Seasons for growth

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What is Seasons for Growth?

Seasons for Growth is an innovative grief and loss education programme using the imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of grief.
It aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people who are dealing with significant life changes such as death, divorce, separation, family breakdown and other changes. It does this by exploring the impact and loss on every-day life, and by teaching new ways to respond to these changes.

Young people learn that they are not alone in dealing with the effects of change, loss and grief, and build their communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills within a peer support group.

Learn about how different people respond to change, loss and grief.
Understand that it is normal to experience a range of grief reactions.
Explore new approaches to dealing with change and loss in their lives.
Build communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Participate in a support network of peers and adults.
Integrate their new learning into relationships with family, friends and others.
Helps restore self-confidence and self-esteem.
Draws on extensive research in developing a sound educative response to loss and grief.

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.

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 30,000 children and young people, and adults in Scotland.

Worldwide, in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Peru it has reached over 150,000.

Attachments with Further Information

Feedback from Students

  • “It helped me talk about my problems”
  • “It helped me learn how to deal with my loss”
  • “The most important thing I learnt is that it is okay to be sad.”
  • “I learnt that we all go through changes in life.”
  • “I have learnt how to deal with loss and change.”
  • “Amazing”
  • “definitely worth it”
  • “I learned that others are in a same position to me”
  • “I learned not to bottle my feelings up.”
  • “The companion was very nice and easy to talk to, listened well and understood.”
  • “The companion doesn’t push you into doing or saying anything you don’t want to.”

Feedback from Parents/Carers

  • “It is a good programme to offer. We can forget how it affects children because of how we feel ourselves. Grateful for this positive experience”

Contact Details

M Prior Contact Details

R Taylor Contact Details

How to let us know you are interested?

  • Speak to your guidance teacher.
  • E-mail Marie or Richard

Useful Links

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