connect program is something you would like to get involved in you can reach out to the peer leaders and others through the WhatsApp group here.
This is the place where you can introduce yourself, find out who is going to the farm and where they will be meeting. When you attend the farm introduce yourself at the farm gates as attending with Nature Connect and you will be given free entry.
Some free farm memberships are also available, you can enquire at the farm gate about these after your first session.
Workers: If you think the Nature Connect program may suit someone you are working with, please share this website with them. You are also able to attend with them for a session or assist with introductions at the start of a session if you have this capacity and it would be supportive for the individuals you are working with.
The previous program
Please note that the following described elements of the Nature Connect Program are not currently running due to lack of funding. If you are interested in funding or supporting Nature Connect please get in touch with us at [email protected].
- Session 1: Individual 60-90 minute session. During this first session, the participant will meet a NatureConnect therapist (Rachael or Niki) one to one, and begin to explore ways the program may support the woman (and her children).
- Session 2: Group-based 2 hour session (10am-12pm). During this first group session, a small group of participants (and their children) will meet NatureConnect therapists Rachael and Niki, and begin to get to know each other through gentle activity and exploration of the Farm.
- Session 3: Group-based 2 hour session (10am-12pm). During this group session, participants will get to know each other to a deeper level through gentle group activities in the Farm environment.
- Session 4: Group-based 2 hour session (10am-12pm). During this group session, participants will build on their connections with other women and the Farm environment and make some plans for continuing the connections beyond the program.
- Session 5: Individual 60-90 minute session. During this final session, the participant (and her children) will meet with Rachael or Niki one to one to plan ways the woman (and her children) may continue to strengthen their social connections with fellow participants and the Farm beyond the program.
Children
Children under 18 years of age are welcome to attend any or all sessions. We expect that some participants will have infants or young children who attend all sessions, while school-aged children are more likely to join sessions during school holidays. If a woman requests to be in a group without children, we will try to accommodate this wish.
Reunion days
In addition to providing 5 therapeutic sessions, NatureConnect will facilitate monthly ‘Reunion lunches’ to support the continuation of friendships and connections with the Farm after the program. These events are open to all current and past participants of the NatureConnect program.
Who we are
NatureConnect is a partnership between Adventure Works Australia and the Collingwood Children’s Farm. The program has been enabled through a Victorian Government “Let’s Stay Connected” grant until June 31st 2021.
Adventure Works directors and staff have a long history of providing nature-based experiences to help build health and facilitate healing with a range of target groups. This program is informed by research and practice experience, and is designed to activate the known benefits of social connection, nature contact, physical activity and intentional conversations for survivors of family violence.
NatureConnect is facilitated by Rachael and Niki, who are trained therapists with experience working with women and children who are recovering from the harms of family violence.
NatureConnect was supported by:
Collingwood Children’s Farm
“Collingwood Children’s Farm respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri-Woiwurrung people as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the lands we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past, present and emerging for their guardianship of these lands.
Nestled on the banks of Birrarung and only four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Collingwood Children’s Farm was founded in 1979 to support and engage local children experiencing adversity. A much loved non-profit organisation, the Farm’s reason for being remains true to its roots: Community Engagement, Education and Connection with Nature, Green Space and Animals.
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a haven for children and adults alike, with daily activities and acres of paddocks and gardens to explore. Cuddle a goat, enjoy workshops with a Farmer or sit back with a coffee and observe the goings on of a thriving community farm – there’s something for everyone!”
