Seasons for Growth
Seasons for Growth is a programme for children, young people or adults who have experienced significant change or loss.
Seasons for Growth is based on the belief that change, loss and grief are a normal and valuable part of life. We examine the impact of changes such as death, separation, divorce, and natural disaster on our lives, and explore how we can learn to live with and grow from these experiences.
The core intentions of this programme are the development of resilience and emotional literacy to promote social and emotional wellbeing. The programme is educational in nature and does not provide therapy.
Aberdeen Educational Psychology Service deliver the Seasons for Growth Children and Young People's programme. The role over the last 10 or more years has been to train staff within schools and education to deliver the programme. The programme supports pupils best when staff who have been in the group with them are available at other times by being a member of the same school community.
Displays from Aberdeen Schools
We use the imagery of the four seasons to illustrate that grief is cyclical, not a linear journey with a clear end. Trained “Companions” facilitate small groups where participants share their experiences, and support and learn from one another. Peer support is a key element of the programme, and confidentiality is strongly emphasised.
Since its launch in 1996, Seasons for Growth has reached over 40,000 children and young people, and adults in Scotland.
TRAINING AND RECONNECTORS
Training - a two day training needs to be completed for participants to become Seasons for Growth companions and to be able to run groups in their school.
The training this academic year will be held on the following dates:-
1st and 2nd of November 2023
1st and 2nd May 2024
Reconnectors -Reconnectors are attended by trained companions to support the delivery of Seasons for Growth groups in their schools.
3.00-4.00 7th February 2024
3.00-4.00 5th June 2024
To enquire about training and reconnectors please contact S4G@aberdeencity.gov.uk