Seasons for Growth aims to build the resilience of children and young people who are dealing with significant loss or change.

The death of a loved one, parental divorce or separation, the experience and aftermath of natural disaster, moving house or school… big changes like these can cause confronting and confusing emotions. Seasons for Growth helps children and young people to develop the language needed to express their feelings, and gives them a safe place to talk about them.

Seasons for Growth was developed in collaboration with education, healthcare and welfare professionals. It is recognised within government initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing in Scottish schools. All the individuals that facilitate Seasons for Growth have been specifically trained and as Companions and must follow a Code of Ethics to become, and remain, accredited.

Ms Rhona Kennedy (Support for Learning Specialist), Mrs Helen Anderson (Pupil Support Assistant) and Mrs Fiona Barker (Class Teacher) are trained leaders and the programme has for many years successfully supported small groups of young people who have experienced significant loss or change. Pupils who have undertaken the programme give a presentation to Primary Five pupils the following year. A Parent/Carer Information afternoon is offered and following discussion with pupils and parents who express an interest and with staff, six to eight pupils are invited to participate for an hour a week in the eight week programme, with follow up sessions later in the year.