Broken to Brilliant have been successful in being awarded a 2021 CommBank Staff Foundation, Community Grant. We received $10,000 to support the vital work we do to help rebuild the lives of people who have survived domestic abuse.
Bundall Branch Manager Colin Jones and Customer Service Specialist Deb Birch presented the four Broken to Brilliant HEART Program Facilitators, Tracey, Jamie, Jane and Fiona, the $10,000 cheque on Thursday 13th January at the Bundall Commonwealth Bank.
The funds will support the HEART Program that stands for Healing Equine Art Resilience Therapy. The sessions will be held during 2022 at The Therapy Pod Dalton Rd, Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland.
This grant would not have been possible without the nomination from Wanda Guymer, a CommBank QLD Regional Relieving Manager, who is passionate about Broken to Brilliant’s work helping domestic violence survivors.
Tracey, an Equine Assisted Therapist, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist and Counsellor, said that “domestic violence creates isolation for so many people and the HEART Program creates connections. Connections with nature, animals, themselves and each other, survivors come together".
Jane, an Equine Mental Health Practitioner, does this work because of “the beauty of witnessing those who have been chronically stressed and emotionally dysregulated, give a deep breath out, when their nervous system settles, as they find safety and connection with nature, the animals and creativity".
Fiona an accredited trainer, children’s author and art therapist, said, "the HEART program is a unique experience for children and parents. The combination of the beautiful Tallebudgera Valley, with only the sounds of nature combined with the presence of horses and llamas, allows the participants to relax. They sit in nature and use art to integrate the peace and healing environment from the day".
“It's life-changing for everyone”, Fiona said.
Jamie a survivor, an author, an artist and a Mental Health First Aider, said, “as a survivor of domestic & family violence, I know how much a program like HEART would have helped me during my journey of healing & recovery. Unfortunately, support beyond crisis there is a massive gap that needs filling. Programs that provide a safe space to heal and just ‘be’ are imperative for breaking the cycle but are almost non-existent. The HEART program provides a nurturing and therapeutic space for survivors, where they can immerse themselves in nature and creativity. HEART is a space to aid healing".
“I am honoured & proud to be a part of HEART, being able to provide this opportunity for others on their journey and helping to fill the gap,” Jamie said.
The CommBank Staff Foundation was formed in 1917 to send care packages to Australians fighting in the First World War. Ever since it has enabled CommBank Staff to join together to support the community.
Thank you to the staff at CommBank who participate in Workplace Giving - this grant wouldn't be possible without you.
Broken to Brilliant™ is an Australian not-for-profit Charity where domestic violence survivors mentor fellow survivors who are creating a new chapter in their lives.
The HEART Program will run on the following dates in 2022: