Seasons for Growth

Support for Children, Young People, and Families Experiencing Change, Loss, and Grief

At Catholic Social Services, we help children, young people, adults, and families navigate change, loss, and grief. Our Seasons for Growth programs and guidance support schools, families, and communities to build resilience, emotional wellbeing, and coping skills.

Whether you are searching for:

• “Where can I find grief support near me?”
• “How do I help my child cope with change or loss?”
• “What programmes support resilience in schools or communities?”

—we provide clear answers and practical pathways forward.

Seasons for Growth Programs available:

• Children and Young People small group educational program
• Parent small group educational programs
  • Supporting your child following a separation/divorce
  • Supporting your child following the death of someone they love
• Adult small group educational program
• Adult educational seminar – Understanding Change, Loss and Grief
• Stormbirds (response to a natural disaster)

Children and Young People Programme

What it is
The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People Program is an education program for ages 6–18, designed to support children as they navigate experiences of change, loss, separation, or grief.

Who it’s for
This program is for children and young people who have faced challenges such as parental separation, death of a loved one, moving house or school, or other major life events.

How it helps
Participants explore feelings and coping strategies through four themed units based on the seasons. The program helps them:

• strengthen relationships and wellbeing
• understand and express their emotions
• build resilience and self-confidence

How to join:

We will contact you upon receipt of your expression of interest.

If you want to become a Trained Companion head to our Training Calendar to check out the upcoming dates, times and locations

Te Oati: Bicultural Support for Companions

Te Oati is a bicultural dimension designed for Companions of the Seasons for Growth Children and Young People’s Programme in Aotearoa. It provides a deeper connection for Iwi/Māori participants, supporting their journey of healing, resilience, and growth.

A Journey Through Time and Transformation

Te Oati guides participants through the stages of:

• Te Ao Mārama: emerging into the world of light, hope, and restoration.Connection with Nature and Guardianship
• Te Kore: the sense of nothingness or hopelessness.
• Te Pō: the darkness and challenges faced in life transitions.

In Te Oati, Companions enter the realm of Tāne-nui-a-Rangi, guardian of the ngahere (forest), where the natural world nurtures, shelters, and sustains participants on their journey of recovery and restoration. This dimension enriches the Seasons for Growth program by integrating cultural knowledge, spiritual guidance, and emotional support for Māori children, young people, and their communities.

Learn more about our Seasons for Growth Companion Training and how Te Oati is included in the Seasons for Growth curriculum for children and young people.

Stormbirds Programme (Natural Disaster Support)

What it is
The Stormbirds Program supports children and young people aged 6–14 who have experienced a natural disaster or major community event. It builds resilience and provides tools for coping in times of crisis.

Who it’s for
This program is designed for schools and communities affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or storms, where children may need structured support to recover.

How it helps
Through guided small-group activities, participants learn to:

• feel supported and connected during recovery
• share their experiences safely
• recognise and manage strong emotions
• develop practical coping strategies

How to get involved

Completing this expression of interest enables us to reach out and provide “just in time” training after a local natural disaster so you can step into schools and facilitate this program when it’s needed most.

To be trained in this program you MUST already be a Seasons for Growth Children and Young People Companion.

Parent Programmes

What it is
The Seasons for Growth Parent Programs help parents and caregivers develop skills to support children through change, loss, and grief at home.

Who it’s for
These programs are for parents and carers wanting guidance on how best to support children following separation, divorce, or the death of someone close.

How it helps
Two short program options are available:

• Supporting your child following separation and divorce (2 sessions of 2 hours, or 1 session of 4 hours)
• Supporting your child following the death of someone they love (1 session of 2.5 hours)

Parents gain:

• strategies to support resilience and emotional wellbeing
• knowledge about how children experience grief and change
• communication tools for sensitive conversations

How to join:

We will be in touch with dates and locations convenient for you upon receiving your expression of interest.

If you want to become a Trained Companion in the Parent Program, head to our Training Calendar to check out the upcoming dates, times and locations

Adult Programme and Seminar

What it is
The Seasons for Growth Adult Program supports adults in understanding and responding to change, loss, and grief in their own lives. It offers both a seminar and a small-group program.

Who it’s for
This program is for adults who want to strengthen their emotional wellbeing and resilience while navigating significant life changes such as bereavement, separation, or career or lifestyle transitions.

How it helps
Two learning options are available:

• Understanding Change, Loss and Grief Seminar (3 hours)
• Exploring the Seasons of Grief Program (4 x 2-hour sessions)

Participants gain:

• a supportive space to share experiences
• practical strategies for managing change and grief
• improved resilience and coping skills

How to join:

Register your interest in attending:

We will be in touch with dates and locations convenient for you upon receipt of your expression of interest.

If you want to become a Trained Companion head to our Training Calendar to check out the upcoming dates, times and locations.

More information

If you are interested in any of the Seasons for Growth programs or would like further information, please contact Jess at Catholic Social Services. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the right programme for your child, family, or community.

Email: seasons@cadw.nz
Phone: 021 374 405
Address: Level 1, 132 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Book A Consultation Time with Jess

Seasons for Growth Regions:

We cover the following regions in our support networks:

Comments

“Having other people with the same problem to talk to has really helped”

Participant, 12 yrs

“The Seasons for Growth training has helped me to realise the impact that change and loss can have on kids’ behaviour at school”

Teacher

“It was such a relief to know I wasn’t going mad, I was grieving, and that that is normal.”

Adult Participant

“I love the course! I think it will be excellent to enhance our students’ wellbeing.”

Learning Support Coordinator, training participants)