Women's Space @ Laurel Place
We are a specialist sexual assault service run by women, for women.
Women’s Space offers individual counselling, and informative workshops and groups underpinned by a trauma-informed and community-focused approach to health and wellbeing.
We utilise a feminist, strengths-based approach with a focus on advocacy and empowerment.
Our team is committed to providing you with a self-directed service which assists you to discover your sense of self, discover your strengths, make your own decisions and develop your resilience.
We aim to support you to live the life you choose, develop new perspectives, access new opportunities and create sustainable social and community connections.
Season To Dance
by Beverly Ash-Gilbert
Used with permission by the artist.
Women's Space is a program of Laurel Place Inc.
Laurel Place is a highly respected organisation on the Sunshine Coast offering counselling and support for people impacted by sexual violence for over 35 years.
Women’s Space was created in response to a recognition of the ongoing impacts of gendered violence on women's health and well-being.
We are funded by the Department of
Child Safety, Youth, and Women in line with the
recommendations outlined in the
Not Now Not Ever Report.
Women Empowering Women
Empowered Women
Empower Women
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a holistic individual experience that includes the capacity:
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to have control over your life
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to have control over your body
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to make informed choices
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to develop supportive, healthy, respectful relationships
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to access educational and work opportunities
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to realise financial and economic independence
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to create a safe and secure home for you and your family
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to be free to live your life with dignity, respect, and self-worth
Describe your image
"The connections between women
are among the most feared, the most problematic,
and the most potentially transforming forces on the planet."
~ Adrienne Rich ~
Services
During Covid-19 restrictions Women's Space continues to offer individual support
in person, by phone, or video conferencing alternatives. We follow recommended hygiene and social distancing requirements for all appointments.
Counselling
Women’s Space practitioners deliver short-term trauma-informed counselling, across 6-8 sessions, with a specialisation in domestic and sexual violence counselling.
Women’s Space offers a safe and empathetic environment for you to explore your experiences, hopes, and healing. You will be supported to understand your experience and emotions, to discover your strengths and build self-confidence, to develop supportive, caring, and respectful relationships, and to make your own decisions about what is best for you.
Beginning the process to access counselling can seem daunting when recovering from domestic and sexual violence. With the assistance of a personalised Wellbeing Plan, developed within your first counselling session, Women’s Space practitioners are able to tailor your therapeutic counselling needs based on your hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. Women’s Space practitioners will support you to plan your wellbeing pathway, and advocate for access to additional supports and resources available within your local community.
Please contact us for more information
Women's Support Groups
Please contact us for more information
Women’s Space offer a range of opportunities for women to attend and connect with each other in a low pressure, safe and calming environment.
Women's Space are currently offering a 6-week art-based group program, Worthy Women. This program is designed to support women seeking to build their self-worth through reflecting on, and embracing, their strengths and resources.
Women’s Space clients are provided with a monthly calendar, indicating when the Worthy Women program is being offered.
As this program is in high demand it's important to contact the team to discuss wait times and group availability.
Explore our Newsletters page for our Worthy Women group flyers
Workshops
Women’s Space offers workshops to clients, providing opportunities for education and skill development in different areas of interest.
Women’s Space is currently offering workshops on Understanding Trauma, Healthy Relationships, Self-Esteem and Finding Your Voice.
Women’s Space clients are provided with a monthly calendar, indicating when workshops are being run.
Spaces are limited and registration at workshops is essential.
Explore our Newsletters page for our monthly calendar and flyers!
Please contact us for more information
Contact & Referral
Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast
QLD 4558
Self - Referral
Women may self-refer to Women’s Space
via phone, email or walk in.
Please contact us for information.
Referral by Supporting Agencies
We welcome referrals from supporting services (with consent).
Please access our referral form here