Opinion Articles

SOUL MATTERS: Those who mourn find solace in new program
By Lyn Dowling

As we approach Grief Awareness Week this August, it is timely to acknowledge and remember that many people in our community may be experiencing the pain of loss. Grieving can be a lonely experience. Although one of the hardest losses to bear is the loss of a loved one through death, there are many other losses that may be experienced as we deal with life’s changes.

In the Hunter we have an educational program that helps young people and adults understand and deal with grief and loss. It uses the simple metaphor and imagery of the Seasons.

“Seasons for Growth” promotes communication and problem solving skills. It seeks to build resilience and hope for the future by providing children and adults with ways to cope with significant life changes. Developed in 1995 this gentle program is now offered across Australia as well as overseas. Over 100,000 people have participated in it.

Children and young people access this program mainly through schools: state, independent and Catholic Schools. A number of community organisations also offer the program. Young people meet in small groups where they develop skills in understanding and dealing with change.

There are also Adult Modules. There is a three-hour “Introduction to Understanding Change, Loss and Grief”, as well as a longer, and more in-depth [4 by 2 hour] Adult Module. Many people elect to ‘test the water’ with the Introductory 3 hour module, and then choose to move into the 4 by 2 hour Module.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle supports the training and co-ordination of Seasons for Growth across the Hunter.

Seasons for Growth is all about change, meaning-making and story. Participants feel safe and respected, and their stories are valued. They learn that while change is difficult, they are not alone, and that there are people they can talk to and things they can do to deal with grief in a positive way.

The young people often write that they found out that ‘they were not the only ones’ grieving, and that ‘they were not to blame’. They find new friends, and discover ‘there are also other people whose family has changed’.

One thirteen year old writes she learned that: “It’s OK to cry and it’s OK to share your problems with people……with the help and support of others in the Seasons program, they didn’t solve the problem…they made it a whole lot easier to accept.”

Adults also share their experiences of Seasons for Growth groups. One recent participant writes that it was most helpful ‘to recognise aspects of grief and loss and to realize that we all suffer grief in some way. We are not alone in this aspect of life.’

Lyn Dowling
Lyn Dowling is the Co-ordinator of Seasons for Growth and can be contacted on 4962 1768.