Centre Against Violence launches ‘Mind the Flowers’ therapeutic group in Wangaratta

Therapeutic support worker Neene Weight said the group brought together her professional experience and personal passion.

“Working as a therapeutic support worker with CAV has been a defining part of my career, shaping both my professional practice and creative approach to supporting victim-survivors of sexual assault and family violence,” she said.

“Alongside this work, I’ve long been drawn to the medicinal, symbolic and folklore qualities of herbs and flowers.

“Recently, these two worlds began to merge when I saw an opportunity to share Floriography, also known as the ‘Language of Flowers’.

“This practice became especially popular in the Victorian era, when people used flowers to send messages or express feelings without speaking.

“Each flower carried its own meaning, almost like a secret code. One flower might symbolise hope, another strength, another comfort.

“As I explored this further, I began to see how these symbolic qualities could gently support people experiencing trauma-related negative thought patterns.

“By creating something beautiful with a reframed message, participants can explore grounding, reflection and emotional expression in a safe and symbolic way.”

From this, Mind the Flowers emerged, a therapeutic group that honours the resilience of victim-survivors while drawing on the quiet wisdom of nature

It’s a space where creativity, symbolism and trauma-informed care meet and where flowers become not only objects of beauty but also tools for healing. Mind the Flowers is open to adults of all genders. No art experience is necessary.

While Mind the Flowers supports participants in recognising and reframing unhelpful thought patterns, it also offers the Empowered Healing Group.

“This group is open to women and gender diverse people 18 years and over, and focuses more directly on the impacts of trauma and the development of emotional resilience,” Ms Weight said.

“They offer a sanctuary where strength, hope and connection can be nurtured through shared experience and guided exploration.”

CAV will also run the Empowered Healing Group, an eight-week therapeutic program beginning April 28 in Wangaratta and May 1 in Wodonga.

Both programs are free to attend. These groups are for people seeking therapeutic support rather than urgent crisis assistance.

• 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 crisis support.

If you or someone you know needs support due to sexual assault, contact the 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 the police on 000.

For more information, visit centreagainstviolence.org.au/how-we-help/#group-work

To register your interest, email intake@cav.org.au or call 5722 2203.