Act for Kids is witnessing a significant surge in demand, particularly in Victoria, where hundreds of children and young individuals are struggling with trauma or facing harm.
The for-purpose organisation has seen a consistent 30 per cent increase in referrals for therapy support, notably at its Broadmeadows therapy centre since the onset of the pandemic.
Act for Kids chief executive, Katrina Lies, emphasised that there has been a continual rise in the number of young people seeking urgent support.
“Many of our clients are experiencing significant mental health problems, including high levels of depression and extreme anxiety as a result of the past three years,” she said.
“A number of Broadmeadows families are facing increasing challenges including, financial pressure, stress within the household, and an increase in domestic and family violence.”
In the 2021-22 period, Victoria recorded 15,307 cases of substantiated abuse, with 45,548 children across Australia experiencing abuse and neglect.
To address this growing need, Act for Kids has unveiled a purpose-built sensory garden. The garden, designed to aid in therapy and healing for traumatised children, provides a safe and calming space for sensory experiences, promoting mindfulness and emotional processing.
The sensory garden is part of a three-year project, funded in part by the Property Industry Foundation, which has also contributed to significant upgrades in therapy rooms at Act for Kids’ centres.
Occupational therapist Angela Tieman stressed the importance of the sensory garden in helping children connect with others and manage their emotions after experiencing trauma.
“The special space has been purposefully designed to soothe and comfort, uplift, energise, enable meditation, reflection and connection with others,” she said.
The organisation is grateful for the support from the Property Industry Foundation and Buildcorp, which allows them to continue supporting children in a positive and uplifting environment.
In the second quarter of this year, the Broadmeadows team provided over 300 therapy sessions to more than 40 clients.
