Grief Explorers Facilitator Program Inclusions
The Grief Explorers Facilitator Program is a comprehensive training package designed to equip facilitators with the tools and resources needed to effectively support children and parents or caregivers through grief. The Grief Explorers Facilitator Program builds on our existing successful model, the Grief and Loss Support Program, for children aged 7–11 years facing significant life changes such as death, illness, or family separation. This program, created by Dr. Ian Mavor (OAM), is grounded in William Worden’s principles of Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy. The curriculum incorporates a variety of creative exercises, including yoga, storytelling, meditation, and art activities.
The included multi-media and hard copy resources are designed to ensure that facilitators are well-prepared and supported in guiding participants through their grief journey with sensitivity and effectiveness.
Program Cost: $1,000
Resources Included:
Refer to the list below for all the resources included with your Program purchase.
Digital/Online Course
Access to a robust digital training course featuring multimedia elements. This online component is designed to provide interactive learning and detailed instruction for both program delivery and facilitator training.
Soft Copy Manuals
A downloadable Facilitator and Volunteer Training Manual. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions, best practices, and additional resources to support facilitators and volunteers in their roles.
Hard Copy Workbooks
Included in your program package are 10 x printed copies of the Grief Explorers workbooks, specially designed for children and their parents or caregivers. These beautifully crafted workbooks are essential to the program, providing structured activities and guidance to support the grief process. Additional workbooks can be ordered here
What else is needed to effectively deliver the Grief Explorers Program?
The Buddy System
Since 1996, Paradise Kids Australia has utilised volunteers as buddies or mentors to build meaningful relationships with the children in the program. These buddies provide each child with one-on-one attention for an hour and a half each week. This individualised support is crucial because parents or caregivers, often preoccupied with their own grieving process or the needs of other children, may not have the time to offer this level of focused attention.
Ways to attract Volunteers for the Buddy System:
- Volunteers are recruited from University Faculties such as Psychology, Counselling, or Social Work.
- In regional schools adverts can be placed in school newsletters, P&C associations and in local newspapers which offer free advertising.
- Volunteer organisations can be approached, such as Volunteering Qld or Volunteering Australia.
- Schools often have guidance officers, counsellors, teachers or chaplains wanting to undergo further training in grief support.
- Retired teachers, police officers, army reservists, public servants, parents, and grandparents bring a wealth of life experience, resilience, and wisdom. By sharing these valuable qualities with our children, they can play a crucial role in helping them grow into healthy, responsible teens and adults.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers of children attending the Grief Explorers Program are encouraged to participate in a concurrent Parent’s Program. This peer-based group provides support and guidance, helping them process their own grief while learning how to support their child during the family’s grief journey. To facilitate this program effectively, an additional facilitator or volunteer is needed.