Tuesday Social Group - Seaford MDC

By Jessica Wooley

The Tuesday social group has been running at Seaford for 18 months. They gather once a week at the Seaford MDC for two hours, playing games, watching movies, participating in arts and crafts and generally catching up.

One of Seaford’s counsellors, Natasha, started the initiative when one of her clients wanted a safe space to play scrabble with other people. This client had tried to go to community groups to play, but found the other people took it too seriously and community spaces often required users to pay.

There is a core group of four to six women each week, and Natasha describes them as “such a lovely group of women who all support each other”.

This initiative brings people who may feel isolated within their community together, where they can participate in different activities and enjoy one another’s company.

The group are provided with tea and coffee, but essentially run themselves and are always open to new additions.

Groups are held at the Seaford MDC Conference Room from 10am-12pm on a Tuesday. If you would like to join this exceptional group of women please contact SECASA on 9928 8741.

Reflexology: A beneficial practice for SECASA survivors

By Saihini Naidoo

Reflexology is an alternate medicine that involves massaging the hands and feet to promote wellness in other areas of the body. Modern reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has ‘reflex’ points which correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. The process is designed to be very relaxing and is often an effective way to alleviate stress.

Sam Langridge is a Reflexologist and has been practicing in the industry for 18 years. She has been operating a private clinic for the past 15 years and runs a reflexology program for SECASA survivors with the help of fellow Reflexologist Jenny Rigby.

Sam said that she always wanted to work with women who were in difficult circumstances and were impacted by family violence.

“[In the beginning], I just didn’t know how to approach this. It was always in the back of my mind”.

Sam also said that she incorporates a women’s health aspect to her work when she teaches SECASA clients about reflexology and self-care. Her first course took place in September 2014 after she was approached by Carolyn Worth. She is currently up to her ninth course.

Sam explained that the reflexology group was the greatest thing she had ever done whilst working with SECASA.

“To work with these women and see them physically change over 6 weeks... It is the most incredible thing I’ve ever done” she said.

According to Sam, reflexology helps survivors relax, as it works on all aspects of a person, not just the mental, emotional or spiritual, singularly. “It is holistic” she said.

Sam also explained that reflexology helps reduce anxiety, stress and tension, and also helps body balance. She said that she liked to show survivors how to work points such as their solar plexus so they could practice reflexology at home.

She also shared that many survivors commented that they felt safe and secure when doing this.

“If survivors feel safe and secure they will take on more of what we create” Sam said.

SECASA clients are selected by Counsellors. A SECASA counsellor is always present in the room during reflexology sessions to ensure that survivor’s feel supported at all times.

Reflexology sessions are not sequential and members can join at any time. Attendee numbers are also fluid and participants have the option to opt out of certain elements of the session if they feel uncomfortable.

Sam said that they preferred to focus on feet during reflexology sessions, as she thought this was the least evasive body part for clients. She also explained that she liked to have an initial consultation with clients (including their medical history) before beginning a session, so she could better understand the different issues impacting them.

The reflexology group runs for one hour at no cost to SECASA clients.

Art groups – creative minds and healing hearts

By Jessica Wooley

Providing a safe space for victims/survivors, artist Anne runs art groups at SECASA’s Seaford and East Bentleigh locations. The groups are held once a week for 12 weeks.

An atmosphere of creativity is provided, where participants are given the joy of learning artistic skills in a non-judgemental environment where they can use art as an avenue for self-expression.

Groups at Bentleigh East

By Courtney Beaumont

Various art groups run weekly out of Bentleigh East, providing support for women who have experienced trauma through therapeutic art form.

Counsellor Mary highlights the importance of the art groups as they are “for people who don’t have the confidence to attend in any other setting,” she says, “what they have here is an understanding of their experience of trauma.”

SECASA wrap 2018

In 2018 we had three students from Monash University’s School of Media, Film and Journalism roam on placement. Their project was to roam far and wide through SECASA and to document what they saw. The result is this wonderful collection of stories and interviews with staff, supporters and clients. We hope it helps you get a better idea of the services we offer and gives you an insight into the workings of this organisation.

Our thanks go out to our talented students:

Jessica Wooley

Courtney Beaumont

Saihini Naidoo

Matchbox artwork

Some of the tiny Matchbox artworks made by participants in our art group. Excellent activity to do with others

Nepali & Bengali inspired artwork

Painting made in our SECASA art group. Inspired by Nepali & Bengali trad. art. Well done Jules!