Seasons for Growth is for children (6-12yrs) experiencing change and loss through; family separation; loss, death, imprisonment or illness of someone they care about; relocation and immigration; living away in out-of-home care; and natural disasters. The program is based on the belief that loss, change and grief are a normal and valuable part of life. During the program we examine the impact of changes on our lives, and explore how we can learn to live with and grow from these experiences.
This 8-week program supports children to develop the skills and attitudes to understand and respond well to experiences of change and loss. 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 change and loss, and learn skills that help them adapt.
How does Seasons for Growth work? The program provides a safe learning environment for children and young people where participants share their experiences, and support and learn from one another, learn skills that help them adapt, develop friendships, and recognise ‘I’m not the only one’. Peer support is a key element of the program, and confidentiality is strongly emphasised. The program is led by trained facilitators and takes place during school time for approximately one hour per week.
The Children and Young People’s Program incorporates a wide range of age-appropriate activities involving drawing, role-play, stories, discussion, playdough, music and journal activities. The program is educational in nature and does not provide therapy. The core intentions of this program are the development of resilience and emotional literacy to promote social and emotional well being.
Seasons for Growth uses the imagery of the season to illustrate the experience of grief. Each participant receives a journal to complete throughout the program. The topics covered in each session of the program include:
• Seasons and Change (autumn) - to learn that change is part of life - • My story and grief reactions (winter) - to learn about different ways people experience change and loss - • Feelings and memories (spring) - to learn skills to assist with adapting to change and loss - • Choices and moving forward (summer) - to learn about ways that help in moving forward in life -
There are three levels available Level 1: 6-8 years Level 2: 9-10 years Level 3: 11-12 years
What will children learn?
Recognise they are ‘not the only one’
Understand that their feelings and reactions are normal
Develop skills for coping and decision making
Build a peer support network and a sense of belonging
Help restore self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect.