Rebuilding, Together: The Hope Mosaic at Dutch Farm
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world. In the UK, it is a ‘national emergency’*.
That’s why each winter, UN Women United Kingdom lead on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. YMCA Together wanted to show our support for this global campaign by creating something local and lasting – that speaks not only to the pain domestic abuse survivors carry, but also the strength and possibilities that follow.
Our striking new installation at Dutch Farm is a testament to the light at the end of the tunnel.
This is the story of The Hope Mosaic.
From broken to beautiful
The idea for The Hope Mosaic began with a meal at a Greek restaurant and the cathartic experience of plate smashing. The release from this simple act was inspiring – smashing a plate could be a release: a moment to let go of anger, fear, or painful memories. For others, it could symbolise breaking their silence and reclaiming control.
We saw the potential to turn this destructive act into something constructive, where every broken fragment could become part of something bright, beautiful and whole again.
Rebuilding, Together
Our mosaic project wasn’t for one person or one service. It brought together survivors, staff, volunteers, and the wider YMCA community.
Participants wrote words and memories onto plates – often the most hurtful parts of their stories – while we ensured a safe, supportive environment where they could express themselves freely.
Together we smashed the plates, shattering what had once held them back, and rebuilt the fragments into a shared expression of resilience and solidarity.
The Message of Hope
From hundreds of fragments, one word emerged. Hope. This short, powerful word, chosen by the people we walk alongside every day, says so much.
Many told us that when they first arrived at YMCA Together, they felt hopeless, judged, or uncared for. Over time, they discovered a different experience here, one of safety, dignity, and the belief that change is possible.
Hope – the only word that could truly capture the spirit of this piece.
But more than artwork, the mosaic is a conversation starter. Domestic abuse can be challenging to talk about, and many people fear saying the wrong thing. Creative projects like this open doors gently, allowing people to engage and help break the stigma.
The mosaic is a bridge to realising that real people live through domestic abuse, and their voices matter.
A Lasting Symbol
The design came together through our Flourish at the Farm project. Each plate was deeply personal, so weaving them together took care and sensitivity. It was important to honour individuality while still creating a collective piece that flowed as a whole.
The Hope Mosaic now stands in its rightful place at Dutch Farm, where survivors and community members can return, reflect, and remember: I was part of that. I helped make something beautiful and lasting.
It’s a visual reminder that change is possible, showing how voices and experiences, when brought together, can create something powerful and impossible to ignore.
We hope it moves and inspires people to recognise the strength it takes to turn broken pieces into a hopeful future.
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The UN’s 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November – 10 December 2025.