The courtyard at St Vincent’s Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service (BETRS) offers an invaluable outdoor space for people with a suspected or diagnosed with an eating disorder between the ages of 18 to 64.
Sadly, the courtyard area hasn’t been used for at least 12 months. Natalie Newman, BETRS Manager, said “The space had great potential, but nobody wanted to go out there because it was such an unappealing, rundown area to be in.”
What a difference a day can make! Thanks to generous support from Bunnings Collingwood and Taubmans Paint, the tired space has been completely transformed!
Richard Thayer, St Vincent’s Foundation Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager said, “We've been working with Bunnings Collingwood to bring our courtyard spaces back to life. Items like outdoor furniture, a coat of paint and plants help to improve the environment for both staff and patients.
“We are truly grateful to Bunnings Collingwood and Taubmans Paints for their kind and generous support.”
A team from Bunnings and Taubmans Paint generously provided the supplies and people needed to blitz the area, converting it from ugly and neglected, to a visually appealing, welcoming, functional space.
Natalie was thrilled with the transformation. “It’s amazing! All of a sudden, we have a whole new space for participants, staff, families, carers, and supporters to enjoy.
“It’s opened up so many opportunities. We can use it for one-on-one sessions as well as an alternative group space. It will be ideal for structured group activities plus we can increase the range of therapeutic tools we can use, such as incorporating horticulture therapy.”
Natalie noted that staff morale was lifted almost immediately after seeing the new space. “The staff feel really proud because it’s become a space that meets our needs. We’re no longer restricted to just internal spaces. There are enormous benefits to our participants being able to use the courtyard whilst in therapy groups but also as a break away space.”
Keely Vincent, Bunnings Collingwood Activity Organiser said, “It was a team effort working with the Taubmans team to update St Vincent’s BETRS outdoor space, rolling up our sleeves to add some colour to the courtyard. We hope it makes a small difference to participants and staff who can now make use of a more inviting outdoor space.”
“I want to say a big thanks to Keely and Jess from Bunnings, the Taubmans Paint team and the St Vincent’s Foundation. You’ve given the BETRS team and participants a wonderful gift that will benefit us all!”
If your business wishes to support St Vincent’s Foundation, please contact Richard Thayer, Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager at richard.thayer@svha.org.au or call 0413 199 875.
