Seasons for Healing is a culturally appropriate small group education program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who are responding to experiences of change, loss and grief. The program replies to requests from Aboriginal communities for respectful, collaborative support in responding to the impact of intergenerational loss and grief.
Seasons for Healing was developed in partnership with Aboriginal Family Support Services, South Australia in 2012, with funding provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation. Seasons for Healing builds on the long-standing success of the Seasons for Growth program, drawing on the story of the seasons to talk about experiences of change, loss and grief.
Participants explore the impact of change and loss and learn about ways to adapt and respond well to experiences of grief. They are supported through building their communication, decision making and problem-solving skills within the context of a safe and supportive peer group learning environment.
Esteemed Aboriginal artist Bronwyn Bancroft has created a unique and moving series of artworks to illustrate the Seasons for Healing’s messages. Participant journals and posters featuring Bronwyn’s painting are used to support the groups as they move through the program.
We work collaboratively with organisations to train professionals in the Seasons for Healing program and provide ongoing support for the groups within their local communities.
"There were lots of activities to do. The activities helped us to voice it - having it in front of you helped to release it in words."
Our people
Mandy Cox
"It was nothing that I had expected. It was much better. Its positive spin makes you want to participate. I never thought I would be laughing in a grief and loss program. It wasn't what I expected. No one thinks positive when you think of grief and loss."
MacKillop Family Services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Elders in each of the communities where we work.