Stormbirds Program

A small-group program for children and young people. Adults are trained to deliver the program, helping children and young people recover after a natural disaster. In the program, they build the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand and manage change and loss.



What is Stormbirds?

A natural disaster can turn life upside down. It can bring sudden change, loss and uncertainty. Stormbirds helps children and young people make sense of what has happened and move forward.

The program supports young people after events such as:

  • Storms and floods.
  • Bushfires and droughts.
  • Cyclones and tornadoes.
  • Earthquakes and tsunamis.
  • Volcanic eruptions.

Stormbirds is usually offered 3 to 12 months after a disaster. This gives young people time before the group begins. The program is named after the Stormbirds bird, also known as the eastern koel.

What will children and young people learn?

Stormbirds brings together young people who have been through a disaster. In the group, they learn that they are not alone. They also build skills to cope and recover.

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, aged 6 to 14.

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. The program uses creative activities, including art, drama and storytelling.

Stormbirds has two levels, matched to a young person’s age:

  • Level 1 (ages 6-10 years)
  • Level 2 (ages 11-14 years)

The program includes:

  • Four main sessions, each lasting 60 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.

Every young person gets their own activity journal to use throughout the program. Please note that Stormbirds is a small-group program. It is not designed for one-on-one counselling or for large groups.

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 a one-day training workshop. This is offered in communities that need it after a natural disaster. In the training you will:

  • Learn how to run Stormbirds in safe, creative ways.
  • Build young people’s knowledge, skills and confidence to cope.
  • Reflect on your own experience, and that of others in your community.

Download Program Overview

What are the steps to get started?

To run a Stormbirds group, you must first complete our training. After that, we guide you through setting up the program in your community. Our team supports you at every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stormbirds recognised in state and territory wellbeing program directories?

I would like my child to participate in a program, how do I find a program near me?

MacKillop Seasons provides the training required for Companions to deliver our small group programs. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide details of where and when these groups are held, and we encourage you to enquire at your child’s school.

What is the research evidence that underpins the programs?

The MacKillop Seasons programs have supported more than 400,000 children, young people and adults in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales.  An extensive evidence base for the efficacy of the programs has been established through high-quality research, evaluations, practitioner generated evidence and participant feedback throughout the history of the programs. Find out more here.
 

How do I train to facilitate the program?

We offer five-hour online training workshops to upskill professionals who seek to companion Stormbirds. Please view our training page or contact us if you would like to arrange onsite group training for your school or organisation. Find out more information here.

Does MacKillop Seasons offer ongoing learning and supplementary materials?

Working in close partnership with Professor Anne Graham AO from the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University, additional resources have been developed to support communities impacted by severe weather events and natural disasters.  Please visit the resources page of the website to access these flyers, tip sheets and videos.
 

Once trained, can I deliver the Stormbirds program in primary and secondary schools?

Yes. When completing the training workshop, facilitators will be provided with an instructional manual and a set of journals that will support the delivery of Stormbirds for children and young people aged 6-14 years.  Prior to commencing a group, Companions will need to ensure they have the journals for the small group participants. The journals are available on our resources page.

What support is offered following the Stormbirds training?

As a trained Companion, you are supported with a comprehensive set of materials including manuals and participant journals and access to an online portal, implementation planning, communities of practice and professional development.  All Companions are encouraged to seek formal program accreditation which requires them to not only train but also to implement the program, attend a supplementary learning session and submit participant and self-evaluations.

Stories and Outcomes

All Stories and Outcomes

Alexandra Heynatz

Alexandra Heynatz

Seasons for Life Coordinator VIC, SA, Tas   MacKillop Seasons

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The most important thing I learned in my group was how to cope with change, adapt to change and find new ways to deal with change.

Stormbirds participant, six years old

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