Why We Do What We Do
As a former Psychiatric Nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting effects trauma can have on children. Even a single traumatic event can leave enduring memories and triggers, impacting a young person’s development, mental health, and relationships.
On a personal level, I know how overwhelming crisis can be — I had to leave with only the clothes on my back, and my children relied on support packs from Tots2Teens to get through that time. This experience reinforces why we do what we do.
Our guiding belief — and project slogan — reflects this understanding:
We can’t change the situation, but we can change the memory
What Are Resilience Packs?
Resilience Packs are carefully curated care packs designed to support children and young people during emergencies or high-stress situations. Each pack is prepared using trauma-informed principles to provide practical support and comfort.
The packs help to:
- Distract a child from immediate crisis
- Facilitate positive interactions with first responders and carers
- Provide comfort during frightening or confusing experiences
- Encourage healthy coping strategies
Trauma-Informed, Practical, and Inclusive
Every item included in a Resilience Pack is selected to be safe, calming, and engaging, supporting children to manage distress and regulate emotions.
Key Features:
Gender-Neutral: Inclusive of all children
Compact: Designed to fit in emergency vehicles
Age-Appropriate: Tailored to the child’s stage of development
A Tool for Connection and Regulation
Resilience Packs are more than items in a bag — they are a tool to foster connection, choice, and emotional regulation.
These interactions help children manage distress and create a positive experience with first responders, which can influence how they perceive authority figures in the future.
Evidence:
Negative perceptions of uniformed personnel have been linked to higher likelihood of contact with the justice system later in life (JAMA Network, 2021).
By providing comfort and support in the moment, Resilience Packs not only help children cope immediately, but also lay the foundation for safer, more positive long-term outcomes.
Donations For the Road to Resilience Packs can be sent to:
Bendigo Bank Resilience Gift Packs
BSB – 633 000
Account – 162 681 233
Tots2teens Albury Wodonga is a Tax Concession Charity and all donations over $2 are tax deductible
✨ Delivery Day! ✨
With the wonderful support of Noeline Elvin-Wild, 30 Resilience Gift Packs were delivered to Albury Police Station this afternoon!
These packs will now be placed in general duties police vehicles, ready to be given to children and young people during traumatic incidents. 💙
The goal?
To help reduce the negative impact of stress hormones during emergencies — and to build trust and positive connections between first responders and the young people they support.
A huge thank you to Tanya for believing in us. We can’t wait to hear the feedback from the frontline.
2nd Police drop off
Wodonga Ambulance station drop off
CentreAgainstViolence💜💜💜We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – Office for Women, Women’s Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE), and the Tots2Teens Road to Resilience Project for their generous donation of sensory Resilience Packs to the Centre Against Violence.
These thoughtfully prepared packs will be distributed to children experiencing trauma, supporting practitioners in building rapport, engaging effectively, and fostering meaningful connections. Each pack contains carefully selected items designed to provide comfort, promote healthy coping strategies, and assist children during emergencies or challenging situations.
We are deeply appreciative of this generosity and proud to be part of such a vital initiative. Your support is making a tangible, positive impact in the lives of children affected by trauma and violence.. 💜💜💜
#CAV #CentreAgainstViolence #everyonederservestofeelsafe
#grateful #communitysupport #mentalhealthmatters #endviolence
@womenshealthgne
Supporting Flood-Affected Communities
In response to the devastating floods, Tots2Teens has prepared over 1,200 Trauma Packs to support affected families across our region.
This initiative is in partnership with Women’s Health Goulburn North East, focusing on mental health strategies and trauma-informed care. These packs provide practical support, comfort, and reassurance to those navigating ongoing challenges.
We are grateful for the students from Trinity Anglican College, Albury, who dedicated their time and energy to assembling the kits under the guidance of Elizabeth Williams.
Special thanks also go to our volunteers — Avis, Cathy, and Nikki — for hand-sewing each pack to ensure durability and care.
These efforts demonstrate how community collaboration, compassion, and practical support can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Resilience Gift Program Sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSORS :