Loves-Me-Not sows seed for hands-on help
Learning about healthy relationships through the Loves-Me-Not programme hasn’t just sparked a wider awareness for a group of Katikati College students – it’s inspired them to do something for victims of family harm.
Year 12 student Grace Fotheringhame came up with the idea for Daisy Love Packages after taking part in the LovesMe-Not programme, which teaches students about healthy relationships, relationship abuse and consent.
Grace says the programme was an eye opener and after taking part she was inspired to do more to raise awareness about family harm.
“Loves-Me-Not exposed me to the effects of family harm on the victim, as well as those around them," she says. "I wanted to create a project that not only raised awareness of this issue, but also helped those directly affected.
“I decided on specially made packages that would be donated to a local women’s refuge. These packages contain items that women need on a daily basis, with some essentials to make them feel uplifted and special.”
The packs include items such as face cloths, soap and sanitiser, toothbrush and toothpaste, body wash and lotion, face masks, nail polish and lip balm, among other things.
Grace hopes the project will help expose students to the lengthy effects of family harm and inspire them by demonstrating how a small school project can positively affect multiple women.
Loves-Me-Not Coordinator Senior Constable Emma Buxton says the Daisy Love Packages show that Loves-Me-Not
Senior Constable Emma Buxton, student Grace Fotheringhame and Year 12 Dean Jane Finnimore. isn’t just a one-day programme.
“What Grace has achieved is the LovesMe-Not principles in action, supporting women in need so generously," she says.
"She is taking those messages out into the wider community and has obviously won over some businesses, judging by the number of items donated.”
Of the 30 packs, 22 were given to Women’s Refuge while the other eight were provided to Police’s family harm teams to distribute.
“Loves-Me-Not is a fantastic programme and you really see it resonating with the students as they realise some of the traits that are unhealthy in a relationship… traits they might not have realised were unhealthy.”
Grace agrees, saying the programme
A selection of the goodies which go into Daisy Love Packages for women affected by family harm. PHOTOS: Supplied. exposed her to real-life situations that around partner abuse. It was established they all may face in the future. by Lesley Elliott after her daughter, So
“At this age, many students are getting phie, was killed by her former boyfriend into relationships and I believe that it is and university tutor Clayton Weathera crucial time to realise the difference ston in 2008. between healthy and unhealthy relationPolice officially took over the proships. We may feel so deeply about gramme, which is delivered in about 130 someone that we may not realise the reschools nationwide, last year when the lationship is turning unhealthy. Foundation was wound up.
“This programme makes us aware of Sophie Elliott Foundation Trustee Bill what a healthy relationship should look O’Brien says he’s pleased to see such a and feel like, as well as some indicators worthy project come out of the proof when the relationship is no longer gramme – and thanked students for their healthy. Importantly, it also taught us hard work and initiative. that it’s okay to ask for help and seek ad“The whole-school approach around vice.” Loves-Me-Not is vital and having stu
Loves-Me-Not was pioneered by Police dents initiate positive actions as they and the Sophie Elliott Foundation - a have is heart-warming.” foundation set up to raise awareness