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Seasons for Growth NSW EDUC DEPT- Menu Services Form (1)

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United Nations - Conventions on the rights of the child

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United Nations - Conventions on the rights of the child

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Postvention

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Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia

As a school, you play a key role in supporting young people who may be thinking about suicide or have been affected by suicide.

The Suicide Prevention and Response resources provide clear, practical and reliable guidance and support to help schools in suicide prevention and response. The resources provide strategies for supporting students, staff, families and the broader community. Specifically, you can use this information to:

*prepare your school community to be ready should a death by suicide occur
*guide your school on how to support a young person at risk of suicide
*guide your school response to a death by suicide and the subsequent recovery for the community.

Suicide can be a confronting issue, and it can even be difficult for schools to know how to respond. Your Be You Consultant can help you to work through the required actions to prepare for, respond to or recover from issues related to suicide.

If you are personally impacted by a suicide or suicide attempt at your school, it's important to seek help. You can find a list of mental health support services and helplines here.

The Suicide Prevention resources will help you to include suicide response actions in your planning and consider what to do if you're worried about someone at risk of suicide.

The Be You Suicide Postvention: Complete Toolkit (PDF, 14.9 MB) helps schools respond to suicide (this response is known as 'suicide postvention'). You can contact the Be You team directly to access support.

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Suicide Prevention and Response - Be You

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As an educator, your response helps guide and support children and young people who may be thinking about or have been affected by suicide.

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Postvention

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StandBy - Support After Suicide

Is an Australian Government initiative, established in 2002 to meet the need for a coordinated community response to suicide. StandBy also delivers NSW Post Suicide Support funded by NSW Ministry of Health.
StandBy is Australia's leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.

What we do

The StandBy program is focused on supporting anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide at any stage in their life, including:

Individuals

Families

Friends

Witnesses

First Responders

Service Providers

StandBy is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual.

The program offers coordinated evidence-based support and resources (including connections to local services and groups) that is individualised for each person's unique circumstance. This support is continued for up to two years to ensure those that engage with StandBy are not alone and receive ongoing support.

StandBy is guided by local advisory groups - which includes community stakeholders as well as those with Lived Experience. StandBy National is informed by our National Lived Experience Advisory Group.

StandBy builds community preparedness and resilience through extensive training to community and professional groups to ensure effectiveness and that duplicated effort is avoided. The program is also ideally placed to offer a settings-based approach, providing group support after a suicide for schools, workplaces and community groups.

find out more

find out more

Find support in your area

Please use the map below to select your region for contact details

``I am forever grateful for their help and advice, they do a wonderful job helping people through this extremely hard, difficult loss. I truly believe they help save the lives of the people left behind."- Judy

"StandBy provided intelligent, compassionate and ongoing support to our large family and armed us to face a future without our loved one."-

``They have helped me in the very worst time in my life."- Bryan.

``A vital service that we continue to use 3 years later. "- Natalie.

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Is an Australian Government initiative, established in 2002 to meet the need for a coordinated community response to suicide. StandBy also delivers NSW Post Suicide Support funded by NSW Ministry of Health. StandBy is Australia's leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.

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Postvention

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Our vision: All our families and communities have healed from trauma and choose to live their lives in acknowledgement of our deep ancestral connections, drawing on cultural ways of knowing, being and doing and supporting our people to thrive and flourish in this and future generations.

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national indigenous critical response service

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aboriginal and torres strait island suicide support

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Thirrili: Contributing to the broader social wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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Our vision: All our families and communities have healed from trauma and choose to live their lives in acknowledgement of our deep ancestral connections, drawing on cultural ways of knowing, being and doing and supporting our people to thrive and flourish in this and future generations.

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Program Information

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About this project

Considerable research undertaken through the Centre for Children and Young People has focused on understanding the ways in which adverse life experiences impact on wellbeing and how such knowledge can be translated into effective policy and programs. Led by Professor Anne Graham, this ongoing research and knowledge exchange activity has resulted in a suite of pyschosocial education programs (based on the very successful flagship program, Seasons for Growth®).

These evidence-informed programs focus on supporting children, young people and adults, in a range of contexts, to learn about how change and loss impacts on their lives and to develop skills for attending to their grief. Multiple evaluations attest to the effectiveness of these interventions in supporting wellbeing and strengthening individual and community resilience.

Seasons for Growth Programs

The current suite of Seasons for Growth related programs includes:

Seasons for Growth® Children and Young People's Program (3rd Edition)

Stormbirds: Growing Through Natural Disaster (for Children and Young People) (2nd Edition)

Seasons for Growth® Adult Program (2nd Edition)

Seasons for Healing (developed in collaboration with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities)

Seasons for Growth® Parent Program I: Supporting Your Child Following Separation and Divorce

Seasons for Growth® Parent Program II: Supporting Your Child Following the Death of Someone They Love

Seasons for Growth®: Suicide Postvention at School (in Partnership with Headspace)

The Research

Examples of our research informing ongoing program development and associated training materials include three ARC-funded studies:

'Improving approaches to wellbeing in schools: What role does recognition play? (LP 110200656)

'Improving wellbeing through participation at school' ( LP 140100540)

'Involving Children in Social Research: Balancing the Risks and the Benefits'(DP150100864)

These studies, along with ongoing evidence reviews about children's reactions to change and loss in contexts such as separation and divorce, bereavement, natural disasters, out-of-home care, forced migration and terrorism events, continue to inform program developments. These evidence reviews focus strongly on research that captures children's perspectives on such issues. See examples here and here.

A rapid review of evidence informed major revisions to the Stormbirds program in early 2020, along with associated resources for parents, teachers and program facilitators, in response to requests for support from bushfire affected communities across Australia.

In 2020 an evidence review was undertaken to inform the development of resources to guide parents and teachers in supporting children to adapt to the on-going changes associated with COVID-19 protection measures.

Impact and Engagement

The Seasons for Growth programs are widely implemented across Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Wales, in schools and community-based organisations, as well as in prisons. Numerous external evaluations attest to the positive benefits of the programs. There are now over 270,000 children, young people and adults who have participated in a Seasons for Growth program.

Read more about the reach and impact of the Seasons for Growth loss and grief education research here. This research received a 'High' rating for impact in the Australian Research Council's Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018-2019 National Report

Such research impact has been made possible through a sustained collaborative partnership between the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University and Good Grief MacKillop Family Services ( www.goodgrief.org.au), who deliver and support the programs nationally and internationally in close conjunction with partner organisations.

In addition to undertaking related research and program development, Professor Graham supports the international network of Seasons for Growth trainers and develops on-going professional learning for trainers and program leaders (known as Companions) based around new research evidence. See example of professional learning workshop related to COVID Seasons For Growth Professional Learning.

For more information on the Seasons for Growth® programs please visit: www.goodgrief.org.au

Program Related Academic Publications

Graham, A., & Fitzgerald, R. (2011). Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Does Having a Say Matter? Children and Society, 25(6), 447-457. Link here.

Graham, A. (2004). Life is Like the Seasons: Responding to Change, Loss, and Grief through a Peer-Based Education Program. Childhood Education, 80(6), 317. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2004.10521278

Project Partners

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Seasons for Growth - Southern Cross University

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Considerable research undertaken through the Centre for Children and Young People has focused on understanding the ways in which adverse life experiences impact on wellbeing and how such knowledge can be translated into effective policy and programs. Led by Professor Anne Graham, this ongoing research and knowledge exchange activity has resulted in a suite of pyschosocial education programs (based on the very successful flagship program, Seasons for Growth®).

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SCU - Centre for Children & Young People

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SCU - Centre for Children & Young People

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Program Information

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Centre for Children and Young People - Southern Cross University

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Program Information

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Resources and stories | The MacKillop Institute

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View our latest stories, news items and program resources.

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Program Information

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Refereces

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References

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The National Emergency Management Agency acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

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References

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References

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Media Release: Bushfire Recovery - The Children's Voices Report

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Elevating the specific needs and voices of Australian children in disaster recovery responses will help build their resilience in the long-term, a new report released today has found. " Bushfire Recovery - The Children's Voices", produced by charities Royal Far West and UNICEF Australia, also found that children are particularly vulnerable to the trauma of emergencies, such as bushfires, and governments must invest in evidence-based programs that improve their wellbeing.

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References

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Highlights

*

Presents new mixed methods data from populations affected by floods.

*

Examines in-depth key social factors that contribute to wellbeing impacts.

*

Wellbeing is strongly affected by perceptions of agency and futures.

*

Community connections provide an important protective element for wellbeing.

*

Institutional responses positively and negatively affect responses at other scales.

Abstract

The interactions between flood events, their aftermath, and recovery leading to health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals are complex, and the pathways and mechanisms through which wellbeing is affected are often hidden and remain under-researched. This study analyses the diverse processes that explain changes in wellbeing for those experiencing flooding. It identifies key pathways to wellbeing outcomes that concern perceptions of lack of agency, dislocation from home, and disrupted futures inducing negative impacts, with offsetting positive effects through community networks and interactions. The mixed method study is based on data from repeated qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=60) and a structured survey (n=1000) with individuals that experienced flooding directly during winter 2013/14 in two UK regions. The results show for the first time the diversity and intersection of pathways to wellbeing outcomes in the aftermath of floods. The findings suggest that enhanced public health planning and interventions could focus on the precise practices and mechanisms that intersect to produce anxiety, stress, and their amelioration at individual and community levels.

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Presents new mixed methods data from populations affected by floods. * Examines in-depth key social factors that contribute to wellbeing impacts. * Wellbeing is strongly affected by perceptions of agency and futures. * Community connections provide an important protective element for wellbeing. * Institutional responses positively and negatively affect responses at other scales.

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References

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References

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References

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References

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Office of the Advocate for Children & Young People

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This report gave children and young people a platform to inform decision makers and service providers about how to best continue to support their needs before, during and after a disaster.

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External Case Studies & Papers

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Charles Sturt University Research Output

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Abstract

Background: The 2019/2020 bushfires affected tens of thousands of children and their families across rural and regional Australia. Experiencing a life-threatening natural disaster such as a bushfire can have devastating short- and long-term impacts in rural communities. Although children are often invisible during the immediate crisis response, bushfires pose significant consequences for children's wellbeing and development. Given climate change, it is likely many more rural Australian children will be exposed to bushfires in the future. A lack of evidence-based interventions to support children affected by bushfires prompted the development and implementation of a tailored, multidisciplinary Bushfire Recovery Program by Royal Far West in 35 schools and preschools across rural NSW. The Program was designed to enhance children's resilience and wellbeing and build capacity among families and community members to support children in their bushfire recovery.

Aim: To externally evaluate the impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program on children's resilience, wellbeing, and development.

Methods: A two-phased mixed methods approach was used. Phase 1 involved analysis of pre- and post-intervention data collected using previously validated and purpose-designed instruments. Data included: descriptions of the impact of bushfires, school/preschool and community contexts, and goals for the Program from school representatives (e.g., principals; n = 29); feedback regarding educational workshops from educators (n = 67) and parents (n = 9); and feedback on "Stormbirds" group intervention from children (n = 265), parents (n = 37), and group facilitators (n = 15). Quantitative data were analysed statistically, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews conducted online or via phone with school/preschool representatives (e.g., principals, educators; n = 4), parents (n = 4), children (n = 2), and a community leader (n = 1). Interviews incorporated methods such as photovoice (photographs) and were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using narrative and deductive thematic analysis.

Results: Positive changes were reported in children's behaviour (e.g., increased trust and ability to talk to adults about emotions), children enjoyed the Program activities, adults and children valued the opportunity to discuss shared experiences, and ongoing support needs were discussed. Participants reported learning about feelings and changes in life, and strategies for coping. Other emergent themes reflected aspects for improvement, such as increased Program duration and greater parent involvement, and considerations for enhancing sustainability of the Program. Children's access to necessary allied health services through the Program, which were previously unavailable in their communities or had long waiting lists, was a beneficial aspect of the Program.

Conclusion: This project provided the first evaluation of a multi-disciplinary intervention program designed to support children exposed to bushfires in rural and regional areas. The insights obtained from children and other stakeholders will inform policy and practice regarding bushfire recovery and trauma support in rural communities. Recommendations will be made for supporting wellbeing and resilience among children and families following natural disasters. Further investigations are underway to determine the medium- to long-term impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program, to provide insights regarding the ongoing support needs for children exposed to bushfires.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Cite this

Curtin, M. , Eagland, S., McGill, N. , Hodgins, G. , Verdon, S. , Parnell, T. , Crockett, J. , & Davison, W. R. (2021). Supporting rural children following bushfires: Evaluation of the RFW Bushfire Recovery Program . Abstract from 8th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

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title = "Supporting rural children following bushfires: Evaluation of the RFW Bushfire Recovery Program",

abstract = "Background: The 2019/2020 bushfires affected tens of thousands of children and their families across rural and regional Australia. Experiencing a life-threatening natural disaster such as a bushfire can have devastating short- and long-term impacts in rural communities. Although children are often invisible during the immediate crisis response, bushfires pose significant consequences for children{\textquoteright}s wellbeing and development. Given climate change, it is likely many more rural Australian children will be exposed to bushfires in the future. A lack of evidence-based interventions to support children affected by bushfires prompted the development and implementation of a tailored, multidisciplinary Bushfire Recovery Program by Royal Far West in 35 schools and preschools across rural NSW. The Program was designed to enhance children{\textquoteright}s resilience and wellbeing and build capacity among families and community members to support children in their bushfire recovery.Aim: To externally evaluate the impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program on children{\textquoteright}s resilience, wellbeing, and development. Methods: A two-phased mixed methods approach was used. Phase 1 involved analysis of pre- and post-intervention data collected using previously validated and purpose-designed instruments. Data included: descriptions of the impact of bushfires, school/preschool and community contexts, and goals for the Program from school representatives (e.g., principals; n = 29); feedback regarding educational workshops from educators (n = 67) and parents (n = 9); and feedback on "Stormbirds" group intervention from children (n = 265), parents (n = 37), and group facilitators (n = 15). Quantitative data were analysed statistically, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews conducted online or via phone with school/preschool representatives (e.g., principals, educators; n = 4), parents (n = 4), children (n = 2), and a community leader (n = 1). Interviews incorporated methods such as photovoice (photographs) and were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using narrative and deductive thematic analysis.Results: Positive changes were reported in children{\textquoteright}s behaviour (e.g., increased trust and ability to talk to adults about emotions), children enjoyed the Program activities, adults and children valued the opportunity to discuss shared experiences, and ongoing support needs were discussed. Participants reported learning about feelings and changes in life, and strategies for coping. Other emergent themes reflected aspects for improvement, such as increased Program duration and greater parent involvement, and considerations for enhancing sustainability of the Program. Children{\textquoteright}s access to necessary allied health services through the Program, which were previously unavailable in their communities or had long waiting lists, was a beneficial aspect of the Program.Conclusion: This project provided the first evaluation of a multi-disciplinary intervention program designed to support children exposed to bushfires in rural and regional areas. The insights obtained from children and other stakeholders will inform policy and practice regarding bushfire recovery and trauma support in rural communities. Recommendations will be made for supporting wellbeing and resilience among children and families following natural disasters. Further investigations are underway to determine the medium- to long-term impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program, to provide insights regarding the ongoing support needs for children exposed to bushfires.",

author = "Michael Curtin and Sarah Eagland and Nicole McGill and Gene Hodgins and Sarah Verdon and Tracey Parnell and Judith Crockett and Davison, {Wendy Rose}",

note = "8th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium : Connecting research, practice and communities ; Conference date: 06-10-2021 Through 07-10-2021",

url = "https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/8rrhss/",

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Curtin, M , Eagland, S, McGill, N , Hodgins, G , Verdon, S , Parnell, T , Crockett, J & Davison, WR 2021, ' Supporting rural children following bushfires: Evaluation of the RFW Bushfire Recovery Program ', 8th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium, Canberra, Australia, - .

TY - CONF

T1 - Supporting rural children following bushfires: Evaluation of the RFW Bushfire Recovery Program

AU - Curtin, Michael

AU - Eagland, Sarah

AU - McGill, Nicole

AU - Hodgins, Gene

AU - Verdon, Sarah

AU - Parnell, Tracey

AU - Crockett, Judith

AU - Davison, Wendy Rose

PY - 2021/10/6

Y1 - 2021/10/6

N2 - Background: The 2019/2020 bushfires affected tens of thousands of children and their families across rural and regional Australia. Experiencing a life-threatening natural disaster such as a bushfire can have devastating short- and long-term impacts in rural communities. Although children are often invisible during the immediate crisis response, bushfires pose significant consequences for children's wellbeing and development. Given climate change, it is likely many more rural Australian children will be exposed to bushfires in the future. A lack of evidence-based interventions to support children affected by bushfires prompted the development and implementation of a tailored, multidisciplinary Bushfire Recovery Program by Royal Far West in 35 schools and preschools across rural NSW. The Program was designed to enhance children's resilience and wellbeing and build capacity among families and community members to support children in their bushfire recovery.Aim: To externally evaluate the impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program on children's resilience, wellbeing, and development. Methods: A two-phased mixed methods approach was used. Phase 1 involved analysis of pre- and post-intervention data collected using previously validated and purpose-designed instruments. Data included: descriptions of the impact of bushfires, school/preschool and community contexts, and goals for the Program from school representatives (e.g., principals; n = 29); feedback regarding educational workshops from educators (n = 67) and parents (n = 9); and feedback on "Stormbirds" group intervention from children (n = 265), parents (n = 37), and group facilitators (n = 15). Quantitative data were analysed statistically, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews conducted online or via phone with school/preschool representatives (e.g., principals, educators; n = 4), parents (n = 4), children (n = 2), and a community leader (n = 1). Interviews incorporated methods such as photovoice (photographs) and were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using narrative and deductive thematic analysis.Results: Positive changes were reported in children's behaviour (e.g., increased trust and ability to talk to adults about emotions), children enjoyed the Program activities, adults and children valued the opportunity to discuss shared experiences, and ongoing support needs were discussed. Participants reported learning about feelings and changes in life, and strategies for coping. Other emergent themes reflected aspects for improvement, such as increased Program duration and greater parent involvement, and considerations for enhancing sustainability of the Program. Children's access to necessary allied health services through the Program, which were previously unavailable in their communities or had long waiting lists, was a beneficial aspect of the Program.Conclusion: This project provided the first evaluation of a multi-disciplinary intervention program designed to support children exposed to bushfires in rural and regional areas. The insights obtained from children and other stakeholders will inform policy and practice regarding bushfire recovery and trauma support in rural communities. Recommendations will be made for supporting wellbeing and resilience among children and families following natural disasters. Further investigations are underway to determine the medium- to long-term impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program, to provide insights regarding the ongoing support needs for children exposed to bushfires.

AB - Background: The 2019/2020 bushfires affected tens of thousands of children and their families across rural and regional Australia. Experiencing a life-threatening natural disaster such as a bushfire can have devastating short- and long-term impacts in rural communities. Although children are often invisible during the immediate crisis response, bushfires pose significant consequences for children's wellbeing and development. Given climate change, it is likely many more rural Australian children will be exposed to bushfires in the future. A lack of evidence-based interventions to support children affected by bushfires prompted the development and implementation of a tailored, multidisciplinary Bushfire Recovery Program by Royal Far West in 35 schools and preschools across rural NSW. The Program was designed to enhance children's resilience and wellbeing and build capacity among families and community members to support children in their bushfire recovery.Aim: To externally evaluate the impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program on children's resilience, wellbeing, and development. Methods: A two-phased mixed methods approach was used. Phase 1 involved analysis of pre- and post-intervention data collected using previously validated and purpose-designed instruments. Data included: descriptions of the impact of bushfires, school/preschool and community contexts, and goals for the Program from school representatives (e.g., principals; n = 29); feedback regarding educational workshops from educators (n = 67) and parents (n = 9); and feedback on "Stormbirds" group intervention from children (n = 265), parents (n = 37), and group facilitators (n = 15). Quantitative data were analysed statistically, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews conducted online or via phone with school/preschool representatives (e.g., principals, educators; n = 4), parents (n = 4), children (n = 2), and a community leader (n = 1). Interviews incorporated methods such as photovoice (photographs) and were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using narrative and deductive thematic analysis.Results: Positive changes were reported in children's behaviour (e.g., increased trust and ability to talk to adults about emotions), children enjoyed the Program activities, adults and children valued the opportunity to discuss shared experiences, and ongoing support needs were discussed. Participants reported learning about feelings and changes in life, and strategies for coping. Other emergent themes reflected aspects for improvement, such as increased Program duration and greater parent involvement, and considerations for enhancing sustainability of the Program. Children's access to necessary allied health services through the Program, which were previously unavailable in their communities or had long waiting lists, was a beneficial aspect of the Program.Conclusion: This project provided the first evaluation of a multi-disciplinary intervention program designed to support children exposed to bushfires in rural and regional areas. The insights obtained from children and other stakeholders will inform policy and practice regarding bushfire recovery and trauma support in rural communities. Recommendations will be made for supporting wellbeing and resilience among children and families following natural disasters. Further investigations are underway to determine the medium- to long-term impact of the Bushfire Recovery Program, to provide insights regarding the ongoing support needs for children exposed to bushfires.

M3 - Abstract

T2 - 8th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium

Y2 - 6 October 2021 through 7 October 2021

ER -

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Supporting rural children following bushfires: Evaluation of the RFW Bushfire Recovery Program

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Background: The 2019/2020 bushfires affected tens of thousands of children and their families across rural and regional Australia. Experiencing a life-threatening natural disaster such as a bushfire can have devastating short- and long-term impacts in rural communities. Although children are often invisible during the immediate crisis response, bushfires pose significant consequences for children's wellbeing and development.

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External Case Studies & Papers

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We have a vision, where every child is healthy, educated, protected, respected and involved.

Around the world, Australia is known for being one of the best places for a child to grow up, with access to quality health care, education and carefree days of playing in the great outdoors. But that's not the case for everyone. From remote towns to city centres, the rights and wellbeing of Australia's most vulnerable children and young people are being impacted by climate-driven disasters, mental health, unemployment, and for some, lack of access to quality education and health care.

At UNICEF Australia, we're making a difference by putting our years of experience working for children and young people around the world into practice. Through partnerships, advocacy and ensuring the voices of young people are heard, we're striving for a better future for Australia's most vulnerable.

1 in 6

One in six Australian children are living in poverty.

1 in 7

One in seven Australian children experience mental health issues.

How we are helping children in Australia

We're working to ensure every child and young person in need has equal access to education, health care and child protection so they can thrive into adulthood. We're doing this by focusing on four priority areas;

18,069

children and young people directly benefited through domestic partnership programs in 2021.

5,250

In 2021, nearly 5,250 children and adults were supported with mental health, psychosocial support and wellbeing activities.

We're ensuring children's rights are respected

By leveraging our decades of experience around the world, we're creating long-term, sustainable change for Australia's children and young people. And we won't stop until every child in need is healthy, educated and safe.

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Our Work in Australia | UNICEF Australia

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Around the world, Australia is known for being one of the best places for a child to grow up, with access to quality health care, education and carefree days of playing in the great outdoors. But that's not the case for everyone.

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Discussion Papers

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Discussion Papers

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Since the start of 2020, the team has been inundated with calls for help from Australian schools and communities who are worried about the mental wellbeing and resilience of their children. These children and young people witnessed their communities live through a series of life-threatening, natural disasters. During their recovery, their loss and grief have been compounded by the arrival of COVID-19.

Seasons for Growth has been supporting children to attend well to change and loss experiences for more than 20 years. The program has expanded and adapted over the years in response to working with schools, families and communities in the aftermath of events such as the New Zealand earthquakes.

General Manager, Fiona McCallum, says teachers and health professionals quickly realised that children would benefit from support to process the traumatic events their communities had lived through.

"Following the bushfires, professionals were anticipating the need for the children and young people to have an avenue to voice their experiences and have their feelings acknowledged. They would need an opportunity and help to name their reactions and identify opportunities and networks for support.

"Additionally, it is natural and normal for children to respond differently to the experience of a traumatic events. Some children will present with an emotional response whilst others will show behavioural changes - it is important to recognise these changes and seek the appropriate help," added Fiona.

From its experience supporting communities to deal with change, loss and trauma, the MacKillop Institute has identified eight key pillars that, when considered in the design of supports to children, young people and families, create resilient communities.

Eight pillars of support to build resilience in communities

1. Support communities to support themselves
Building local community capacity and confidence to support each other works best as they know what is most needed in their own communities. Local capacity building ensures professionals can support colleagues, families, children and young people with their experiences of the current event, and build resilience in preparation for future events.
2. Build mental health resilience in the community
This is about strengthening the ability to cope with uncertainty and change. It goes beyond disseminating information and is based around mutual support and shared experience. To do this, we can focus on building capacity for professionals, adults, children and young people to develop knowledge, practice skills and identify their trusted support networks within their community.
3. Normalising lived experience
Children and young people's wellbeing is enhanced when their experience is acknowledged by peers and they realise they are 'not the only ones', helping to normalise their experience. Peer feedback and support can provide this crucial element - learning from peers has a credibility that learning from an adult cannot impart.
4. The interconnectedness of parent and child issues
5. The Australian COVID-19 experience is different from other countries.
Following the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria, parents spoke of the need to respond to parenting situations they never expected to face. Valued aspects of parenting, such as patience and tolerance, were suddenly competing with demands to rebuild homes and put food on the table with a diminished income, all at a time when parents were managing their own trauma response to the disaster. MacKillop's post-natural disaster review of the literature combined with local community conversations, suggests recovery is best achieved with community-led and integrated family support to strengthen and enhance relationships.
6. Equip communities for future adversity
Areas within Australia have the layered experience of recent disasters quickly preceding the arrival of COVID-19. The uncertainty of change and loss in already vulnerable communities creates stress and ongoing trauma. These communities face a unique challenge in dealing with compounded crises and the negative effect of long-term stress on mental health.
7. Take a phased approach to building resilient communities
Change and loss, whether we like it or not, are a part of life. Investment in building knowledge and skills now can help communities approach challenging life events and will set people up for the future. Factors such as separation and divorce, bullying and mental health and unexpected and traumatic events such as suicide, impact the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people To achieve resilience, communities need support over time to develop the coping strategies to deal with adverse circumstances.

Our experience shows a two-phased approach is essential, initially to support the immediate loss, grief and trauma response by children, young people and adults, and then in the second stage to develop communities' capacity to recover long-term and build future resilience:

Phase 1: Immediate Response
Phase 2: 12-18 month post natural disaster
8. Schools are a critical channel to support wellbeing and build resilience

A proportion of children and young people will manage uncertain times with the support of trusted adults already in place. Others benefit from the psychosocial interventions. A two-phased approach addresses these dual needs.

Schools act as a foundational pillar for community support and enable a whole-of-community approach to recovery. Professionals from schools and community-based organisations need practical, evidence-based programs to support children and young people in their local communities. Schools are the safe community hub and 'go-to place' for support in difficult times, bringing communities together and building social networks. For more information on key elements that should be considered in the design of immediate and long-term supports for communities affected by natural disasters, please read The MacKillop Institute's Discussion paper, Resilient Communities: The case for early response capacity building following natural disasters.

MacKillop Family Services has also partnered with Berry Street and others across the sector on a report, Keeping families together through COVID-19: the strengthened case for early intervention in the child protection and out-of-home care system in Victoria. The report recommends a long-term, economically sustainable approach that will see savings for the Governments but, most importantly, better outcomes for children, young people and families.

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Resilience out of adversity - key supports to build resilient... | MacKillop Family Services

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Since the start of 2020, the team has been inundated with calls for help from Australian schools and communities who are worried about the mental wellbeing and resilience of their children. These children and young people witnessed their communities live through a series of life-threatening, natural disasters.

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Information & Factsheets

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Most of us have struggled these last eighteen months given the scale of change, uncertainty and loss associated with a worldwide epidemic. Managing fears around COVID-19, daily reports of infections and deaths, vaccinations, job insecurity, endless media speculation on top of a series of social restrictions and lockdowns, have taken a toll on the wellbeing of many adults. We continue to learn about the impacts this pandemic is having on the mental health of our children and young people, who often don't have the resources, support or life experience to help them cope with the ongoing and changing demands of remote learning, social isolation and safety concerns.

Drawing from the research and wisdom of the Seasons for Growth programs, The MacKillop Institute have partnered with Professor Anne Graham AO, Director of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University to develop the "Seasons Toolkit: Riding the Waves of Change". The toolkit is a free online video learning resource with discussion prompts to support young people understand and manage the social and emotional impacts of the pandemic.

The "Seasons Toolkit: Riding the Waves of Change" is suitable for all young people of high school age and may be suitable for some Year 6 student school groups. A resource is currently being developed to support children in primary schools, to register your interest to receive notification of when this resource is available, please email seasons@mackillop.org.au

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Seasons Toolkit: Riding the Waves of Change | The MacKillop Institute

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Most of us have struggled these last eighteen months given the scale of change, uncertainty and loss associated with a worldwide epidemic. Managing fears around COVID-19, daily reports of infections and deaths, vaccinations, job insecurity, endless media speculation on top of a series of social restrictions and lockdowns, have taken a toll on the wellbeing of many adults.

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Information & Factsheets

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Our programs are offered by trained people in many places across Australia, New Zealand and Scotland, as well as in Wales and England. We also have some helpful ideas in our fact sheets below that might help you or someone you care about.

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SFG Endorsement

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SFG Endorsement

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Support for children experiencing loss or grief - Southern Cross University

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SFG Endorsement

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The Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University conducted an empowerment and participatory evaluation of the program in 2011 (Newell & Moss, 2011). Pre and post qualitative survey data was collected from across 57 Seasons for Growth groups in Australia, New Zealand and Scotland. The study included 239 children, 30 parents and 44 facilitators.

Responses from all groups (children, parents, companions) were positive with parent responses corroborating children's views. Children reported very high levels of satisfaction and felt they could trust the group companion, felt supported, and felt they were able to safely express themselves. The majority of children and parents nominated a variety of ways that the program had helped them including:

building understanding and skills;

improving emotional wellbeing;

enabling participants to express themselves; and

strengthening participants social and support networks.

Pre and post testing results showed statistically significant improvements in:

children's emotional literacy;

their understandings of grief/change (eg. recognizing that 'its ok to cry when you're sad');

emotional wellbeing; and

ability to express their views/feelings.

Newell, S., & Moss, A. (2011). Supporting children and young people through change, loss and grief: an evaluation of the Seasons for Growth program. Southern Cross University: Centre for Children and Young People.

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Communities for Children Facilitating Partners Evidence-based programme profiles - CFCA

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROGRAM

Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (1999)

The 1999 evaluation conducted by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing found that Seasons for Growth

* reduced the sense of isolation for participants (increased resilience)

* built participant's self-esteem

* assisted participants to create networks of support (increased community connectedness)

* was an early intervention strategy against youth suicide

* was regarded enthusiastically by the management of schools and agencies in which it is being offered

South Australian Department of Human Services

Seasons for Growth was evaluated in South Australian Primary Schools by the South Australian Community Health Research Unit (SACHRU), at Flinders University. Of the 12 schools (30% of which identified as being disadvantaged) participating in the evaluation;

* 86% of children responded positively to the program's learning outcomes:

1. it is normal for life to change

2. I am more confident about seeking support

3. I am able to cope better

4. I can talk about feelings more freely

Comments from the children included;
"Bad things won't last forever" "I can make choices and decisions" "(I learned) how to cope with feelings and not to bottle my anger up"
* 80% of parents rated Seasons for Growth as good, very good or better in assisting children in coping with change and loss.

* 87% of teachers and Companions agreed that Seasons for Growth assisted students to deal with loss. They stated that Seasons for Growth was seen to assist students by:

- providing tools, strategies and building blocks

- normalising the feelings experienced by students

- acknowledging grief and loss in the school environment

The University of Melbourne (2005)

A national evaluation of Secondary Schools released by the University of Melbourne, with funding from the Telstra Foundation, found that Seasons for Growth;

* creates a safe place thereby building trust within the group

* provides participants with an opportunity to unburden themselves of thoughts and feelings

* teaches participants that they are not alone

* reduces participants' isolation and develops their concern for other people

* gives hope through the concept of "cycle of the seasons"

* teaches participants to express themselves

ADULT PROGRAM

Mental Health Association, NSW (2010)

Dr Deanna Pagnini examined the impact of Seasons for Growth on participants who had experienced significant mental health issues. Findings from the evaluation were very positive.

Over 85% of participants felt that Seasons for Growth improved these aspects of their lives;

* acceptance of letting go of past issues of change, loss and grief

* coping with current issues of change, loss and grief

* understanding of the recovery journey, eg resilience and empowerment

Over 70% experienced significant improvements in their experience of;

* stress

* anxiety

* overall mental health

Participants overwhelmingly reported feeling less isolated, having increased self awareness and feeling better about themselves.
"I am much more able to understand where I am after recent huge losses. I am more accepting of where I am and - the best difference - I am not doing unhealthy or destructive things to mask my feelings. I'm better able to understand where strong feelings fit into the process".
University of Central Queensland (2008)

With funding from the Department of Health and Ageing, Dr Cecily Knight and Dr Delwyn Goodrick examined the impact the program had on participants and in what ways it assisted them to manage grief and loss.

Benefits that the participants reported included:

* feeling better equipped to prepare for and deal with grief

* increased self awareness

* feeling empowered to go forward and move beyond a difficult past

* increased ability to manage difficult situations

* being aware and accepting of own needs

* learning a lot about themselves

* reducing their stress levels

96% of the participants reported having learned how to work through grief and loss.
"It didn't just help me with the past. It is helping me with the future as well. I was blessed to be able to let go of resentment that I had held onto for many, many years. I developed tools that helped my recovery."
Carers NSW (2004)

As part of the Carer's Mental Health Program, and funded by NSW Health, Carers NSW evaluated the Seasons for Growth Adult Program. The results were almost unanimously positive. Key benefits to participants were:

* becoming more in touch with their feelings

* confronting painful issues/dealing with grief and loss

* learning how to cope better.

The most important things participants learned centered around forgiving themselves, letting go, and "not beating themselves up" over not being perfect.

By the end of the program, the majority of the participants reported significantly lower levels of tension in their relationship with the person they are caring for.
"Overall, I feel more competent, therefore more confident and this is already benefiting my family". Carer, 53 years old.

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROGRAM Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (1999) The 1999 evaluation conducted by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing found that Seasons for Growth * reduced the sense of isolation for participants (increased resilience) * built participant's self-esteem * assisted participants to create

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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Supporting Children and Young People through Change, Loss and Grief: An Evaluation of the Seasons for Growth Program Overview In February 2010, Good Grief Ltd (Australia) commissioned Southern Cross University’s Centre for Children and Young People to: refine the existing Seasons for Growth (SfG) ev…

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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Stormbirds & SFG Evaluations

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Worden s tasks of mourning through a social work lens

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Graham, Powell, Thomas & Anderson (2016)

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Graham, Powell, Thomas & Anderson (2016)

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Reframing well being in schools the potential of recognition

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Youth Suicide Bereavement and the Continuum of Risk

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Graham 2017 Postvention following a suicide_Report

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Exploring the effects of the ‘Seasons for Growth’ intervention for pupils experiencing change and loss

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The Continuum of â__Survivorshipâ__ Definitional Issues in the Aftermath of Suicide

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Children and Young People With Refugee Backgrounds Their Experiences of Change, Loss and Grief and the Seasons for  Growth Program

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Children   Society - 2011 - Graham - Supporting Children s Social and Emotional Well‐being  Does  Having a Say  Matter