Seasons for Growth Training

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 learners 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.

This year the EPS will be exploring the implementation of the Parenting Seasons for Growth Programme so please get in touch if you are interested.

Image showing a laptop displaying a slide from the Seasons for Growth training and the Parent Program workbook.

We use the imagery of the four seasons to illustrate that grief is a cyclical, not a linear journey with a clear end point. 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, young people, and adults in Scotland.

Pictures showing Seasons for Growth displays in schools across Aberdeen City.

Images showing reflections on Seasons for Growth training from staff across Aberdeen City.

Training Information

Children & Young People's Programme Training

You must complete two full-day training sessions to become a Seasons for Growth 'Companion' and to be able to run groups in your setting.

Training dates:

Due to the closure of the Notre Dame Centre our next training dates are yet to be arranged.
Please continue to express your interest in the training by emailing S4G@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Reconnector Sessions

Trained 'Companions' of the CYP or Parenting Programme can attend reconnectors to support the deliver of Seasons for Growth groups in their settings.

Reconnector dates:

29th January 2026 (3pm-4pm)
11th June 2026 (3pm-4pm)

Parenting Programme - dates to be confirmed but please get in touch if you are interested!

Interested?

To enquire about Seasons for Growth training or reconnectors please email S4G@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Want to learn more?

To learn more about supporting learners who are experiencing bereavement and loss, please visit our Topic page by clicking here.

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