How does Seasons for Growth work?
Change and loss are a normal part of life. But they can be hard for young people to understand. Seasons for Growth helps them make sense of these experiences and learn healthy ways to respond.
The program can help after many kinds of change and loss. These include:
- A change in friendships or school.
- A family separation or divorce.
- The death or loss of someone they care about.
- The loss of a pet.
- Losing a home, moving home, or moving to a new country.
- Living in out-of-home care.
- Physical or mental illness.
- The impact of natural disasters, war, terrorism or a pandemic.
If a young person has recently lost someone close to them, we suggest waiting 6 to 12 months before they join a program. This gives them time before the group begins.
What will children and young people learn?
Seasons for Growth brings together young people who are going through similar things. In the group, they build emotional skills and resilience. This supports their wellbeing.
The program gives young people a safe space to:
- Share their experience and see that they are not the only one.
- Understand that their feelings and reactions are normal.
- Build skills for coping, making good choices, setting goals and making decisions.
- Make friends who understand, and feel a sense of belonging.
- Rebuild their confidence, self-esteem and self-respect.
How is the program delivered?
The program is run by trained adults. We call these trained people Companions. Each Companion works with a small group of 4 to 7 young people, all aged between 6 and 18.
Being in a group with others who understand helps young people feel safe. In this safe space, they can practise new ways of thinking and coping.
Seasons for Growth has four levels, matched to a young person’s age:
- Level 1 (ages 6-8 years)
- Level 2 (ages 9-10 years)
- Level 3 (ages 11-12 years)
- Level 4 (ages 13-18 years)
The program includes:
- Eight main sessions, each lasting 40 to 50 minutes.
- One celebration session to mark the end.
- One optional catch-up session, where the group can meet again, review what they learned and talk about anything new.
- Adults udnertake a two day training and are provided a teaching manual and journals for the children and young people.
Every young person gets their own activity journal to use throughout the program. Please note that Seasons for Growth is a small-group program. It is not designed for one-on-one counselling or for a whole class.
What do I need to run the program?
Companions often work in caring or teaching roles. They may be teachers, social workers, counsellors, psychologists, mental health workers, chaplains or pastoral care staff.
To become a Companion, you attend ten hours (2 days) of training. In the training you will:
- Learn about the research and ideas behind the program.
- Explore the program yourself, from the inside out, by taking part in its key activities.
- Receieve the resources you need to run the program.
Once trained, you are well supported. You receive a full set of materials, including manuals and participant journals. You also get access to an online portal with extra resources, a support network and ongoing help.
