Change, loss and grief are a normal and valuable part of life. Children, adolescents and adults need the opportunity to examine how issues such as death, divorce and various transitions have impacted on their lives.
If a child has had a significant change or loss in their life they may benefit from the following:
Change and loss programme
A programme of lessons focusing on change and loss which can be delivered to small groups within East Ayrshire educational establishments.
Seasons for growth
Seasons for Growth is built around the grief theory related to the work of psychologist J. William Worden. The approach adopted in this programme is based on research which highlights the importance of social support in dealing with grief as well as the need to practise new skills, learn new ways of thinking and acquiring more effective ways of coping with change and loss.
The programme is an ‘opt in’ intervention which aims to support and equip learners with the skills to:
- understand the change in their lives
- understand what they are feeling and recognise that they are not the only one feeling that way
- learn ways to help them feel better
Who it is for
Both programmes are suitable for learners aged six and above who have had a significant change or loss in their lives and require additional support.
How the programme runs
Both programmes run for eight weeks with a celebratory ceremony sessions to close. Each session normally will last for 40-50 minutes.
Change and Loss can be implemented for larger groups of children. Seasons for Growth groups normally have around 4-8 learners and would be delivered in a safe space in the school.
East Ayrshire Support Team
East Ayrshire Support Team (EAST) can offer training on Change and Loss to colleagues across the authority and deliver these sessions to learners in schools
- EAST provides support and guidance to schools wishing to implement Seasons for Growth
- Pre and post Seasons for Growth assessment materials are used to measure the impact of the programme
- Appropriate flexibility paperwork is completed in conjunction with the school
- Support with relevant resources, such as music to accompany the sessions is included
Curriculum and staff development
EAST deliver training on Change and Loss and Seasons for Growth explaining what it is, how it is delivered and how it has impacted on children.
For further training on Change and Loss and raising awareness of Seasons for Growth, refer to East Ayrshire Gateway service for information.
To live means sharing one another’s space, dreams, sorrows, contributing our ears to hear, our eyes to see, our arms to hold, our hearts to love”
Paul Tilloch
Impact
Parents, carers and learners feel more able to discuss their feelings around change and loss and understand that there is a support network they can access.
Parent and carer links
EAST staff adopt a holistic approach to support. Close links are established with the families and carers of children who take part in MISP.
An information letter and leaflet are shared, with parents and carers permission, before children take part and are invited to attend the celebration session at the end of the programme to join in the massage routine.
Parents and carers are invited to complete an evaluation form to comment on the impact of the programme in relation to their child’s health and wellbeing.
Useful links
The Notre Dame Centre - Seasons for Growth