Seasons for Growth aims to build the resilience of children and young people who are dealing with significant loss or change.
The death of a loved one, parental divorce or separation, the experience and aftermath of natural disaster, moving house or school… big changes like these can cause confronting and confusing emotions. Seasons for Growth helps children and young people to develop the language needed to express their feelings, and gives them a safe place to talk about them.
In small groups, participants work through activities and discussions which teach that grief is like the seasons – cyclical in nature, and a natural part of life. The program runs over 8 weeks with groups of 6-8 participants who are lead by a trained Companion. Activities include talking, writing, drawing, music and movement. Participants each receive a beautiful journal to use throughout the program, and keep forever.
There are five levels available:
Primary school
- Level 1: 6-8 year olds
- Level 2: 9-10 year olds
- Level 3: 11-12 year olds
Secondary School
- Level 4: 13-15 year olds
- Level 5: 16-18 year olds
“I feel stronger and I can achieve anything I want to do. I will be the same person when I get home but I will be... refreshed and trying to be always positive.” 15 yr old girl
“Bad things won’t last forever” 8 year old boy
“I can make choices and decisions” 11 year old girl
“(I learned) how to cope with feelings and not to bottle my anger up” 10 year old boy
Seasons for Growth was developed in collaboration with education, healthcare and welfare professionals. It is recognised within the curriculum of KidsMatter and MindMatters, government initiatives to promote mental wellbeing in Australian schools. All the individuals that facilitate Seasons for Growth are volunteers who have been specifically trained and accredited as Companions.