A place to belong
Sexual harm can be an isolating experience, leaving survivors feeling unseen and alone. The founders of B.R.A.V.E; Vanessa Gillespie, Stacey Tito, and Karen Hart, recognised the need for a space where young women aged 12 to 24 could feel safe, supported, and connected. With a personal connection to sexual harm in some way, each founder brings deep empathy and compassion to their work, creating a community where survivors build friendships, share their stories, and find strength in each other.
Building a strong foundation
Since its beginnings, B.R.A.V.E has grown into a trusted support network. Other organisations regularly refer young women to their services, and their dedicated premises have transformed what’s possible. Monthly workshops offer everything from art therapy and yoga to employment support and self-defence - providing consistent, empowering experiences. Their retreats go even further, offering guided sessions on healing from trauma, self-care, and building confidence.
Sustaining this work comes with challenges, particularly as the team balances growth with securing ongoing funding. But the impact is undeniable - B.R.A.V.E is not just a service, it’s a lifeline, helping young women reclaim joy, confidence, and a future with hope.
A website that changed everything
B.R.A.V.E’s website has been a game changer, streamlining access to information and support. It has strengthened referral pathways, made funding applications more robust, and provided a safe, reassuring space for young women to learn about our services before reaching out. Vanessa says, “The process of building the website was far less daunting than we expected, with Kath guiding us through every step. We’re also incredibly grateful for RocketSpark’s support in keeping it running smoothly.”
Guided by experience and empathy
The B.R.A.V.E team brings professional expertise in youth work, social work, and counselling, alongside a deep understanding of the trauma of sexual harm. Their trauma-informed approach ensures that every interaction is grounded in empathy, patience, and care.
Young women aged 12 to 24 can engage with B.R.A.V.E, and when they transition out at 25, many return as mentors or guest speakers, helping to support the next generation. Those not already connected to ACC services are linked in to ensure they have access to additional support.
Lessons learned
A website is a vital connection
B.R.A.V.E’s website is more than just an online presence - it’s a lifeline. It offers young women a safe starting point, providing clear, accessible information and a sense of reassurance before they walk through the doors. The website completely transformed the way B.R.A.V.E operates. Before, the team spent countless hours answering the same questions and explaining their services. By streamlining inquiries, strengthening referral pathways, and enhancing funding applications, the website has transformed how B.R.A.V.E operates. It ensures their services remain visible, accessible, and impactful for those who need them most.
Sitting in silence
One of the most unexpected yet powerful lessons has been the importance of silence. Many of the young women B.R.A.V.E supports are used to living in chaos - both externally and in their own minds. Silence can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable, but learning to sit with it can be healing. The team has learned that they don’t always need to fill the gaps with words. Sometimes, just being there - offering a safe space where someone can share, process, or simply exist without pressure - is enough.
Looking back: what could have been done differently
Every challenge and success has shaped B.R.A.V.E into what it is today. The difficult moments have been just as valuable as the triumphs, teaching resilience, adaptability, and new ways to approach their work. If anything, an earlier ‘grand opening’ might have raised awareness sooner, leading to more collaboration and support in the early stages. But ultimately, every step - big or small - has contributed to B.R.A.V.E’s growth and impact.
Looking ahead
The dream is to expand B.R.A.V.E internationally, reaching young women in the Pacific Islands and Australia. The work being done is powerful, but the reality is heartbreaking - one in three girls experience sexual harm. The need for these services extends far beyond Hawke’s Bay, and the team is determined to reach as many young women as possible.
Demand for B.R.A.V.E’s services already stretches across New Zealand, with referrals coming from Auckland, Christchurch, and beyond. To meet this growing need, the goal is to scale the retreat framework nationally, ensuring more young women have access to life-changing support.
Education is a key focus for the future. The team envisions running workshops for parents, teachers, and support workers on how to help young people navigate these challenges. Topics like healthy relationships, personal safety, and looking out for others are essential. Alcohol and drugs often play a role in harmful situations, making education around substance use and consent particularly crucial.
Sustained funding will be critical to these ambitions. Dedicated full-time staff, ongoing funding resources, and systems for tracking impact will allow B.R.A.V.E to take its next steps and grow its reach.
Since August 2022, B.R.A.V.E has supported over 100 young women. The work they do is vital - but they can’t do it alone. To learn more or support B.R.A.V.E’s mission, visit The B.R.A.V.E Foundation.