Seasons for Growth is an innovative change, loss and grief education program. This 8-week peer support program aims to strengthen the social and emotional well being of children and young people (aged 6-15 years).
The program offers children a safe place to come together in small groups, and share their experiences. Participants learn that they are not alone in their experience of loss, change and grief, and learn skills that help them adapt. The program incorporates a wide range of age-appropriate activities involving drawing, role-play, stories, discussion, playdough, music and journal activities. Seasons for Growth programs are led by trained facilitators and take place during school time for approximately one hour per week.
Seasons for Growth programs run at Katikati Primary School, Katikati College, Pahoia School, Waikino School, Waihi Beach School, Waihi East and Waihi Central School. This program is free for participants.
What people say about the program: “I’ve learned that bad things won’t last forever” 8 year old boy "Having other people with the same problem to talk to has really helped" (12 year old girl). "I'd like to think my son wasn't affected by the divorce but I know he was. The program has helped him to know that it happens in other families too" (Parent) “I learned how to cope with feelings and not to bottle my anger up” 12 year old boy “I can feel sad. Every feeling I have is normal” 10 year old girl
Seasons for Growth was established in Australia in 1996 and is now used internationally. The programs are evidence based, and numerous external evaluations over the years have continued to affirm the positive benefits of the programs for those who participate in them. Since its launch in Katikati in 2013, nearly 500 children and young people have participated in Seasons for Growth programs in Katikati, Pahoia, Waihi, Waihi Beach and Waikino.
