For children and families recovering from the impacts of family violence, feeling safe, heard and connected is essential to wellbeing.

In Ballarat, WRISC Family Violence Support delivers the Van Go Children’s Creative Therapy Program, supporting children and families through trauma informed, play based approaches that build confidence, connection and emotional expression.

However, opportunities for families to connect in safe, accessible environments can be limited, particularly during school holidays when financial and practical pressures are often higher.

Through the Ballarat Foundation’s 2025 Community Impact Grants, WRISC received funding to deliver a Family Fun Day designed to bring families together while also creating a safe, child led way to gather feedback and strengthen future services.

The day was free to attend, with lunch and transport support provided, removing key barriers and enabling more families to participate.

Children engaged in creative and play based activities that allowed them to express their thoughts and experiences in ways that felt natural and safe, while carers were able to provide feedback alongside them.

“Seeing her express herself and having that understood and seeing her empowered.”

The impact was clear. All children reported feeling safe and calmer, and most said they felt more confident and able to be themselves. Families connected with each other and with the service in a supportive, welcoming environment.

This approach also created valuable insights to improve future programs, with feedback helping shape how services are delivered and how families are supported moving forward.

This change matters because it ensures children’s voices are heard and valued, while strengthening connection, safety and trust for families navigating complex challenges.

With continued support, programs like this can continue to create safe spaces where children and families feel supported, connected and able to shape the services designed for them.