Grieving children need help

Seasons is a programme of peer support groups for children and young people who are experiencing loss and/or grief through the death of a family member, the separation of their parents, imprisonment of relatives or other major family change such as a family member experiencing life-threatening illness.

Seasons, which originated in Australia, started here in New Plymouth in 2004.

The programme is available for children and young people from 6 to 18, who meet in small, age-appropriate groups which are facilitated by volunteers. It runs for nine weekly one-hour sessions during school term.

All volunteers require a level of skill and experience around listening and understanding children. Time involvement when taking part in a programme would be around three hours per week that includes preparation, time with the children and debriefing.

Training for volunteers interested in assisting with this inspiring programme will be held during the weekend of November 19-20 and will be held in Inglewood. Training will run from 9am to 5pm both days.

If you would like further information then please contact Heather at the Volunteers Centre on (06) 7588-986 or email her at npvsnz@yahoo.co.nz so that you can receive this information as soon as possible.