Welcome to VANISH
Search and support for adults impacted by adoption and family separation
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About VANISH
VANISH is a Victorian-based not-for-profit organisation providing support to adults affected by past adoption practices including adopted people, mothers and fathers separated from a child through adoption and other family members. We also provide support to care leavers and donor conceived individuals.
We provide a range of free and confidential services including information and support, assistance with search and reunion, access to specialist counselling in the community through a counselling brokerage program, peer support groups, and creative workshops.
VANISH is widely respected as a lived experience-led organisation and advocate. We continue to work towards a society that honours the best interests of the child and the right to genetic identity and connection.
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Creative Expression Program for Adopted People
Join us for a six-week Creative Expression program designed especially for the adoptee community — a space to explore your inner landscape through art, movement, music, and reflection.
This workshop will explore how trauma affects the body and how we can use our body to regulate uncomfortable feelings of overwhelm.
The aim is to introduce breathing and grounding exercises to help participants develop their own personal resourcing strategies.
The workshop will also explore the benefits of self-compassion as a resource to help overcome negative self-talk or uncomfortable feelings such as shame and unworthiness. The aim is to help participants develop their own personal self-compassion practices based on the three core components, mindfulness, self-kindness and common humanity.
This workshop will be over two 90 minutes sessions
Date: Friday 16 May and Friday 30 May
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Venue: TBC
Self-Care Group for Adoptees – Join us on Thursday 8th May 2025
Our theme for the May group will be: “What’s in a Name?”
For many adoptees, our names symbolise the complexity and fragmentation of our search for an authentic sense of self, independent of others’ expectations. Our name can be emotionally layered, representing a crossroad between the life we have lived and the life we could have lived.
In this self-care session, we will explore our relationship with our name(s) through creative expressive art-making. Whether it’s the name you were given, one you have claimed or fantasise about claiming, or a name that is still unfolding, this space invites reflection and self-expression.
You can select from a variety of art materials—calligraphy pens, fine liners, specialty papers, collage elements, and more—to honour and visually explore what your name means to you. You’re also welcome to bring along your own creative materials, such as wooden or cardboard letters, if you’d like to decorate or paint as part of your process.
What to Expect:
🪑 Cozy Group Setting (limited to 8 participants seated around the meeting table)
🎨 Individual Creative Exploration with art materials provided
💡 A Period of Quiet Creative Focus, followed by journaling prompts (bring a journal)
💬 The Opportunity to Share Reflections, though sharing is always optional
🤝 A Supportive Environment with fellow adoptees
There is no need for artistic experience – just an openness to engage in a process that honours your unique journey. Whether you choose to create, reflect, or simply be present, this is a space where your self-expression is valued, and your presence is enough.
Spaces are limited to 8 participants, so please RSVP soon to secure your spot.
To register or ask questions, please email info@vanish.org.au
Date: 8th May 2025
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: Limited to 8 participants
Location: North Melbourne
Next Steps
New to VANISH Groups? To enquire about attending a VANISH group for the first time, please contact us on the below details:
Phone: (03) 9328 8611. Toll Free: 1300 826 474 (1300 VANISH). Email: info@vanish.org.au.
VANISH welcomes new Committee of Management Members
VANISH is delighted to welcome two new Committee of Management members Kerryn Pennell and Fiona Zito.
Get in touch with our helpful team
Contact us to find out more about our services or have a chat about how we can best support you.