Friends for Life Program
Goals
The Friends for Life Program aims to:
- Assist children and young people in developing life skills to effectively cope with difficult and/or anxiety provoking situations
- Normalise the emotional state of anxiety
- Build emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities
- Encourage peer learning and build support networks and positive role models
- Promote self confidence
- Empower children, families and teachers
Techniques
The Friends for Life Program teaches the following skills and techniques:
- Learning/Behaviour: problem-solving skills; coping skills; gradual exposure to fear; rewards for brave behaviour; positive role models; peer support; and support networks
- Physiological: awareness of body clues; relaxation techniques; and self-regulation
- Cognitive: positive self-talk; challenging negative self-talk; expecting good things to happen; paying attention to positives; realistic evaluation of performance; and self-reward
Facilitators
Heather Irvine Rundle, Clinical Psychologist
Nada Potter, Psychologist
Rebecca Guest, Psychologist
Age Range
The READ Clinic is coordinating the Friends for Life Program for children (boys and girls), for two age groups:
- Fun Friends Group: 4-7 years
- Friends for Life Group: 7-11 years
Dates/Times
Fun Friends Group: Monday afternoons from 2:00pm-3:30pm for 10 weeks.
Friends for Life Group: Monday afternoons from 4:00pm-5:30pm for 10 weeks.
Cost
$70.00 per lesson, total cost of program is $700.00
A medicare rebate may apply if you obtain a referral for your child to attend the group from your GP (a BAMH).
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place in the group (refundable at the last session), payable by week prior to group commencing.
How to Join
The Friends for Life Program only allows for up to 10 participants in the group.
If you would like to enroll or find out additional information about the groups, cost or dates, please don’t hesitate to contact Jody Underwood on:
Phone: (02) 4324 6633
Email: support@thereadclinic.com