Rebecca Ryan and Jodi Dynan have ended the year at HeART Space with a special workshop and Christmas party put on for their volunteers, after what was another generous and compassionate offering to the community, a handmade Xmas.

After becoming known Australia-wide for their efforts in creating hope for a community still battling to get back to basics after the February flood by creating and distributing hundreds of heart banners across Lismore, they then opened an inclusive and healing space for people to come and craft together while they heal, and to give back, to others who have lost it all.

Image: Rebecca and Jodi celebrating the gift of generosity from donations Australia-wide

Tirelessly Rebecca, Jodi and their team along with members of the Lismore and surrounding communities handmade tree's, wreaths, decorations, Xmas themed banners and created a Xmas Free Shop, where members of the public could come in, and choose what they liked, to ensure their home was filled with cheer this festive season.

Whilst the decorations have been very popular, their efforts have been so massive, they still have some left, and will be open 10am - 2pm throughout this week until Saturday at shop 5-6 in Conway Plaza, 21 Conway Street, Lismore, for those who haven't yet made it in, to choose something special.

Clearly trauma-informed and full of care, there is no form, no harsh signage telling people to "only take a certain number of items" or need to prove 'need', they have given the gifts along with dignity and joy, and people have shared their heartfelt thanks across social media and sent many messages, which Rebecca told the Lismore App 'has brought me to tears a number of times. I have seen the way people's faces light up, and that is such a gift to me, it's why we do what we do here."

With plenty of research to support both craft and art therapy, as well as group environments in safe spaces where people can come to connect regularly in regards to trauma recovery, the feedback from the people who have come to the HeART Space over the past 10 months has shown time and again, that this is very much needed, and Rebecca says "will be needed for a long time to come."

One participant told the media, "Being able to go along to the HeART space, a space I could go to and feel safe, to just be me, and to connect and do things I enjoy, made such a huge difference to how I was feeling, I think it saved me in all honesty."

The team welcomes all people, young and wise, and they are looking to hold a number of exciting workshops in the New Year but will be closed over Xmas and New Year to take a well-deserved and much-needed break.