Seasons for Growth - a programme for young people who have experienced significant change or loss.

The programme examines the impact of changes such as death, separation, divorce, and natural disaster upon our lives, and explores how we can learn to live with and grow from these experiences.

The core intentions of this program are the development of resilience and emotional literacy to promote social and emotional well-being. The programme is educational in nature and does not provide therapy.  The programme uses the imagery of the four seasons to illustrate that grief is cyclical, not a linear journey with a clear end. 

Recently in the Clutha District, three Season's For Growth programmes have been completed.  Each programme was an emotional journey for all involved with every participant gaining something from their experience.  Here are some of the comments received from young people who have completed the program:-

"I have learned that change is a part of life but I am strong enough to get through any weather".
"I learned that everyone goes through change and we all do it differently.  There is no right or wrong way".
"I learned that change shapes us".
"Through the programme I gained strategies to deal with my own unique emotions and the reasons behind these feelings.  I've also learnt how important it is to treasure the good memories".
"Season's For Growth is a great group to be in.  If you're having a hard time definitely give it a go.  It's very supportive and will help you through anything".
"It's really helpful to learn about the different parts of the process to dealing with change and loss".

Those who completed the programme should be extremely proud of themselves.  It's not easy to deal with painful emotions at any age and hopefully these wonderful young people will thrive in life because of their personal growth and understanding of the change process.