Program deals with loss and change

Season for Growth, a small group loss and grief education program, will be run for Year 5 and 6 students of Umina Beach Public School.

The Young People's Program aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people who are dealing with significant loss or change including the death of a loved one, parental divorce or separation, the experience and aftermath of natural disaster and moving house or school as well as many other life changes and losses.

It is recommended that there be a minimum of six to12 months since the change in the child's life occurred before joining the group.

Small groups of four to seven children will work with Mr Lewis Jonker, a trained adult companion, who supports the children to have a say and learn new ways to think about and respond to the changes and losses in their lives.

Children learn that they are not alone in dealing with the effects of change, loss and grief, and build their understanding and communication, decision making and problem solving skills as part of a supportive peer group.

Newsletter, 26 Jul 2016

Paul Farrugia, Umina Beach Public School