Seasons for Growth

Seasons for Growth is an internationally recognised programme to help children and young people who have experienced loss (through bereavement, divorce, adoption, house or school moves and care experience).

The programme is run by a trained companion and consists of eight weekly sessions, a final celebration session and two subsequent reconnector sessions (that range from 40 minutes to an hour depending on age). Each weekly session explores a concept theme such as, Life is like the Seasons, Change is Part of Life, Valuing My Story, Caring for my Feelings, Making Good Choices. Young people have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and to put them into a personal journal.

The programme has the flexibility to cater for participants with different learning needs or preferences. The learning processes reflect a deep respect for children's capacity to cope, problem-solve, make good choices, set realistic goals and connect with others.

The Seasons for Growth programmes help strengthen the building of personal resilience, coping and social skills, and increasing participants' sense of belonging; while also working to minimise risk factors including social isolation and lack of support networks.