Social Workers Sharon Somerville, Louisa Harwood, and Social Worker student Jordan Stables show off the quilts and Circus Calming Kit bags donated by Ocean Shores Quilters. (Photo supplied)
Therapy comes in many forms and for a group of local children and adolescents with a history of trauma it has recently taken the form of juggling, tumbling and blowing bubbles.
The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD) Violence, Abuse and Neglect Services in Lismore recently ran a Circus Arts Therapy program for a group of eight to 15-year-old children and adolescents from Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Ballina.
Trauma Specialist Social Worker Sharon Somerville said Circus Arts Therapy was a unique play therapy tool that used circus activities to address trauma experienced as a result of sexual, physical, and family violence.
‘Social Worker and Circus Arts and Play Therapy Instructor, Louisa Harwood and trauma specialist Social Worker Linda DeMilford and I worked with the group teaching fun and unique basic circus skills in a safe and cooperative environment,’ said Ms Somerville.
‘Circus Arts Therapy stimulates the imagination and creativity in a safe, playful and compassionate social setting while enabling participants to learn skills that will assist them in the integration of trauma.
‘The experience of working with circus equipment helps participants overcome the fear of everyday challenges that children with trauma can experience.’
Ms Somerville said the Violence, Abuse and Neglect Services had also recently received a significant donation from the Ocean Shores Quilters which contributed to the success of the Circus Arts Therapy group.
‘The Ocean Shores Quilters kindly made 15 material bags for participants of the group to take home a ‘Circus calming kit’ comprising participant-made juggling balls, bubbles to blow, colouring pencils and stencils for art therapy,’ said Ms Somerville.
‘The Ocean Shores Quilters also have kindly donated a significant number of quilts to children and adult clients who have experienced trauma and access the Service. Clients often present with limited belongings due to having to leave violent homes and often feel low self-worth due to the trauma they have experienced perpetrated by another person.
‘These quilts provide clients a sense of worth, safety and security which helps in their long term healing and we can’t thank the Ocean Shores Quilters enough for their generous donations.’
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